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Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Cheese

These air fryer stuffed peppers are filled with hearty quinoa, black beans, and veggies, then topped with cheese for a fast and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: air fryer recipe, easy dinner recipe, easy lunch recipe, lunch recipe, quick dinner recipe, quick lunch recipe, weeknight dinner recipes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Air fryer
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 large bell peppers halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Halve and deseed the bell peppers. Lightly brush with oil and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  • Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves and top each with shredded cheese.
  • Place stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are slightly browned.
  • Serve warm with a side salad or avocado.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying.
Top Tips: Pre-soften peppers if you prefer them tender. Don’t overfill to avoid spillage. Use the back of a spoon to pack filling firmly. Spray air fryer basket to prevent sticking.