Transform your dinner routine with these Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers that deliver restaurant-quality results in half the time. This wholesome recipe combines tender bell peppers with a flavorful turkey and quinoa filling, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a game-changer for busy weeknights. The air fryer creates perfectly tender peppers with a slightly caramelized exterior while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. You’ll love how this recipe cuts cooking time in half compared to traditional oven methods, while still delivering that satisfying comfort food experience. The combination of lean ground turkey, protein-packed quinoa, and nutrient-rich spinach makes this a well-balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the vibrant colors make for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Quinoa:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Quinoa:
- Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil
- Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes
- Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork
Prepare the Peppers:
- Wash and dry bell peppers thoroughly
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes
- If peppers don’t stand upright, trim a small slice from the bottom (be careful not to create holes)
- Lightly brush peppers with olive oil
Make the Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 6-8 minutes)
- Add diced onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes)
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder
- Add fresh salsa and chopped spinach, cooking until spinach wilts
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked quinoa and half the cheese
Air Fry the Peppers:
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C)
- Stuff each pepper with the turkey-quinoa mixture, packing gently
- Place stuffed peppers in air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender
- Top with remaining cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until melted
- Remove carefully and let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Helpful Tips
Pepper Selection: Choose peppers that are similar in size and can stand upright. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers offer a more robust flavor.
Even Cooking: If your air fryer is small, cook the peppers in batches rather than overcrowding. This ensures proper air circulation for even cooking.
Prevent Tipping: If peppers won’t stand upright, create a small foil ring to support them, or use a small ramekin placed in the center of the air fryer basket.
Texture Perfect: For softer peppers, increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes. For firmer peppers with more bite, reduce cooking time by 2 minutes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the peppers just before air frying for best results.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 385 per serving
Notes
- Protein Swaps: Ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes for turkey
- Grain Alternatives: Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or bulgur can replace quinoa
- Cheese Options: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Mexican blend cheese are excellent alternatives to cheddar
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder to taste, or add jalapeños for extra heat
- Vegetable Additions: Diced tomatoes, corn, or mushrooms make great additions to the filling
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe? A: Fresh peppers work best for air frying as they maintain their structure better. Frozen peppers may become too soft and watery.
Q: How do I know when the peppers are done? A: The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The filling should be heated through and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
Q: What if my air fryer is too small? A: Cook the peppers in batches, or cut them in half lengthwise to create pepper boats that take up less vertical space.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers? A: Absolutely! Freeze cooked peppers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes from frozen.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The peppers will maintain their best texture and flavor when properly stored.
Reheating: To reheat, place peppers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, though the air fryer method maintains better texture.
Freezing: Cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
These Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers prove that healthy, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With their perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and whole grains, they’re a complete meal that fits seamlessly into any busy lifestyle. The air fryer method delivers consistently excellent results with minimal effort, making this recipe a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep sessions. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or preparing meals for the week ahead, these stuffed peppers offer both convenience and nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Give this recipe a try, and discover how the air fryer can transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.