Dinner

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

ByCleo Brixton February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with less fuss. Tender bell peppers filled with savory ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce make a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

A white plate holds a single stuffed green bell pepper cut in half. The pepper is filled with a mixture that has a browned, slightly crispy top layer under a thick layer of melted white cheese. The pepper's green skin is visible around the edges, showing some roasted spots. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin nearby and a silver fork resting beside it. A blurred lime is partly visible in the upper left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tsp. olive oil
½ cup diced onion
½ lb. ground beef
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. garlic powder
1 cup (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 cup cooked rice
3 bell peppers, halved
¾ cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce until everything is well combined, then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Place the bell pepper halves cut side up in the air fryer tray. Fill each half with the beef and rice mixture.
Step 6: Slide the tray into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 360ºF and cook for 17 minutes.
Step 7: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the tray and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the stuffed peppers. Return the tray to the air fryer and finish cooking.
Step 8: When the timer ends, carefully remove the peppers and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.
Try adding chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies.
Use different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
To keep the peppers standing, trim the bottoms slightly without cutting through the filling.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a stuffed and baked green bell pepper placed on a small white plate. The pepper is cut in half with the top part open, revealing a stuffing made of a reddish-brown mixture, likely tomato-based, and topped with a melted layer of white cheese that is slightly browned in some spots. The pepper’s texture looks soft and cooked, and the cheese on top is gooey and stretchy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a silver fork and knife, with a white cloth napkin underneath them. A green whole bell pepper is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?

It’s best to use cooked rice in this recipe, as raw rice won’t have enough time to cook fully in the air fryer.

What size air fryer do I need for this recipe?

A standard 4 to 6-quart air fryer works well for three stuffed pepper halves. Adjust quantities if using a smaller or larger air fryer.