Go Back
Delicious air fryer stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, cooked in an air fryer for a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 medium onion, diced For sweetness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper For heat.
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro For flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can use other cheeses for variations.

For the Peppers

  • 6 bell peppers (any color) Tops cut off, seeds, and membranes removed.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain any excess grease.

Mixing the Filling

  • Stir in salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried cilantro until well combined.
  • Add Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, beef broth, and uncooked rice to the skillet, mix thoroughly, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese and let it melt.

Stuffing the Peppers

  • Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and membranes.
  • Stuff each pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture.

Cooking

  • Place stuffed peppers upright in an air fryer basket with space between them for even cooking.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
  • For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more cheese on top and air fry for an additional minute until bubbly and golden.

Serving

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with sour cream or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Leftover stuffed peppers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Freeze un-cooked peppers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Keyword Air Fryer Recipe, Beef and Rice, Comfort Food, Stuffed Peppers