Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers combine juicy bell peppers filled with savory, flavorful meatloaf for a wholesome, easy-to-make meal. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for a family dinner.
Last year, I posted my famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak Stuffed Pepper. It’s one of the most popular recipes. So today, I wanted to make a juicy and delicious meatloaf in bell pepper, keto-friendly and low-carb friendly.
Today, I show how to make a juicy, tender, and delicious meatloaf in bell pepper, all cooked in your air fryer. With the current environment, we have been eating more and more at home, and my kids love eating individual meals, which is the perfect meal for any child. It’s family-friendly and kid-friendly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Combines classic meatloaf flavors with fresh, tender bell peppers.
- Cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer for convenience.
- A nutritious, all-in-one meal with protein and veggies.
- Perfectly portioned servings that are great for meal prep.
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
Ingredients Needed
- Bell Peppers: Choose large, colorful bell peppers, preferably red, yellow, or green, for a vibrant presentation.
- Ground Beef and Ground Pork: A combination of beef and pork adds depth of flavor to the meatloaf mixture.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients bring a savory aroma and taste to the filling.
- Cooked Rice: Cooked white or brown rice helps bind the filling and adds texture.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the meatloaf mixture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the meatloaf’s umami flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings to taste.
- Paprika and Italian Seasoning: These spices contribute to the savory and herbaceous flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: Used as a binder to hold the meatloaf filling together.
- Egg: Another binding agent that helps keep the filling cohesive.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds freshness and color to the mixture.
- Olive Oil: Used for brushing the peppers before air frying.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish and added flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
To make Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers, follow these steps:
Step One: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onions, minced garlic, cooked rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Three: Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure they are filled evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the peppers. Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket.
Step Four: Cook the stuffed peppers in the air fryer at a cook time of 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the internal temperature of the meat mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Pepper Recipe Tips
- Pre-cook the peppers (optional): If you like softer peppers, air fry them empty for 3–5 minutes before stuffing.
- Don’t overmix the filling: Mix until just combined to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Use similar-sized peppers: This ensures even cooking across all portions.
- Check internal temperature: Make sure the meat reaches 165°F for safe and fully cooked filling.
- Let them rest before serving: Allow 5 minutes to rest after air frying so the juices redistribute.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover meatloaf stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: Wrap each cooked stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe Faqs
Can I use only ground beef instead of a beef and pork mix? Yes, you can use just ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. The pork adds moisture and flavor, but it’s optional.
Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before air frying? No need to pre-cook them—the air fryer softens the peppers perfectly while the meatloaf cooks inside.
How long does it take to cook stuffed peppers in the air fryer? Typically, it takes about 15–18 minutes at 375°F. Cooking times may vary slightly based on pepper size and air fryer model.
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the peppers and filling a day in advance, then air fry them fresh when ready to serve.
How do I know the meat is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS
- HOMEMADE STUFFED MINI PIZZA BITES
- HOW TO MAKE TRADER JOE’S PEPPERONI PIZZA IN THE AIR FRYER
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Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
Description
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, diced onions, minced garlic, cooked rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure they are filled evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the peppers.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the stuffed peppers in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the internal temperature of the meat mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once done, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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