Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Introduction
These air fryer stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy twist. Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, then topped with melted mozzarella, they make a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¾ cups cooked rice
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 4 whole bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease, then stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Step 2: Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and cook for 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Step 3: Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. Fill each pepper with the ground beef mixture.
- Step 4: Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Step 5: Cook the peppers in the air fryer at 360°F for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the peppers carefully. Top each with mozzarella cheese and optional chopped parsley, then return to the air fryer for another 3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Step 7: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly.
- Step 8: Plate and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add chopped onions or bell pepper to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a richer topping.
- If you want spicier peppers, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. The air fryer will help maintain the texture better, especially the melted cheese topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the peppers ahead and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add the cheese topping and air fry right before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then add the cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
PrintAir Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. Using the air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked filling and tender peppers in a fraction of the time, making this a quick yet flavorful dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed peppers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¾ cups cooked rice
- 15 oz. diced tomatoes
- 6 oz. tomato paste
Peppers and Topping
- 4 whole bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to evenly season the meat.
- Prepare the filling: Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything thoroughly and cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prep the peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow vessels for stuffing.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing the filling slightly to maximize amount.
- Air fry the stuffed peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches. Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes to soften the peppers and heat the filling through.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: Remove the peppers from the air fryer, top each pepper with mozzarella cheese and optional chopped parsley. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer, plate them, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any color of bell pepper according to your preference or availability.
- If you don’t have cooked rice on hand, cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like onions or mushrooms if desired.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the bell peppers and your air fryer model.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer or microwave.
Keywords: air fryer stuffed peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, easy air fryer recipes, quick dinner recipes
