Go Back
Air fryer easy stuffed bell peppers with tender roasted red bell peppers, savory filling, melted cheese, and fresh green onions, served as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers - Weeknight-Friendly Comfort Food

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Bell peppers (4 large): Any color works. Red and yellow are sweeter; green is more savory.
  • Ground meat (1 pound): Beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
  • Cooked rice (1 to 1 1/2 cups): White, brown, or leftover rice. Quinoa works too.
  • Onion (1 small), finely chopped
  • Garlic (2–3 cloves), minced
  • Tomato sauce (1 cup): Or crushed tomatoes or marinara.
  • Cheese (1 to 1 1/2 cups), shredded: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
  • Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Optional, for depth.
  • Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
  • Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Optional, adds warmth.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional): For garnish.

Instructions

  • Prep the peppers: Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes, and trim the bottoms if needed so they stand upright. Brush the outsides lightly with olive oil.
  • Pre-cook the peppers: Air fry the empty peppers at 360°F (182°C) for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Set aside. This step keeps them from staying too firm later.
  • Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Cook the meat: Add ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Build the filling: Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire (if using), Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer 2–3 minutes to marry flavors. Fold in cooked rice and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper, gently pressing to pack it in. Mound slightly over the top.
  • Air fry to finish: Arrange stuffed peppers in the basket so they don’t touch. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes until hot in the center.
  • Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops. Air fry 2–3 more minutes until melted and bubbly with a few golden spots.
  • Garnish and serve: Let rest 3–5 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve as-is or with a side salad or garlic bread.