Name: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium bell peppers, any colour; 1 can (425 g) lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional); 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup corn kernels; 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup zucchini, diced; 1/2 cup cheese, plus extra for topping; 1 handful spinach, chopped

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These stuffed peppers are easy to make and cook faster in the air fryer than in the oven.

They are packed with vegetables, lentils, rice, and cheese for a filling and balanced meal.

The recipe is customizable, so you can easily switch up the vegetables, grains, or seasonings.

The peppers become tender while the cheese turns perfectly golden and melty.

They work well as a vegetarian main dish or a flavorful side.

Ingredients

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

4 medium bell peppers, any color
1 can (425g) lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes, to taste, optional
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen
1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup zucchini, diced
1/2 cup cheese, plus more for topping
1 handful spinach, chopped

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

Rinse the bell peppers and carefully slice off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes, then set the peppers aside.

In a medium skillet, combine the lentils, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, corn, chopped tomatoes, and diced zucchini. Cook covered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the zucchini is tender.

Add the cheese and chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.

Place the peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Fill each pepper generously with the lentil mixture and sprinkle extra cheese on top.

Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is browned.

Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or a fresh side salad if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use black beans or ground turkey instead of lentils for a different protein option.

Swap white rice for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

Add mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Use mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or feta cheese depending on your preference.

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese or leave the cheese out completely.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Store any extra filling separately and use it for rice bowls, wraps, or salads.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then refrigerate them until ready to cook.

What color bell peppers work best?

Any color works well. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly stronger flavor.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30 to 35 minutes.

Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

Yes, the rice should already be cooked before adding it to the filling mixture.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen corn and other frozen vegetables work well in this recipe.

How do I keep the peppers standing upright?

Trim a very thin slice from the bottom if needed, being careful not to cut through the pepper.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, simply use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

They pair well with salad, sour cream, salsa, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well for up to 2 months when stored properly.

How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers should be tender and the cheese on top should be melted and lightly browned.

Conclusion

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a quick, wholesome, and flavorful meal that is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. With tender peppers, a hearty lentil filling, and melted cheese on top, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week.