Air Fryer Chili-Stuffed Peppers

The Perfect Chili Twist

If you love hearty chili but want a fun, hands-on twist, these Air Fryer Chili‑Stuffed Peppers are your new go-to. Imagine bell peppers filled with zesty chili, topped with melted cheese, and crisped in your air fryer—warm, flavorful, and exceptionally satisfying. This recipe hits that sweet spot of comfort food meets convenience and is ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day eats, or meal prep.

The air fryer cuts cook time significantly while adding a lovely roasted char to the peppers. Plus, it’s customizable—use ground beef or turkey, adjust the spice level, and swap cheese for dairy-free options if needed. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and hands-off cooking via air frying

• Mega flavor in every bite: chili meets roasted pepper

• Customizable for any diet: using turkey, beef, or vegan crumbles

• One-dish wonder: Protein, veggies, and cheese all in one

• Meal prep friendly: Perfect for freezer-to-air-fryer dinners

Ingredient List

For the Chili Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (or plant-based crumbles)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for lower carb)

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for heat

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any colors), tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 cup shredded cheese for topping (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or vegan alternative)

Full Recipe Instructions

Sauté and Build the Chili

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent (~5 minutes).

2. Brown the Meat: Add ground meat (or crumbles) and cook until no pink remains; drain excess if necessary.

3. Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toast for ~1 minute to bloom spices.

4. Finish Filling: Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beans. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.

Stuffing and Air Frying

5. Prep Peppers: Lightly brush the inside of each pepper with oil or nonstick spray.

6. Fill: Spoon chili into each pepper, filling generously but not overstuffing.

7. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange peppers upright in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 12–15 minutes until peppers are tender.

8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the tops of stuffed peppers and air fry an additional 2–3 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

9. Serve with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado.

Meal Prep & Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the chili filling and peppers ahead of time. Keep refrigerated, then finish cooking in the air fryer when ready.

• Freeze-Friendly: Stuff peppers but don’t air fry; freeze them on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Air fry from frozen adding ~5 extra minutes to cook.

• Reheating: Microwave or air fry reheated stuffed peppers at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Success

• Don’t crowd the basket: Ensure even cooking by keeping peppers separated.

• Cheese check: Air fry just long enough for cheese to melt—too much and it can burn.

• Custom spice level: Adjust chili powder and cayenne to your heat preference.

• Colorful presentation: Use mixed pepper colors for a vibrant dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Turkey works great—just add a bit more spices to boost flavor if it’s lean.

Can I skip the beans?
Yes. Beans add texture and fiber, but you can omit them to reduce carbs or if making a dairy-free, vegan version.

Is pre-cooking the filling necessary?
Yes — ensures meat is safe and peppers don’t overcook by the time filling is heated.

Can I double the batch?
Yes! Air fry in batches or use a larger air fryer; cook times remain similar.

Is this suitable for diet plans like keto?
Yes — omit beans and use low-carb cheese to make it keto-friendly.

Variation Ideas

• Mexican Style: Add corn, cilantro, and top with salsa instead of cheese.

• Cheesy Beef: Use a cheese blend like pepper jack or queso.

• Veggie Lovers: Add diced zucchini and mushrooms into the meat mixture.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or pepper flakes for an extra punch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chili‑Stuffed Peppers recipe brings together convenience, comfort, and creativity in one easy meal. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or aiming to impress guests, it delivers bold, layered flavor with minimal effort. It’s a chili upgrade you’ll revisit again and again.