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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Delicious and easy air fryer stuffed peppers filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and spices. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Reviewed by Savory Trail Test Kitchen · Published August 8, 2026 · Updated August 17, 2026

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Air Fryer
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Savory Trail Kitchen (AI draft) · All rights reserved

Stuffed peppers cook beautifully in the air fryer, giving you tender peppers with a slightly crisp exterior. For best results, preheat your air fryer and use peppers that are similar in size for even cooking.

About this dish

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a weeknight-friendly take on a classic comfort food: sweet bell peppers packed with a savory filling of cooked ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The cheese goes on near the end so it melts over the top without overcooking the filling.

The air fryer is a great fit here because it softens the peppers quickly while still giving them a little structure and light caramelized edges. Expect tender peppers, a hot and hearty center, and a bubbly cheesy finish with minimal fuss.

Because the beef is already cooked and drained before stuffing, the main job of the air fryer is warming everything through and melting the cheese. If your peppers are similar in size and stand upright well, they’ll cook evenly and hold the filling neatly.

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces bell peppers (medium-sized, tops cut off and seeded)
  • 1 cup ground beef (cooked and drained)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice)
  • 0.5 cup onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce (use your favorite brand)
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning (dried)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, ground beef, diced onions, garlic, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place them upright in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook for 15 minutes, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
  6. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

Please verify the air fryer temperature and cooking times as they can vary depending on the model and size of peppers used.

Variations & substitutions

  • Swap the ground beef for cooked ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter filling.
  • Use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice in place of the rice for a different texture.
  • Replace the cheddar or mozzarella with pepper jack for a little extra heat.
  • Stir in chopped mushrooms, corn, or zucchini with the filling for more vegetables.
  • Finish with a spoonful of marinara instead of plain tomato sauce for a more Italian-style flavor.

What to serve with

  • A simple green salad balances the rich, savory filling.
  • Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are great for scooping up any extra sauce.
  • Roasted broccoli or green beans make an easy vegetable side.
  • A light soup, like tomato or vegetable, turns it into a fuller dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make air fryer stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a few hours ahead, then refrigerate them until cooking. If they go into the air fryer cold, they may need a little extra time to heat through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep them whole if possible so the filling stays intact.

What is the best way to reheat stuffed peppers in the air fryer?

Reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature until warmed through, covering loosely with foil if the cheese starts to brown too quickly. Add a few minutes if they were refrigerated.

Can I use raw ground beef instead of cooked beef?

Not with this recipe as written. The steps call for cooked and drained ground beef, so using raw beef would change the cooking time and method.

How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape, and the cheese should be melted on top. If they are still firm after the first cook time, give them a few more minutes before adding or after adding the cheese.

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