Air Fryer Halloween Stuffed Peppers: 30-Minute Spooky Delight

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried making stuffed peppers in your air fryer? Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer—especially when you’re going for that spooky Halloween vibe! I stumbled upon this trick last October when I needed something festive but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Orange and yellow bell peppers are perfect—they look like little glowing jack-o’-lanterns once they’re stuffed and cooked. And the air fryer? It crisps them up beautifully while keeping the filling juicy. Trust me, these air fryer Halloween stuffed peppers will be the hit of your party—or just a fun dinner surprise for the kids!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any stuffed peppers—they’re a Halloween party in your mouth! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Fast & festive: Ready in 30 minutes flat, perfect for last-minute Halloween fun
• Air fryer magic: Gets that perfect tender-crisp texture no oven can match
• Total crowd-pleaser: Kids go nuts for the “edible jack-o’-lanterns” (carve faces if you’re feeling extra spooky!)
• Customizable filling: Swap meats, go vegetarian, or add extra cheese—it always works
• Leftover hero: Tastes even better reheated for next-day lunches

I make these every October—they disappear faster than candy corn at a trick-or-treat party!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these adorable (and delicious) Halloween stuffed peppers in your air fryer:

• 4 large bell peppers (orange and yellow—pick the roundest ones for that perfect jack-o’-lantern look!)
• 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey (I usually grab 85% lean beef—just enough fat for flavor)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice works great)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned—just drain it well)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for a kick)
• 1 tsp taco seasoning (homemade or packet—no judgment here)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for that gorgeous golden crisp)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this—it makes all the flavors pop!)

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible—here’s how to make it your own:

• Vegetarian? Skip the meat and double up on beans or add crumbled tofu or plant-based “meat.”
• Pepper tips: Choose firm, thick-walled peppers—they hold up better in the air fryer. Red or green work too, but orange/yellow scream Halloween!
• No taco seasoning? Mix 1/2 tsp each chili powder and cumin with a pinch of garlic powder.
• Extra fun: Stir in some diced jalapeños if you like heat, or top with avocado after cooking.

The best part? You probably have most of this in your pantry already—Halloween magic waiting to happen!

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How to Prepare Air Fryer Halloween Stuffed Peppers

Okay, let’s get these adorable Halloween peppers cooking! The air fryer makes this SO easy—just follow these simple steps:

1. Prep your peppers: Slice off the tops (save them for decorating if you’re carving faces!) and scoop out all the seeds and membranes. I like to give them a quick rinse inside to get any stray seeds out.
2. Cook the filling: Brown your ground meat in a skillet over medium heat—break it up real good as it cooks. When it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease (leave about 1 tbsp for flavor), then stir in the taco seasoning. Mix in your rice, beans, corn, and half the cheese—this keeps some melty goodness for topping later!
3. Stuff ’em up: Pack that filling mixture into your peppers nice and tight—they’ll shrink a bit while cooking. Brush the outsides with olive oil (this gives them that perfect crispy skin).
4. Air fry magic: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)—this takes about 3 minutes in most models. Carefully place peppers upright in the basket (they might lean a little—that’s okay!). Cook for 12 minutes, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cook 2-3 more minutes until the cheese bubbles and the pepper skins look slightly wrinkled.
5. The moment of truth: Pierce a pepper with a fork—it should slide in easily when they’re done. If the filling isn’t piping hot, give them another minute or two (pepper sizes vary!).

Pro tip: If your air fryer basket is small, cook peppers in batches so they don’t steam instead of crisp up!

Tips for Success

• Jack-o’-lantern fun: Use a small knife to carve simple faces before stuffing—the filling peeking through looks extra spooky!
• Size matters: Huge peppers may need 15-18 minutes; smaller ones might be done in 10—check early!
• No sticking: Lightly spray the basket with oil if your peppers have cut edges touching it.
• Crispier top? For melty cheese with a golden crust, broil for 1 minute after air frying.

Oh! And don’t panic if some cheese drips—those crispy bits are the cook’s bonus snack! If you enjoy creative stuffed pepper ideas, don’t miss my Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Recipe next! It’s a delicious, everyday version loaded with savory flavor and cheesy goodness — perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer Halloween stuffed peppers are crazy good all on their own, but if you want to go all out, try these fun pairings:

• Serve with a creepy “bloody” dipping sauce (just mix sour cream with sriracha or ketchup)
• Tuck some black olive “spiders” on top (slice olives into legs!)
• Pair with a pumpkin-shaped bread bowl filled with cheesy queso
• For drinks, try orange juice “potion” mocktails with gummy worms

The kids love when I put the peppers on a bed of “eyeball” grape tomatoes—Halloween dinner just got way more fun!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note—these nutrition estimates can vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. Whether you use beef or turkey, extra cheese or less, it all makes a difference! Always check your specific brands if you’re tracking closely. That said, stuffed peppers are packed with veggies and protein, so you’re definitely making a smarter choice than reaching for that candy bowl!

Want more Halloween dinner inspiration and fun air fryer twists on classic meals? Follow us on Pinterest for spooky-themed recipes, easy party bites, and festive family favorites you’ll want to make every October!

Frequently Asked Questions