You know those nights when you want something healthy and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with making air fryer turkey stuffed peppers. They’re my go-to when life gets chaotic—ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor. I swear, my air fryer has become my best kitchen friend since having kids. These stuffed peppers are so good, my picky eater actually asks for seconds! The turkey stays juicy, the peppers get perfectly tender, and cleanup? Just one basket to wash. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These stuffed peppers are about to become your new weeknight hero. Here’s why:
- Crazy fast – Done in under 30 minutes (even with my toddler “helping”)
- Healthy but doesn’t taste like it – Packed with lean protein and veggies you’ll actually enjoy
- One-basket cleanup – No pots, no pans, just toss the air fryer basket in the dishwasher
- Flavor bomb – That paprika-garlic combo makes these taste way fancier than they are
- Kid-approved – The cheese topping makes even my vegetable-skeptics go “Mmm!”
Seriously, these check all the boxes. I make them when I’m feeling fancy but also when I’m just… tired. Which is most days, honestly.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic is in the measurements, so I’m giving you the exact amounts that make these peppers perfect every time:
- 4 large bell peppers – Any color works, but I’m partial to red for their sweetness
- 1 lb ground turkey – 93% lean is my sweet spot for juiciness without grease
- 1/2 cup cooked rice – Pack it lightly in the measuring cup (I use brown rice for extra fiber)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes – Canned works great, just drain the juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Yellow onion gives the best flavor here
- 1 tsp garlic powder – The shortcut that saves me from mincing fresh garlic
- 1 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds incredible depth if you have it
- 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to taste after mixing if needed
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if possible
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional) – I use sharp cheddar, but anything melty works
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No turkey? No problem! Here’s how to adapt:
- Ground chicken or beef work beautifully—just adjust cooking time if using fattier meat
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice can replace regular rice (cauliflower rice cooks faster though!)
- For dairy-free, skip the cheese or use vegan shreds
Watch out for watery fillings! If using fresh tomatoes, remove seeds. Squeeze excess liquid from thawed frozen spinach if adding. Too much moisture makes soggy peppers—learned that the hard way!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part—you barely need anything to make these! My kitchen was a disaster zone last week (thanks, kids), and I still pulled these off with just:
- Your air fryer – Any size works, but don’t overcrowd the basket
- One mixing bowl – I use the same one for the filling every time
- A sharp knife – For prepping those peppers (careful with your fingers!)
That’s it! Measuring cups help if you’re precise, but I often eyeball the spices. Some days, survival is the goal, right?
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you could do it half-asleep (which, let’s be real, is how I cook most weeknights). Just follow these simple steps for the most delicious stuffed peppers your air fryer has ever produced!
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
First, grab those beautiful bell peppers. Slice about 1/2 inch off the tops – save those tops! You can chop them up and add them to the filling if you’re feeling thrifty (I always do). Now, here’s my trick: use a small spoon to gently scrape out the seeds and membranes. Go slow so you don’t tear the pepper walls. We want nice sturdy cups to hold all that yummy filling!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In your mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onion, and all those glorious spices. Now really get in there with your hands! Squish everything together until it’s evenly mixed – you’ll feel when the spices are distributed. Pro tip: if the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to soak up excess moisture.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F – this is crucial for even cooking! Stuff each pepper generously but don’t pack too tight (they’ll expand a bit). Arrange them in the basket with some breathing room – I can usually fit 3-4 at a time in my 6-quart. Cook for 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the turkey reaches 165°F. Now the magic touch: sprinkle with cheese and cook 2 more minutes until bubbly and golden. That’s it! Let them rest 5 minutes before serving – patience is hard, but it helps the flavors settle.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
After making these dozens of times (seriously, my kids request them weekly), I’ve learned all the tricks for flawless stuffed peppers every single time. Here are my hard-won secrets:
- Pat that turkey dry! Blotting ground turkey with paper towels before mixing removes excess moisture that can make your filling soggy.
- Pre-cook your rice – Leftover rice works beautifully, but if cooking fresh, let it cool completely before mixing to prevent mush.
- Don’t overstuff! Fill peppers about 3/4 full – they’ll puff up during cooking and you want room for that magic to happen.
- Check early if using a smaller air fryer – cooking time may vary by 2-3 minutes depending on your model.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking – this helps the filling set so it doesn’t spill out when you bite in.
Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good peppers and “Oh wow, can you make these again tomorrow?” peppers!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer turkey stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but oh boy do they shine with a few simple sides! My family loves them with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette (cuts through the richness perfectly)
- Warm crusty bread for soaking up any delicious juices
- Creamy avocado slices or guacamole on the side
Sometimes I’ll even serve them over cauliflower rice for my low-carb friends – total crowd pleaser!
Storing & Reheating Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
These babies make fantastic leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any! Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Fridge storage: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I usually just cover the baking dish with foil if we’re eating them soon.
- Freezing: Wrap each cooled pepper individually in foil, then pop them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Perfect for emergency meals!
- Reheating: My favorite trick? Air fry at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until heated through. The peppers stay crisp instead of getting soggy like in the microwave. Add fresh cheese on top during the last minute for that just-made taste.
Pro tip: If freezing, undercook slightly so they don’t get mushy when reheated. Works like a charm!
Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers FAQs
I get so many questions about these peppers—here are the ones people ask me most often! If you’re wondering something, chances are someone else is too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the peppers up to a day before—just store the uncooked stuffed peppers in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. They might need an extra minute or two in the air fryer since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for 165°F in the center of the filling. No thermometer? Cut into one pepper after 15 minutes; the turkey should be white with no pink, and juices should run clear.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Honestly? I wouldn’t. Frozen peppers get too mushy in the air fryer. Fresh is best here—the slight crispness is part of what makes these so good!
What if my air fryer is small?
No worries! Just cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven. Or try using smaller peppers—mini sweet peppers work great for appetizer portions!
Why did my peppers turn out watery?
Usually means either the filling was too wet (squeeze those tomatoes!) or they were overstuffed. Next time, leave a little room at the top—the filling expands as it cooks.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates since brands and ingredient choices can vary. But here’s the general picture per stuffed pepper (without optional cheese): about 250 calories, packed with 22g protein and 4g fiber to keep you full. They’re naturally low in sugar (just 5g) and carbs (20g), making them a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Remember, adding cheese or swapping ingredients changes things, but hey—that’s the beauty of homemade cooking!
Share Your Experience
Did you make these air fryer turkey stuffed peppers? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @mykitchenadventures – nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations. Bonus points if your kids gobbled them up like mine do!
Print
Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Make delicious turkey stuffed peppers using your air fryer for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a bowl, mix turkey, rice, tomatoes, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff peppers with the turkey mixture.
- Place peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top if desired and cook for 2 more minutes.
Notes
- Use any color bell peppers you prefer.
- Swap turkey for ground chicken or beef if needed.
- Add hot sauce for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 17 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: air fryer turkey stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers, easy air fryer recipe
