How to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
Colorful bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, then cooked until perfectly tender in the air fryer. This complete meal is faster than the oven method and delivers beautifully roasted peppers with a gooey cheesy top.
Why this recipe works
This Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 460 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 whole bell peppers tops cut off and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef 80 percent lean
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice filling generously into each prepared bell pepper, packing it in firmly and mounding it slightly at the top. Leave just a small amount of room at the top for the cheese topping.
Step 3: Air Fry the Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. If they do not stand on their own, use a small piece of crumpled foil to prop them up. Air fry at 360 degrees F for 15 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Open the air fryer and top each pepper with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue air frying for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and beginning to bubble and brown.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a leaner lower fat filling
- white rice → cauliflower rice for a low carb version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of pre-cooking the filling which can leave the meat undercooked inside the pepper
- Choosing peppers that are too tall for the air fryer basket causing them to touch the heating element
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 460 calories, 28g protein, 32g carbs, 22g fat, 4g fiber.
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