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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

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Flavor-packed air fryer stuffed peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, warm spices, and topped with melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and wholesome dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 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, slightly drained
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim a thin slice off the bottoms if needed so they sit flat.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
  4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Spoon the filling evenly into each bell pepper, gently pressing to pack.
  7. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  8. Air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 12–15 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
  9. 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. Remove carefully, cool slightly, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, replace beef with 1 cup cooked rice and an extra 1/2 cup black beans.
  • Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • For a low-carb option, substitute black beans with finely chopped cauliflower.
  • Use Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar instead of Mexican blend if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze cooled peppers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 4–6 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/air-fryer-stuffed-peppers/