These easy and delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers are the perfect favorite dinner recipe. If your family loves meatloaf, this is the perfect recipe for you.
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.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
There is my regular meatloaf recipe, and I made a great turkey air fryer meatloaf. If you have not done an air fryer meatloaf, I can tell you they are so juicy and tender.
Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers offers a flavorful twist on classic stuffed peppers, combining the comforting taste of meatloaf with the vibrant appeal of bell peppers. These stuffed peppers are a delightful and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare in your air fryer.
The peppers are filled with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and rice and then air-fried to perfection.
The result is tender, juicy peppers with a crispy, golden-brown topping. Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy meatloaf or a creative take on stuffed peppers, this recipe is a winner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
You’ll need large, colorful bell peppers to make these delicious Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers as the edible vessel for the filling. The flavorful filling consists of a mix of ground beef and pork combined with aromatic ingredients like onions and garlic, cooked rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of seasonings. Top it off with breadcrumbs, an egg, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory and satisfying dish.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- 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:
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.
Pro Tips For Cooking Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers turn out perfectly:
- Choose the Right Bell Peppers: Look for large, firm bell peppers with a flat base to ensure they stand upright in the air fryer. This will make them easier to stuff and cook evenly.
- Mix the Meat Mixture Thoroughly: When combining the ground beef, ground pork, and other ingredients, make sure to mix everything thoroughly. This will distribute the flavors evenly throughout the meatloaf filling.
- Precooked the Rice: Using precooked rice speeds up the cooking process and ensures it’s fully cooked when the peppers are done. You can use leftover rice or cook it specifically for this recipe.
- Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure the meatloaf filling is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is the safe temperature for ground meats.
- Customize the Fillings: Feel free to customize the meatloaf filling with your favorite seasonings or additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, corn, or shredded cheese.
- Use a Thermometer: To ensure the peppers are perfectly cooked, especially if you prefer them with a bit of crunch, use a meat thermometer to check the tenderness of the peppers. They are done when they reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish the stuffed peppers with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with Sauce: Consider serving your Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with a side of tomato sauce, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
These pro tips will help you make the most delicious and perfectly cooked Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers every time!
FAQ’s
Can I use different types of meat for the stuffing? Yes, you can customize the meat mixture to your preference. While the recipe typically combines ground beef and pork, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless substitute.
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before air frying. This is a great option for meal prep or when you want to save time on a busy evening.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers? Yes, you can freeze them before or after air frying. To freeze before cooking, assemble the stuffed peppers, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container. To freeze after air frying, allow them to cool completely, then wrap and store them. Reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to eat.
How do I reheat leftover stuffed peppers? Preheat your air fryer or oven to around 350°F (175°C) to reheat stuffed peppers. Place the peppers on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated.
What sides go well with Air Fryer Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers? Stuffed peppers are versatile and pair well with various sides. For a balanced meal, consider serving them with a side salad, garlic bread, or a simple vegetable medley.
Can I use a different type of pepper? While bell peppers are commonly used for stuffed peppers due to their size and shape, you can experiment with pepper varieties like poblano, Anaheim, or Cubanelle for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done cooking? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf filling. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Additionally, the peppers should be tender to your liking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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- AIR FRYER, EASY BBQ PORK SHREDDED PIZZA
- HOW TO MAKE FROZEN FRENCH BREAD PIZZA IN THE AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER, HOMEMADE STUFFED MINI PIZZA BITES
- AIR FRYER, HOW TO MAKE TRADER JOE’S PEPPERONI PIZZA IN THE AIR FRYER
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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