Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Stuffed peppers are a comforting and satisfying meal that can be ready in no time using an air fryer. This recipe combines savory ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and tender bell peppers, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 cup (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 3 bell peppers, halved
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned, about 8–10 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce until well combined, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Place the bell pepper halves cut-side up in the bottom of the air fryer tray and fill each with the beef and rice mixture.
- Step 6: Slide the tray into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 360ºF and cook for 17 minutes.
- Step 7: After 15 minutes, carefully pull out the tray and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the peppers. Return the tray to the air fryer and finish cooking.
- Step 8: When the cycle ends, carefully remove the stuffed peppers and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the filling for extra freshness.
- Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer softer peppers, cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes longer before stuffing.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through to retain their texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any bell pepper color or even larger sweet peppers. Just adjust cooking time if peppers are larger to ensure they cook through.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to stuff and cook the peppers.
PrintAir Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
This Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers recipe features bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Quick to prepare and cooked perfectly in an air fryer, this dish offers a delicious, healthy, and convenient meal option perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed pepper halves 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
Stuffed Peppers
- 3 bell peppers, halved
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce until the mixture is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stuff the Peppers: Place the halved bell peppers open side up into the bottom of the air fryer tray. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each pepper half.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Insert the tray into the air fryer and set the temperature to 360ºF. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: After 15 minutes, carefully slide out the tray and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers. Return the tray to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers carefully from the air fryer and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy air-fried stuffed peppers!
Notes
- You can use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a healthier twist.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding herbs like oregano or basil for more flavor.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for variation.
- Make sure the peppers fit comfortably in your air fryer basket; slice the bottoms if necessary for stability.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: air fryer stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, easy air fryer recipes, quick dinner recipes
