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AIR FRYER STUFFED PEPPERS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe Easy and Delicious

These easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers make a quick and delicious weeknight meal packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and veggies. The air fryer perfectly cooks the peppers until tender with a slight char, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or reheating in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 403
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

  1. Start by warming your air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting time based on its size.
  2. Meanwhile, slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds, and chop the tops to save for later.
  3. Put the peppers inside the air fryer basket and let them cook for 6 minutes to soften slightly.
  4. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the diced onion and chopped pepper tops for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until you smell its aroma.
  6. Introduce the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring, until fully browned with no pink remaining, reaching 160°F internally.
  7. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, diced tomatoes with juices, and coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.
  8. Add uncooked rice and water, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
  9. Fill each partially cooked pepper evenly with the beef and rice mixture, then return to the air fryer.
  10. Cook the stuffed peppers at 400°F for 4 minutes, then carefully open the air fryer and sprinkle cheese on top if using.
  11. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles; if skipping cheese, air fry them for an 8-minute stretch.
  12. Once done, let the peppers cool slightly before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, substitute rice with cauliflower rice by adding frozen cauliflower rice to the beef mixture and heating until warm. Omit cheese for a dairy-free version. This dish is naturally gluten-free. To boost fiber, use brown rice and stir in drained black beans after cooking the rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.