These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a quick and flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Filled with seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, warm spices, and topped with melty cheese, they cook to perfection in just 30 minutes. This easy air fryer dinner delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices
• Customizable with different meats or vegetarian options
• No need to pre-cook the peppers
• Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Naturally gluten-free

These stuffed peppers are hearty, satisfying, and filled with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that make dinner exciting without adding extra work.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large bell peppers, any color
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained slightly
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) for at least 3–5 minutes.
2. Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim a thin slice off the bottoms so they sit flat, being careful not to cut through.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Stir in the black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
6. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper, pressing gently to pack the filling.
7. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for proper air circulation.
8. Air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
9. Open the air fryer and top each pepper with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
10. Cook for an additional 4–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
11. Carefully remove the peppers and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 (1 stuffed pepper per serving)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
Calories: 449
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 8g

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup cooked rice and an additional 1/2 cup black beans. You can also add 1/2 cup corn for extra texture and flavor.

Spicy version: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

Low-carb option: Substitute black beans with finely chopped cauliflower and reduce tomatoes slightly to limit moisture.

Different cheeses: Try Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Turkey or chicken swap: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you prefer a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Allow peppers to cool completely. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating in the microwave:
Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Reheating in the air fryer:
Place peppers in the air fryer at 325°F and heat for 4–6 minutes until hot.

FAQs

Can I use different colored bell peppers?

Yes. Red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers all work well. Mixing colors makes the dish more visually appealing.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before stuffing them?

No. The air fryer softens the peppers perfectly during cooking without needing to pre-bake them.

How do I prevent soggy stuffed peppers?

Drain excess grease from the meat and avoid adding too much liquid from the tomatoes. Also, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and air fry when ready.

What if my peppers won’t stand upright?

Trim a very thin slice off the bottom to create a flat surface, making sure not to cut through the pepper wall.

Can I add rice to the filling?

Absolutely. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked rice to make the filling even heartier.

How do I know when they’re done?

The peppers should be fork-tender, the filling hot throughout, and the cheese fully melted and slightly golden.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Proper airflow ensures even cooking.

Are these stuffed peppers gluten-free?

Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels if using packaged products.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but sauté them slightly longer to reduce excess moisture and concentrate their flavor before mixing into the filling.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are the perfect balance of convenience and bold flavor. With seasoned beef, hearty beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and melty cheese tucked inside tender bell peppers, this dish delivers a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with your favorite variations, this easy air fryer recipe is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

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