These vegetarian air fryer stuffed peppers are filled with spring vegetables, fluffy rice, and salty feta, then cooked until the peppers are tender with lightly crisp edges.
Why This Air Fryer Recipe Works
The air fryer concentrates heat around the peppers, so they soften quickly without turning watery.
A short pre-cook helps the peppers turn tender before the filling dries out.
Feta adds big flavor with minimal effort, and the spring vegetables keep the filling bright and colorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a flexible, fridge-friendly recipe. Keep the ratios similar and it’s hard to mess up.
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 2 scallions, sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into small pieces (about 1/2-inch)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine), cooled slightly
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but great)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove grated)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
If your feta is very salty, start light on the salt and adjust after mixing.
How to Make Vegetarian Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Spring Vegetables and Feta in the Air Fryer
These cook best when the peppers are snug in the basket. Work in batches if needed.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. Lightly oil the basket or use perforated parchment.
- Brush the pepper halves lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pre-cook the peppers cut-side up in the air fryer for 6 minutes to jump-start tenderness.
While the peppers pre-cook, make the filling.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add scallions and asparagus; cook 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp.
- Add peas and cook 1 minute to warm through. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, chickpeas, the warm vegetables, feta, dill (or parsley), lemon juice, zest (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust: more lemon for brightness, more feta for saltiness, or a drizzle of olive oil if it seems dry.
Stuff and air fry.
- Fill each pepper half generously, pressing lightly so the filling holds together.
- Return peppers to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, until peppers are tender and the tops are lightly browned.
- Top with a little extra feta and herbs right before serving.
Air Fryer Time and Temperature
Use this as a baseline, then adjust for your air fryer model and pepper size.
- Preheat: 360°F for 3 minutes
- Pre-cook pepper halves: 360°F for 6 minutes
- Cook stuffed peppers: 360°F for 10–12 minutes
If you like more color on top, add 1–2 more minutes. If your filling is already very warm, start checking at 9–10 minutes.
Tips for the Best Results
Choose peppers with a flatter side so they don’t tip and spill their filling.
Cut everything small so the filling heats evenly and packs well.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus on the stove; it should finish in the air fryer.
- Cool the rice slightly before mixing so the feta doesn’t melt into the filling.
- For a firmer, less “steamy” top, don’t cover the peppers and avoid overcrowding.
- If the filling looks dry, add 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon before stuffing.
If your peppers are browning before they’re tender, drop the heat to 350°F and add a couple extra minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
Keep the structure (grain + veg + protein + cheese) and swap based on what’s in season.
- Grain swap: quinoa, farro (cooked), or couscous
- Protein swap: white beans or lentils instead of chickpeas
- Veg swap: zucchini, spinach, chopped green beans, or artichoke hearts
- Cheese swap: goat cheese for tang, or shredded mozzarella for more melt (use less salt)
- Herb swap: mint + dill for extra spring flavor, or basil for a sweeter note
Want a crispier top? Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons panko mixed with olive oil over the filling before air frying.
What to Serve With It
These peppers work as a light main or a hearty side.
- Simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil
- Tzatziki or a quick yogurt-dill sauce
- Roasted or air-fried baby potatoes
- Tomato-cucumber salad when tomatoes are in season
For another easy air fryer side, add Air Fryer Recipes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, until hot through. If the tops are browning too fast, lower to 330°F and add a minute or two.
Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the peppers will be softer and the tops won’t stay as crisp.
If you’re looking for more make-ahead air fryer dinners, see Air Fryer Reheating Guide.
FAQ
Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before stuffing?
Pre-cooking helps the peppers become tender without overcooking the filling. If you skip it, the peppers can stay too crunchy unless you extend the cook time, which can dry out the rice and feta.
Can I make vegetarian air fryer stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the filling and prep the pepper halves up to a day ahead, then stuff right before cooking. You can also fully cook them, cool, and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Why is my filling falling out of the peppers?
Usually the pieces are cut too large or the filling isn’t packed firmly. Chop the asparagus smaller, mash a few chickpeas for binding, and press the filling down lightly as you stuff.
Can I use frozen peas and still get good texture?
Absolutely. Add frozen peas to the skillet just long enough to warm and turn bright green, then mix in. Overcooking them on the stove can make the filling watery.
How do I keep the tops from getting too brown in the air fryer?
Lower the temperature to 350°F and extend the time slightly. Also make sure the peppers aren’t sitting too close to the heating element; if your air fryer runs hot, start checking 2 minutes early.
