Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers (Fast + Healthy)

Chef Emma here, and this recipe was born on one of those evenings when I was craving stuffed peppers but absolutely did not have the time or energy for all that scooping, stuffing, and hour-long baking. I stared at my bell peppers and ground beef, then glanced at my air fryer sitting on the counter, and thought, “What if I just…skipped all the stuffing and made this like a deconstructed skillet instead?” That simple idea changed everything.

I chopped the peppers, browned the beef, mixed in some rice and seasonings, loaded everything into my air fryer basket, and let it work its magic. Twenty minutes later, I had the most amazing “unstuffed” peppers—all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without any of the fuss. The peppers were tender-crisp with slightly charred edges, the beef was perfectly seasoned, and everything had that roasted, concentrated flavor that only the air fryer can achieve. My family devoured it, and my husband asked, “Why have we been stuffing peppers all these years?”

These air fryer unstuffed peppers have become our ultimate weeknight shortcut meal. They capture every bit of that comforting stuffed pepper flavor—sweet bell peppers, savory seasoned beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese—but come together in a fraction of the time with minimal effort. Whether you’re a fan of air fryer recipes, need quick recipes with ground beef, or searching for healthy dinner recipes that actually taste amazing, this fast and easy version delivers all the flavor without the hassle.

Summary

Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers feature chopped bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and tomato sauce all mixed together and cooked in the air fryer until the peppers are tender and everything is caramelized and delicious. This easy dinner recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the air fryer.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this dish serves 4-6 people and is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and customizable with your favorite vegetables. Each serving delivers approximately 25 grams of protein while staying under 350 calories.

Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers

All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss! Ground beef, chopped bell peppers, rice, and cheese cooked together in the air fryer. Ready in 30 minutes!

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Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Unstuffed Peppers:
• – 1½ pounds ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
• – 3 large bell peppers any color chopped into 1-inch pieces
• – 1 medium yellow onion diced
• – 3 cloves garlic minced
• – 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• – 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• – 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
• – 2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
• – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• – 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• – ½ teaspoon black pepper
• – ½ teaspoon onion powder
• – ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• – Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
• For Topping:
• – 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• – Fresh parsley or basil optional
• Optional Add-Ins:
• – 1 cup corn kernels
• – 1 can 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
• – ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms

Equipment

• Air fryer (5-6 quart)
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• – Air fryer-safe pan or basket liner (optional)

Method

 

1. Cook rice according to package directions if not already prepared. Chop bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Dice onion and mince garlic.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking up as it cooks. Brown 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
3. Push beef to sides. Add diced onion to center and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir together.
4. Transfer beef mixture to large bowl. Add chopped peppers, cooked rice, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste if using. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
5. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 3-5 minutes.
6. Transfer pepper mixture to air fryer basket, spreading in even layer. Don’t pack too tightly.
7. Cook at 370°F for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until peppers are tender-crisp and slightly charred at edges.
8. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top. Return to air fryer and cook 2-3 minutes more at 370°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

– Use pre-cooked or leftover rice for speed
– Cut peppers to similar sizes for even cooking
– Stir halfway to ensure even browning
– Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent sogginess
– Work in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd basket
– Use cauliflower rice for low-carb version
– Ground turkey or chicken works great too
– Store up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months
– Stovetop option: simmer in covered skillet 15-20 minutes

Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Air fryer – 5-6 quart basket or oven style works great
• Large skillet – For browning the ground beef
• Large mixing bowl – For combining all ingredients
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping peppers and onions
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate amounts
• Air fryer-safe pan or basket liner – Optional, for easier cleanup

Ingredients

For the Unstuffed Peppers:

• 1½ pounds ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 3 large bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, green, or mix), chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (from about ¾ cup uncooked)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms

Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Cook your rice according to package directions if you haven’t already (this can be done ahead of time or use leftover rice). Chop the bell peppers into roughly 1-inch pieces—don’t worry about being too precise! Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Brown for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and starting to develop some crispy edges. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Push the beef to the sides of the skillet and add the diced onion to the center. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Combine the Mixture

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped bell peppers, cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (drained), and tomato paste if using. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings—add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer basket is smaller, you may need to cook in two batches, or use an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits inside.

Step 6: Load the Air Fryer

Transfer the unstuffed pepper mixture to your air fryer basket, spreading it out in an even layer. If using a pan, make sure it’s oven-safe and fits comfortably in your air fryer with room for air circulation. Don’t pack it too tightly—you want air to circulate for even cooking.

Step 7: Air Fry

Cook at 370°F for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the peppers are tender-crisp and starting to char slightly at the edges. The mixture should be hot throughout and the flavors nicely melded together.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pepper mixture. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 370°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove from the air fryer (the basket will be hot!). Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot as is, or over additional rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread on the side!

Tips and Variations

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips:

• Use pre-cooked rice: Leftover rice or microwaveable rice packets make this even faster
• Uniform pepper pieces: Cut peppers to similar sizes for even cooking
• Don’t skip stirring: Stirring halfway ensures even browning and prevents burning
• Adjust cooking time: Some air fryers run hotter—check at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking
• Drain tomatoes: Too much liquid makes the mixture soggy—drain diced tomatoes well
• Season generously: Ground beef and rice need good seasoning to shine
• Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the basket or peppers won’t get those crispy edges

Delicious Variations:

• Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning, add black beans and corn, top with pepper jack cheese
• Italian Version: Add Italian sausage with the beef, use marinara sauce, top with Parmesan
• Greek-Inspired: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, olives, and oregano
• Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for keto-friendly version
• Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner option
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or extra beans instead of beef
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes
• Spicy: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mixture
• Cheese Varieties: Try cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or a Mexican blend

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as is in bowls
• Top with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or guacamole
• Add a simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Pair with tortilla chips for scooping
• Add over additional rice or quinoa for heartier meal
• Top with sliced avocado and cilantro

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (best without cheese topping)
• Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals
• Meal Prep: This reheats beautifully and makes excellent lunch prep for the week
• Add cheese fresh: When meal prepping, add cheese fresh each time for best texture

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates based on standard ingredients. Values will vary based on specific brands, ground beef fat content, and optional ingredients.

Nutritional Highlights

These Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers pack an impressive 25 grams of protein per serving, making them a satisfying and filling meal that keeps hunger at bay for hours. The ground beef provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, plus important nutrients like iron for healthy blood cells, zinc for immune function, and B vitamins (especially B12) that support energy production and nervous system health.

The bell peppers are nutritional superstars, loaded with vitamin C—one serving provides over 140% of your daily needs! Vitamin C supports immune health, collagen production for healthy skin, and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Peppers also provide vitamin A (especially red peppers) for eye health and vision, plus fiber for digestive health and stable blood sugar.

The rice contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the tomato sauce adds lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. The cheese provides calcium for strong bones and teeth, plus additional protein. Overall, this dish offers balanced nutrition with substantial protein, moderate carbs, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Dietitian Tips

• Increase vegetables: Double the bell peppers or add extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms for more fiber
• Choose lean beef: Use 93/7 ground beef to reduce saturated fat by about 6 grams per serving
• Boost fiber: Use brown rice instead of white rice for an extra 2 grams fiber per serving
• Reduce sodium: Use no-salt-added tomato products and reduce added salt
• Add beans: Stir in black beans or kidney beans for plant-based protein and extra fiber
• Portion awareness: This is quite filling—one serving is typically satisfying for most adults
• Balance your plate: Serve with a large side salad for additional vegetables and nutrients

FAQs

Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?
No, raw rice won’t cook properly in the air fryer in this short cooking time. You must use pre-cooked rice. Leftover rice or quick-cook rice packets work great for convenience.

Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?
No! The beauty of this recipe is that the chopped peppers cook perfectly in the air fryer alongside everything else. They’ll be tender-crisp with some nice charred edges after 15-18 minutes.

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely! This works great as a stovetop skillet dish. After combining all ingredients in step 4, return everything to the skillet, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender, stirring occasionally. Add cheese at the end and cover until melted.

What if my air fryer is too small?
Cook in two batches, or use an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer. You can also reduce the recipe by half to make a smaller portion.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully. Since they’re leaner, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness. The cooking time remains the same.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the cooked mixture (without cheese topping) in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat in the air fryer, and add fresh cheese on top before serving.

How do I make this low-carb or keto?
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice (about 3 cups) for a low-carb version. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This brings carbs down to about 12g per serving.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers are a total game-changer for busy weeknights—all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers without any of the tedious prep work. It’s the kind of easy dinner recipe that makes you wonder why you ever spent time hollowing out peppers and balancing them in pans. The air fryer creates those beautiful caramelized edges and tender-crisp peppers in half the time, and cleanup is a breeze.

Whether you’re a fan of air fryer recipes that save time and energy, love quick recipes with ground beef that the whole family will eat, or searching for healthy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this unstuffed version checks every box. My family requests this weekly, and I’m always happy to make it because it comes together so quickly and uses ingredients we always have on hand.

So skip the stuffing, grab your air fryer, and get ready for a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really you just spent 30 minutes making magic. Here’s to fast, healthy meals that everyone loves!

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