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Learn how to make stuffed peppers in the air fryer for a quick and healthy dinner everyone will love. My stuffed bell pepper recipe can also be baked in the oven if you prefer. Filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, cheese, and a savory tomato-based sauce, these naturally gluten free peppers include tips for easy keto or vegetarian variations.
I love to air fry stuffed peppers for a portion-controlled meal with a great balance of protein and vegetables. You can season them however you like. In this version, I’m making a taco-stuffed pepper, but you could also try pizza, buffalo chicken, or any other flavors you’re craving.
🫑 Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make the best air fryer stuffed peppers:
- 3 large bell peppers
- ½ lb lean ground beef (227g)
- ½ medium onion, chopped (3¼ ounces or 92g)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- ¾ cup salsa
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided (about ½ cup; 57g)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Get a printable recipe card at the end of the article!
The bell peppers should be able to stand on their own. Trim a little off the bottom of each pepper if it won’t stand on its own. (Be sure not to create a hole in the bottom of the peppers or the filling will leak out.)
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your tastes. Sometimes I make pizza-style stuffed peppers using mozzarella cheese, crumbled Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce instead of salsa.
I used 93/7 lean ground beef here, but you can also make stuffed peppers with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or plant-based ground “beef” crumbles.
If you want to skip the rice, try using quinoa or another whole grain. Quinoa cooks much faster than brown rice, so it can save time. To make the recipe keto-friendly, experiment with substituting well-drained cauliflower rice for the regular rice.
Keep in mind that all air fryers cook a little differently. When making a new recipe, check the food early and often the first time so you can adjust the cooking time if needed.
😋 How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Set a large pot of water on the stovetop to boil while you prep the peppers. Slice off the tops, remove the seeds, and set the peppers aside.
In a bowl, mix the onions, garlic, and olive oil. Spread them on one side of the air fryer basket and cook at 375F (190C) for 8 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, add the crumbled raw ground beef to the other side of the basket. If you have an air fryer oven, use the top rack position.
Cook until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned, then set aside.
Once the water comes to a boil, submerge the peppers for 3 minutes. Remove them with tongs, drain any water inside, and stand them upright.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT the peppers, half of the cheese, and the cilantro. Stuff the peppers firmly with the mixture, using all of the filling.
Air fry the stuffed peppers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177C) for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and air fry 2–3 minutes more until melted. Top with chopped cilantro if desired. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Yummy!
Oven Directions
Preheat the oven to 350F (177C). Cook the onions, garlic, and ground beef together in a skillet on the stovetop. Parboil and stuff the peppers as described above, then place them upright in a baking dish. Bake on a rack one-third down from the top of the oven for 25 minutes.
Top with the remaining cheese and bake 5 minutes more until melted. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy.
Should peppers be blanched before stuffing?
Yes, it’s best to pre-cook the peppers. If you skip this step, they may be too firm after air frying. Technically, this step is called parboiling rather than blanching, since the peppers are not plunged into cold water after boiling.
🌡️ Can stuffed bell peppers be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers by letting them cool completely, wrapping each one in plastic wrap, and storing them in a freezer bag. However, freezing often makes the peppers soggy, so it’s not the best option.
If you do freeze them, avoid reheating from frozen. While microwaving a frozen stuffed pepper on high for 6–7 minutes can work in a pinch, it usually turns out watery. Instead, thaw the pepper fully in the fridge first, then microwave on high for 2–3 minutes.
The best way to store leftover stuffed peppers is to refrigerate them for 2–4 days. To reheat, unwrap and microwave on high for about 2 minutes.
Can You Reheat Stuffed Peppers in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat stuffed peppers in an air fryer preheated to 350F (177C) for 4–6 minutes. That said, the microwave is usually faster and does a better job.
Frozen stuffed peppers don’t reheat well in the air fryer. Even after 10 minutes at 350F (177C), the center can remain frozen.
Watch How to Make It!
Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air Fryer or Oven Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers
- ½ lb lean ground beef (227g)
- ½ medium onion, chopped (3¼ ounces or 92g)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- ¾ cup salsa
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese divided (about ½ cup; 57g)
- fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water on the stovetop to boil while you prep the peppers. Slice off the tops, remove the seeds, and set the peppers aside.
- In a bowl, mix the onions, garlic, and olive oil. Spread them on one side of the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. After the first 3 minutes, add the crumbled raw ground beef to the other side of the basket. If you have an air fryer oven, use the top rack position. Cook until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned, then set aside.
- Once the water comes to a boil, submerge the peppers for 3 minutes. Remove them with tongs, drain any water inside, and stand them upright.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT the peppers, half of the cheese, and the cilantro. Stuff the peppers firmly with the mixture, using all of the filling.
- Air fry the stuffed peppers at 350℉ (177°C) for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and air fry 2–3 minutes more until melted. Top with chopped cilantro if desired. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Oven Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Cook the onions, garlic, and ground beef together in a skillet on the stovetop. Parboil and stuff the peppers as described above, then place them upright in a baking dish. Bake on a rack one-third down from the top of the oven for 25 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese and bake 5 minutes more until melted. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Stuffed peppers can be a nourishing option for healthy weight management. They’re naturally portion-controlled and tend to be rich in protein and non-starchy vegetables, which can help you feel satisfied. With tomatoes and peppers counted as fruits, this recipe offers a well-rounded entrée that touches on all the food groups. If you need a bit more energy, you can simply enjoy an extra pepper. To make lower calorie stuffed peppers, try using extra lean ground beef (96/4) and low-fat cheese. You could also try swapping some or all of the rice for cauliflower rice. Keep in mind that these changes may slightly lower the calorie content as well as some of the vitamins and minerals. Nutrition information is for one serving of the recipe.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🥗 Side Dishes for Stuffed Peppers
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Costco Stuffed Peppers (Air Fryer Directions)
- Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
You may also enjoy this Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers recipe from the Country Cook.
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
What do you like to add to stuffed peppers?