Festive Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers: A Spooky & Savory Halloween Dinner Delight
Transform your ordinary Halloween dinner into an extraordinary festive feast with these delightful Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers! These vibrant orange bell peppers are not only packed with a savory, customizable filling but are also ingeniously carved to resemble cheerful Jack-O-Lanterns. Perfect for both kids and adults, this recipe offers a unique and fun way to celebrate the spooky season with a delicious and wholesome meal.
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, and preparing them in the air fryer takes convenience to a new level. If you’re already a fan of air fryer stuffed peppers, you’ll adore this Halloween-themed variation. These pumpkin-shaped wonders are naturally gluten-free, incredibly versatile with your choice of stuffing, and promise to be the star of your holiday table. Forget about complicated Halloween treats; these savory peppers bring both fun and flavor without the fuss, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings during October.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers:
There’s so much to appreciate about this festive dish. From its ease of preparation to its appealing presentation, these stuffed pumpkin peppers are designed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. Here’s what makes them a must-try recipe:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make – This recipe is a true time-saver, relying on pantry staples and the speed of your air fryer. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious and impressive meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have endless hours to cook.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Customizable – For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is a godsend. By simply ensuring your taco seasoning is gluten-free (or making your own homemade gluten-free taco seasoning), you can enjoy a wholesome, celiac-friendly meal. The beauty of stuffed peppers lies in their versatility; easily swap out proteins or add extra vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Delightfully Kid-Friendly & Fun – The Jack-O-Lantern faces aren’t just for show – they make mealtime an exciting event! Kids will love helping to carve the faces (with supervision, of course) and even picking their favorite filling. It’s a fantastic way to encourage picky eaters to try new things and get them involved in the cooking process, turning dinner into a memorable Halloween activity.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – These stuffed peppers are excellent for making ahead. You can prepare them and store them in the freezer for a quick meal later, making your weeknights even easier. Simply thaw and cook when you’re ready!
Essential Ingredients for Your Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these spooky delights. Most items are likely already in your kitchen, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Orange Bell Peppers: These are crucial for achieving the “pumpkin” look. Opt for larger, wider peppers if possible, as they provide more surface area for carving your Jack-O-Lantern faces.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Either protein works wonderfully. Lean ground beef offers a richer flavor, while ground turkey is a lighter alternative. You can also experiment with other ground meats like chicken or sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning: A key ingredient for a savory and aromatic filling. Always check labels to ensure it’s gluten-free, or whip up a batch of homemade seasoning for full control over ingredients and flavor.
- Cooked Rice: White rice is commonly used, but brown rice or even quinoa can be substituted for added nutrition. Make sure it’s cooked beforehand to ensure a perfectly textured filling.
- Green Onions: These add a subtle onion flavor and a fresh bite to the filling. Chop them finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese: A blend of cheeses adds creaminess and binds the filling together, providing that irresistible melty topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can be used.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking in the air fryer and helping the peppers achieve a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spooky Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers:
Follow these easy steps to craft your festive Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers. The process is straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet or the inner pot of a Ninja Foodi, brown your chosen ground meat (beef or turkey) over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the gluten-free taco seasoning according to package instructions, stirring well to coat the meat evenly.
- Combine & Set Aside: Once the meat is seasoned, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions and cooked rice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside while you prepare your peppers.
- Prep the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. This helps prevent the peppers from sticking and promotes even cooking and a nice slight crisp.
- Clean the Peppers: Carefully cut the top off each orange bell pepper. Using a spoon or your fingers, clean out the inside, removing all seeds and membranes. This creates a neat cavity for your stuffing.
- Carve Your Jack-O-Lantern Faces: This is where the fun begins! Using a very small, sharp knife (a paring knife works best), carefully carve a pumpkin face into the side of each pepper. Think triangles for eyes and a jagged smile. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic faces add to the charm!
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each carved bell pepper with the prepared meat and rice mixture. Pack it gently but firmly, ensuring each pepper is well-stuffed without overflowing.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the stuffed peppers into the air fryer basket. Typically, a standard air fryer basket can fit about 3-4 peppers at a time, depending on their size. If you have more peppers, you will need to cook them in batches. Crucially, leave the tops of the peppers off for this initial cooking phase.
- Initial Air Frying: Cook the peppers in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes. This helps to soften the peppers slightly and heat the filling through.
- Add a Second Spray: After 10 minutes, open the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the outside of each pepper again with olive oil cooking spray. This will help them get a nice roasted finish.
- Cheese & Caps: Top each pepper with a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese. Then, carefully place the bell pepper tops back onto the stuffed peppers.
- Final Cook: Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot stuffed peppers from the air fryer.
- Batch Cooking (if necessary): If you have more peppers to cook, repeat steps 7-11 for the remaining peppers.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Serve your festive Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers immediately. A dollop of salsa, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro makes a perfect accompaniment!
Expert Tips for Carving the Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers:
Carving the faces might seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be creating adorable Jack-O-Lanterns in no time. Remember, the goal is fun, not perfection!
- Choose the Right Peppers: Orange Bell Peppers are your best bet for the classic pumpkin aesthetic. Look for peppers that are firm, smooth, and have a relatively flat side for carving. Taller, wider peppers offer more space for a face, but don’t hesitate to use smaller ones if that’s what’s available.
Remember, do not worry if you have to get smaller peppers because that’s all the store has; trust me when I say that your family will love that you made these more than the perfection of the face on the pepper. A charmingly imperfect face often looks even more authentic and fun! I promise the taste will be delicious regardless.
- Preparation for Carving: Once you have your chosen peppers, start by carefully slicing off the top. This cap will serve as your “pumpkin stem” later. Then, thoroughly remove all the seeds and white membranes from the inside of the pepper. This creates a clean canvas and makes it easier to stuff. With the inside clean, use a small, sharp knife to carve your pumpkin-inspired face on one side. Simple triangular eyes and a jagged mouth are usually the easiest and most effective.
If the pepper is a little uneven at the bottom and doesn’t sit flat, simply trim a small slice off the very bottom to create a stable base. This ensures your stuffed peppers stand upright in the air fryer and on your plate.
- A small, sharp paring knife works best for these intricate carvings. Its fine tip allows for precision and control. Feel free to get creative with your designs; experiment with different eye shapes (circles, squares) or add teeth to the mouth for an extra spooky touch.
Can You Freeze Stuffed Peppers? Absolutely!
One of the best features of this recipe is its freezer-friendliness, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch and enjoy them whenever a Halloween craving strikes, or simply when you need a quick and easy dinner. This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until you are ready to serve.
To freeze unbaked stuffed peppers: Prepare the peppers up to the point of stuffing them (steps 1-6). Place the unstuffed, carved peppers and the filling separately in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to cook, thaw the filling and stuff the peppers, then follow the air fryer instructions as usual. Alternatively, you can stuff the peppers and then flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to eat, defrost the peppers thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before air frying.
To freeze cooked stuffed peppers: Allow the fully cooked and cooled peppers to reach room temperature. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed in the “How do you store leftovers?” section below. This makes for a super convenient grab-and-go meal!
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Creative Tips and Delicious Variations for Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers:
While this recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Mix Up the Protein: The filling is highly adaptable. These can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different twist. For a plant-based option, use crumbled firm tofu, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Make it Low-Carb: Easily transform this into a low-carb meal by swapping out traditional rice for cauliflower rice. Ensure the cauliflower rice is cooked and drained well before mixing it into the filling. You can also add other low-carb vegetables like finely diced zucchini or mushrooms.
- Crank Up the Spice: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture. You could also use a spicy taco seasoning blend or add some finely diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Mexican cheese blend is delicious, don’t limit yourself! Try sharp cheddar, a smoky gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by incorporating other finely diced vegetables into your filling, such as corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or bell pepper scraps (if you don’t mind not saving them for another use).
- Different Seasonings: Beyond taco seasoning, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, or a touch of chili powder for an even deeper flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond salsa, these peppers pair wonderfully with a side of sour cream, guacamole, a fresh green salad, or a side of crusty bread to soak up any juices.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Storing and reheating these stuffed pumpkin peppers is a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy their deliciousness for days to come.
For refrigeration: Allow the cooked peppers to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to airtight storage containers and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat them, you have a couple of reheating options: heat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5-7 minutes, or on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.
For freezing: If you’ve cooked extra or want to save some for a later date, these peppers freeze exceptionally well. Fully cool the peppers and store them individually in freezer-safe storage containers or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, it’s best to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, cook them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Make sure they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
These Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers are more than just a meal; they’re an experience that will make all the kids (and adults!) excited for dinner during the Halloween season. Combining playful presentation with readily available pantry ingredients, this recipe promises to be a stress-free and delicious addition to your fall culinary repertoire. Get ready for a Halloween dinner that’s both spooky and satisfying!
Air Fryer Stuffed Pumpkin Peppers
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Ingredients
- 6 Orange Bell Peppers (medium to large for carving)
- 1 Lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey (lean preferred)
- 1 Package Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning (or homemade)
- 3 Green Onions Sliced (finely chopped)
- 2 Cups White Rice Cooked (or brown rice/cauliflower rice)
- 2 Tbsp Shredded Mexican Cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salsa (for serving)
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray
Instructions
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In a large skillet or the pot of a Ninja Foodi, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat. Add in the taco seasoning as instructed on the package, stirring to combine.
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Mix in the sliced green onions and cooked rice. Stir well and set aside.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
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Cut the top off each orange bell pepper and carefully clean out the inside, removing all seeds and membranes.
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Using a very small, sharp paring knife, carefully carve a pumpkin face (Jack-O-Lantern) in the side of each pepper. If uneven, trim the bottom for stability.
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Stuff each carved pepper generously with the prepared meat and rice mixture.
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Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Arrange them so they fit snugly but air can circulate. Leave the top of the pepper off for now. (A typical air fryer basket fits 3-4 peppers, adjust for batches if necessary.)
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Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes in the air fryer to soften the peppers and heat the filling.
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Open the air fryer basket, and lightly spray the outside of each pepper again with olive oil cooking spray for a crispier finish.
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Top each pepper with a desired amount of shredded cheese. Place the tops (caps) of the peppers back on.
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Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Carefully remove the hot peppers from the air fryer.
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If cooking in batches, repeat steps 7-11 for any remaining peppers.
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Serve immediately with a side of salsa or your favorite toppings. Enjoy your festive Halloween dinner!
Notes
Nutrition
