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    Home » Recipes » Cooking Method » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

    Published on: January 21, 2021 - Molly Thompson11 Comments

    Gluten Free RecipesGF
    Low Carb RecipesLC
    Jump to Recipe

    These air fryer stuffed peppers are full of healthy ingredients and take less than half the amount of time than traditionally cooked stuffed peppers. The filling is full of protein, veggies and spices and the charred peppers add so much depth of flavor.

    air fryer stuffed peppers in a white plate topped with cheese and parsley with one cut open to see the rice and beef inside

    Stuffed peppers are a classic dinnertime staple for so many! This recipe cuts down on the time, but none of the delicious flavor or ingredients.

    Ingredients for Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers:

    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Bell peppers (any color!)
    • Ground beef
    • Italian seasoning and salt
    • Canned diced tomatoes
    • Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for sugar free option)
    • Brown or white rice
    • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
    Ingredients for air fryer stuffed peppers arranged on a sheet pan before cooking

    Are stuffed peppers healthy?

    Stuffed peppers are packed full of protein and veggies. This recipe is completely gluten free and can easily be made dairy free by omitting the cheese or swapping in a vegan cheese. I'm even sharing a low carb option below!

    We're rounding out the end of January as I write this and I know so many now (and anytime of year) are looking for healthy meals. We love to add beef to our dinner routine because a 3-ounce serving provides half of your daily recommended value of protein!

    Plus, research has shown exercise is more effective for weight management when paired with high protein foods, like beef.

    Did you know? Although many believe that industrial farming has taken the place of family farms and ranches, 97 percent of beef farms are family-owned and operated. 

    air fryer stuffed peppers in the basket with charred edges right before being topped with cheese

    How to make stuffed peppers in the air fryer:

    1. Cut and air fry the peppers: Preheat the air fryer then cut the tops off of the peppers. Air fry just the peppers at 400°F for 6 minutes.
    2. Make the filling: Cook the onion and diced peppers in a saute pan then add the garlic and cook another minute. Add the ground beef and brown until no pink remains and beef reaches 160°F with an meat thermometer (use this guide to learn more about determining beef doneness).
    3. Cook the rice: Add the seasoning, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, rice and water. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
    4. Stuff the peppers: Evenly scoop the mixture into the halfway cooked bell peppers all the way to the top.
    5. Air fry: Close the basket and air fry the stuffed peppers at 400°F for 4 minutes then open the basket, add the cheddar cheese and continue cooking for 4 more minutes.
    6. Serve: Top with fresh parsley and eat hot!
    a collage of pictures showing you how to make air fryer stuffed peppers in 6 easy steps including making the filling, frying the peppers and adding the cheese

    Common Questions About Stuffed Peppers:

    Should you cook meat before stuffed peppers? Yes! You want to cook the ground beef to a safe and savory 160°F with the rest of the filling before stuffing.

    How to soften the peppers before stuffing them: While the filling is cooking air fry the peppers by themselves for 6 minutes to soften them.

    How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting soggy? Make sure your filling doesn't include too much water. I love cooking the rice right in the pan because it saves on dishes and the uncooked rice soaks up any extra liquid.

    What makes this easier than traditional stuffed peppers? LESS TIME (couldn't we all use that?!). Traditional stuffed peppers bake for about 45 minutes where these air fryer stuffed peppers only need 10 at the end. This recipe from start to finish takes 30 minutes.

    What do you eat with stuffed peppers? Eat this recipe on it's own or serve it with a salad or more veggies like roasted brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, diced potatoes or whatever you have on hand.

    close up shot of air fryer stuffed peppers topped with cheese and parsley

    This recipe is sponsored by The Ohio Beef Council. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to brands like them who believe in me and my recipes so I can keep sharing free content with you!

    If you love this recipe, don't forget to leave a comment and star review. You can tag me on Instagram so I can see it and feature you!

    More recipes you'll love with ground beef:

    • Mexican Beef and Rice [One Pot Meal]
    • Slow Cooker Healthy Sloppy Joes (Paleo)
    • Instant Pot Spaghetti [Gluten Free]
    • Slow Cooker Beanless Chili
    overhead shot of air fryer stuffed peppers topped with melted cheddar cheese and chopped parsley

    Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

    These air fryer stuffed peppers are full of healthy ingredients and take less than half the amount of time than traditionally cooked stuffed peppers. The filling is full of protein, veggies and spices and the charred peppers add so much depth of flavor.
    4.5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 403kcal
    Author: Molly Thompson
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    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small yellow onion diced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 6 bell peppers (any color)
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (not drained)
    • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese (optional)

    Recommended Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer is smaller pre-heat for 3 minutes and if it’s larger pre-heat for 5 minutes.
    • While it’s heating, cut the tops off the peppers and scoop out any seeds. Dice the tops of the peppers and set aside to use in the mixture. When the air fryer is preheated, place the peppers in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
    • While the peppers are cooking, make the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large and deep skillet over medium high heat. Once the olive oil is hot, add the onion and leftover diced peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and brown until no pink remains (it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F).
    • Add the Italian seasoning, salt, diced tomatoes and coconut aminos (or worcestershire sauce) and stir to combine. Add the uncooked rice and water and stir. Turn the heat to medium low, cover the pot with the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the rice is tender.
    • When the beef and rice mixture is done scoop it evenly into each of the partially cooked peppers and place the peppers back in the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes then open the drawer, top with shredded cheese and cook for another 4 minutes until melted and bubbly. If you aren’t using cheese just air fry for 8 minutes.

    Notes

    Low carb option: use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Don't add the water or steam just add the cauliflower rice and stir until cooked through.
    Net carbs in low carb option: 11.5

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pepper | Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.1g | Protein: 26.1g | Fat: 15.7g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 734mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 8.4g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amelie says

      May 16, 2021 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time making stuffed peppers, LOVED it! Quick, easy, and the family devoured it 😋 Thank you, Molly!

      Reply
      • Molly Thompson says

        June 02, 2021 at 4:33 pm

        Love that, Amelie!!! You're welcome:)

        Reply
    2. Andrea Entz says

      June 04, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      My rice did not cook with this method at all! Simmered for 30 minutes and still hard. Am I missing something?

      Reply
      • Nashagdra Frazier says

        July 28, 2021 at 10:39 pm

        Mine didn’t either!

        Reply
    3. Laura says

      October 15, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      I had excess bell peppers recently so I food prepped this recipe with the four peppers I had then ate the rest of the filling in a bowl format and it was super tasty. Excited to thaw the stuffed peppers for an easy dinner in the future.

      Reply
      • Molly Thompson says

        October 19, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Great idea, Laura!

        Reply
    4. Lori M says

      January 06, 2022 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      Delicious. I did add a third of a jalapeño chopped up and used basmati rice. Will definitely make again. Thank you

      Reply
      • Molly Thompson says

        January 12, 2022 at 11:20 am

        Thanks, Lori!! We're having these tonight!!

        Reply
    5. Angelina says

      April 17, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      1 star
      Followed the instruction and my rice didn’t cook fully. Came here for answers but it looks like you only respond to positive one.

      Reply
      • Molly Thompson says

        April 19, 2022 at 2:36 pm

        Hey Angelina! Bummer you're rice didn't cook fully. You may have needed to let it simmer a little longer, until it's tender. What kind of rice did you use? Sometimes this can change the cook time. I respond to all comments, not just positive ones. This post only has positive ones, which is what you're seeing my responses to. Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Kristie says

      May 08, 2022 at 5:28 pm

      Can the filling be frozen after it is cooked?

      Reply

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