These Air Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers offer a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. The peppers are perfectly cooked and filled with a savory mixture of turkey, cheese and rice, making it a mouth-watering dish to enjoy. Thanks to the air fryer, this dish is quick and easy to make without spending hours in the kitchen!
Mexican turkey stuffed peppers with rice are ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat! The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and the combination of tender turkey, fluffy rice, and air-fried peppers results in a gourmet dish that's both satisfying and crunchy.
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Why It's Yummy
- Perfect ground beef alternative! Using ground turkey instead of beef for these stuffed peppers is a perfect way to bring a lean and flavorful protein that complements all the dish's added flavors.
- Aromatic sautéed goodness. Onions and garlic, sautéed to golden perfection, add layers of rich, savory flavors.
- Infused with Mexican flair - This recipe ventures beyond the traditional stuffed pepper flavors, featuring long sweet peppers, fresh cilantro, and Mexican-style cheese for a delightful twist on the classic.
- Air Fryer Excellence - The secret to the deliciousness of this turkey stuffed peppers with recipe recipe is the air fryer. It imparts a perfect crispiness to the peppers, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish. Quick, efficient, and utterly delicious, it's a game-changer for a delightful meal in no time.
Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
- Ground turkey - a lean and protein-packed alternative to traditional beef, but feel free to swap it out for ground chicken, shredded chicken, or of course, ground beef! You can also use cooked turkey slices.
- Sweet long peppers - these mild and slender peppers bring a touch of sweetness to air fryer stuffed peppers. Try to choose peppers of similar size for even cooking and presentation.
- Rice - adds a fluffy texture and acts as a hearty base for the filling. You could also opt for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Oil - infuses a rich, savory flavor to the sautéed onions and garlic. Olive, avocado, or vegetable oil all work. Or add a touch more flavor by sauteeting with butter.
- Yellow onion - adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic - intensifies the savory notes in the dish.
- Salt and pepper - seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Petite diced tomatoes - you can use a regular can of diced tomatoes or swap for a fire-roasted version for added depth of flavor.
- Fresh cilantro - elevates the flavor profile with its citrusy and herbaceous notes.
- Mexican-style cheese - melts to perfection, creating a gooey and flavorful topping.
Instructions
Make the rice. Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Cook the aromatics. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until golden.
Make the turkey filling. Add ground turkey, salt, and pepper; cook for 8-10 minutes until turkey is fully cooked.
Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer on low for 10 minutes until liquid evaporates.
Combine the turkey and rice mixture. Mix cooked rice, chopped cilantro, and 1 cup shredded cheese into the meat mixture.
Cut a slit down one side of peppers, remove seeds, and place them in a greased air fryer basket.
Prepare and stuff the peppers. Air fry peppers at 400°F for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer peppers to a plate with tongs.
Top and Air Fry. Fill peppers with the meat mixture and top with remaining cheese.
Return stuffed peppers to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve!
📋 FLAVOR & TEXTURE: This recipe for the best turkey stuffed peppers offers a savory and flavorful taste from the seasoned turkey and fluffy rice filling. The peppers' subtle sweetness perfectly complements the dish, while the gooey melted cheese adds a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Using an air fryer gives the dish a satisfying crispiness that adds another layer of texture to this delicious and comforting meal.
Tips
- Opt for quinoa instead of rice. You can make a quinoa stuffed pepper instead by simply swapping the cooked rice for cooked quinoa. Follow the package instructions for cooking quinoa. If you love quinoa, try this stuffed butternut squash next.
- Low-carb option. Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice! You can make your own cauliflower rice by finely chopping cauliflower florets, or use prepared packaged cauliflower rice. Just saute it with the ground turkey and veggie mixture before filling your peppers.
- Cheese variety. Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Colorful peppers. Use a variety of colored peppers for a visually stunning dish that's as appealing as it is delicious. Bell peppers work too but these will need longer cooking time.
- Make-Ahead. Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to use. This makes assembly a breeze for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Use ground beef. The flavors of this version for stuffed peppers work just as well with ground beef if you prefer.
- Related: Leftover turkey Shepherd's pie, turkey wraps.
Recommended Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight Food containers
- Ninja Foodi - use air frying setting which is a great alternative to air fryer.
- Air Fryer Cosori
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ground turkey stuffed peppers on a bed of greens or with a veggie side for a light side dish option. Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize the flavors to your liking.
For a wholesome meal prepare a couple of healthy sides like lemon garlic green beans and asparagus with peas.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- To Freeze. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, follow the reheating instructions after thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
- To Make Ahead. These stuffed peppers can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to air fry.
How to Reheat
- Air Fryer Method: For quick and crispy reheating, use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and air fry the thawed stuffed peppers for about 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If frozen, increase the time to about 15 minutes.
- Microwave Method: For a quick option, you can use the microwave. Place the thawed or frozen stuffed peppers on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Recipe
Cheesy Air Fryer Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground turkey (or leftover cooked turkey)
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups shredded Mexican style cheese (divided)
- 6 sweet long peppers
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook white rice as per package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat oil, onions, and garlic over medium heat until onions are translucent.
- Add ground turkey, salt, and pepper; cook for 8-10 minutes until turkey is fully cooked.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer on low for 10 minutes until liquid evaporates.
- Mix cooked rice, chopped cilantro, and 1 cup shredded cheese into the meat mixture.
- Cut a slit down one side of peppers, remove seeds, and place them in a greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry peppers at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer peppers to a plate with tongs.
- Fill peppers with the meat mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Return stuffed peppers to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
NOTES
- To Store. Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- To Freeze. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, follow the reheating instructions after thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
- Air Fryer Method: For quick and crispy reheating, use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and air fry the thawed stuffed peppers for about 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If frozen, increase the time to about 15 minutes.
- Microwave Method: For a quick option, you can use the microwave. Place the thawed or frozen stuffed peppers on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
FAQs
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time for the rice according to the package instructions.
Absolutely! Feel free to use a different pepper of your choice for these air fried turkey stuffed peppers. Whether it's bell peppers, poblano peppers, or another mild variety, customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Just be mindful of potential differences in size and cooking times.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy these cheesy turkey stuffed peppers for a quick 30 minute dinner