So you want stuffed peppers but not the boring casserole kind, right?
Look, we’ve all been there: you want something hearty, healthy-ish, and actually tasty—but without committing to a full-blown dinner situation that takes 90 minutes and five pots. Enter: Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Pepper Cups.
They’re like the cool younger cousin of the classic stuffed pepper. Same vibe, just way cuter, faster, and air-fried to crispy, savory perfection. Plus, they’re naturally keto and totally customizable. Ready to change your stuffed pepper game forever? Let’s roll.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- It’s low-carb AND actually delicious. Yes, that exists.
- Perfectly portioned. You get these adorable little pepper “cups” you can pop like protein-packed snacks.
- 20-ish minutes in the air fryer. So yeah, dinner just got easier.
- Minimal cleanup. Because your air fryer is doing the heavy lifting.
- Customizable AF. Don’t like beef? Cool. Swap it. Love cheese? Add extra. Live your truth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make 4–6 cute lil’ pepper cups:
- 3 bell peppers – Any color. Red’s sweet, green’s grumpy, yellow’s just here for the vibes.
- 1/2 lb ground beef – Or ground turkey, sausage, or whatever protein you’re vibing with.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion – Optional, but adds flavor.
- 1 tsp minced garlic – Fresh, jarred, or whatever’s in your fridge.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – For that classic stuffed pepper flavor.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a little drama.
- Salt and pepper – Obviously.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar – Cheese = non-negotiable.
- 1/4 cup low-carb marinara – Optional, but it’s like the sauce on the dance floor. Sets the mood.
- Olive oil spray – For that crispy outer edge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the peppers.
Cut each bell pepper crosswise into two “cups”—so you get two round bottoms per pepper. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Boom. Instant cute food bowls. - Cook the filling.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Optional: Stir in a few spoonfuls of marinara for extra sauciness. - Stuff the cups.
Load each pepper cup with that tasty meat mixture. Be generous. This isn’t the time to be stingy. - Top with cheese.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top like it’s confetti. More = better. - Air fry.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Place your stuffed cups inside (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly with those glorious golden edges. - Cool & devour.
Let them rest for 2 minutes unless you enjoy tongue burns. Serve as is, or top with sour cream, avocado, hot sauce, or your fave keto dressing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the peppers.
You want full, not exploding. Don’t turn them into meat volcanos. - Skipping the oil spray.
You want that crispy edge. Don’t rob yourself of joy. - Under-seasoning the beef.
You’re not making hospital food. Taste and tweak your seasoning. - Using soggy peppers.
If your peppers are old and sad, the result will be too. Use fresh, firm ones.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, or even plant-based meat.
- No dairy? Skip the cheese or use a non-dairy shredded cheese. Will it be as good? Debatable, but you do you.
- Want more fat? Add cream cheese or chopped bacon into the filling.
- Going extra spicy? Toss in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Lazy night shortcut: Use leftover taco meat or meatballs, chop them up, and stuff away.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep the peppers and meat mix, then assemble and air fry when you’re ready to eat. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze these?
Yup! Just cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
What’s the best pepper color for this?
Red is sweeter, green is earthier. It’s like picking a mood ring—go with your gut.
Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?
Nope! The air fryer does that for you, and they stay firm enough to hold up but tender enough to bite into.
Is this actually keto?
Yes! As long as you skip high-carb sauces and stick to low-carb ingredients, you’re good to go.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Totally. Try stuffing with cauliflower rice, sautéed mushrooms, and cheese—or any meatless crumbles you like.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Pepper Cups are basically everything: fast, flavorful, low-carb, and way less boring than the usual keto dinner rotation. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting your keto-curious friends, or just want something delicious that won’t wreck your carb count, these are your new go-to.
Now go forth and stuff some peppers.
Because life’s too short for sad food—and you’ve got an air fryer that’s dying to be used.