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Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Pre-heat 5 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium bell peppers any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef turkey, or chicken
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano + 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup riced cauliflower fresh or frozen, thawed, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach fresh or frozen, squeezed dry
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the peppers: Slice about 1/2 inch off the tops, remove seeds and membranes, and trim the bottoms if needed so they stand upright. Lightly brush the outsides with olive oil.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot.
  • Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Cook onion for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Brown the meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink.
  • Add veggies and sauce: Stir in marinara, riced cauliflower, and spinach. Cook 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  • Add cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan until combined.
  • Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it down slightly. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella.
  • Air fry: Arrange peppers upright in the basket (use a small piece of foil ring under a pepper if it wobbles). Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 10–14 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and browned in spots.
  • Finish and serve: Let rest 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot.