Try these delicious air fryer stuffed peppers with a dairy-free, gluten-free stuffing. One of my favourite vegetable sides. The stuffing has potatoes, tofu and some basic spices. These stuffed green peppers  turn out really delicious and crispy while retaining their crunch and taste.
This air fryer peppers is an easy recipe inspired by the Indian bharwan Shimla Mirch or stuffed capsicum.
Honestly, this is much better than cooking on stove top. Due to air frying you get a nice char outside and the pepper does not turn mushy and disgusting.
You may also like: Crispy air fryer okra or kurkuri bhindi, Bharwan Bhindi in air fryer, Baingan bharta in air fryer.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers: I have used medium bell peppers in the recipe. Choose firm and fresh ones.
Potatoes and Tofu: I have used 3 medium boiled and mashed potatoes along with similar quantity of grated or crumbled firm tofu here.
Spices: I have used red chili powder, pepper and salt to season the stuffing. For an Indian touch, some garam masala can also be added.
Herbs: Optionally, finely chopped cilantro can been used.
Olive oil: It is used to spray the stuffed peppers.
Instructions
Prepare the filling by taking mashed or grated boiled potatoes in a bowl. Add grated or crumbled tofu as well. Add salt, chili powder, garam masala (optional), pepper and salt and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
You may use any spice premixes like taco seasoning as a substitute.
Take capsicum or green peppers. Wash and dry. Remove the external crown using a knife. Remove the veins and seeds to have a nice pepper to fill.
Now spoon in the potato mix till the pepper is filled well. Spray or brush with some oil all over the peppers.
Air fryer Recipe Instructions
Preheat airfryer for 4 minutes at 400F or 200C. Place the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer. If they are a little wobbly, you can slightly trim them at the bottom so that they stand easily.
Air fry the peppers for 10-12 minutes at 400F or 200C till they get a nice char outside.
The peppers stay crunchy. That's the way I like them. Don't let them get mushy. But, if that's what you like, then go for 2-3 minutes more at the same temperature.
Your stuffed peppers are ready. Take them out and serve hot with a main of choice. You can also serve them with rotis or parathas or as a vegetable side.
In Skillet
Heat 3 tbsp. oil in a kadhai or pan for shallow frying. Put in the stuffed capsicum standing up. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.
Turn to the sides as well as the potato side down to evenly cook the capsicum. Serve hot. Your stuffed peppers are ready to serve.
Variations
The stuffing in this recipe is versatile.
- You can use lentils/cooked and mashed red kidney beans or chickpeas in place of grated tofu. For dairy eaters, mashed paneer works well too.
- You can add chopped veggies like peppers, mushrooms or any non-mushy vegetable.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be a good stuffed idea for these peppers.
- Feel free to use spice mixes like taco seasoning mix, Cajun spice mix etc. in place of the spices I have used here.
Expert Tips
- If you overcook your peppers or capsicum, they turn mushy and not very tasty. I prefer them to have a bit of their crunch and retain their flavour.
- If you so like, you can saute the filling in some oil. I like the filling in this way as the potato is already cooked.
- You can add veggies like grated carrots, onions, green peas etc. to your filling as per your choice. Make sure all the veggies are cooked when you add them to the mixture.
- My mum would put a crust of roasted chickpea flour on top of the potato filling to give it a lovely brown colour when fried. I have skipped it, but feel free to try.
- You can use red and yellow peppers in place of green ones or all together for a nice burst of colour.
Stuffed Peppers in Air fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Peppers or Capsicum
- 3 potatoes medium ,boiled and mashed
- ½ cup tofu grated
- ½ tsp. garam masala
- 1 tsp. red chili powder or paprika
- ½ tsp. pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp. Olive oil for spraying
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Instructions
- Take boiled potatoes and mash them well. You may grate them too. Take firm tofu and crumble or grate. Mix both of them.
- Add chilli powder, pepper, garam masala (optional) along with salt to the mashed potato and grated tofu and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Take green peppers. Remove the external stalk and crown carefully along with veins and seeds. Leave them whole.
- Now spoon in the potato-tofu mix till the pepper is filled well. Spray/brush with oil and keep aside.
Air fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer for 4 minutes at 400F or 200C. Place stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they are a little wobbly, you can slightly trim them at the bottom so that they stand easily.
- Air fry the pepper for 10-12 minutes at 400F or 200C till they get a nice char. I prefer to leave them slightly crunchy. If you want them mushy then cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Your stuffed peppers in air fryer are ready to serve.
On Gas stove
- Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a kadhai or skillet for shallow frying.
- Put in the stuffed capsicum, cover and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Turn to the sides as well as the potato side down to evenly cook the capsicum. Serve hot.
- Your stuffed peppers are ready to serve. Do enjoy them.
Notes
Nutrition
Your stuffed bell peppers are ready to serve.
If you liked this recipe, I request you to give it a * rating either on the recipe card or in the comments. Thank you.
Soumya says
Capsicum unfortunately gives me a migraine, so I stay clear of it.
The recipe sounds delicious though. I'll share it with my mom who'll make this for dad. They love their food!
Rachna says
Oh that's sad. I love capsicum.
Ashvini Naik says
Totally awwed by this simple looking recipe, Rachna! Capsicum is my kitchen muse & how could I miss this. I'm going to try shallow frying it as I'm yet to buy an air fryer (though I've been thinking of it since long) Would you suggest any particular brand?
Anamika Agnihotri says
The photos are too much tempting. The recipe appears to be simple. If only I could say I will try making it someday because I am sure I will be capable of messing it up when I try and then all the Shimla Mirch will have to take the road to the dustbin.
Rachna says
I think you can do it, Anamika. Try with 2 capsicum if you are apprehensive.
Reema D'souza says
This looks so good. I've never tried something like this with capsicum. Hope to try this soon.
Rachna says
I hope you do
Rajlakshmi says
The one I had made before was without the cheese. Would try it with lots of cheese this time. It looks so delicious. And good use of airfryer too.
Rachna says
Absolutely! A little indulgence is allowed. 🙂
Obsessivemom says
Oh this looks scrumptious. Our childhood favourite was a similar recipe, only with tomatoes and without the cheese. This one would look spectacular with coloured capsicum.
Rachna says
I agree. Coloured capsicum would look even better. Try it. Kids would love it.
Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
Yum that looks awesome! I used to make stuffed capsicums with pearl barley and veggies. Must try this at some point too
Rachna says
Thanks Sanch
Kushigalu says
I love the potato mixture stuffing. So flavorful and delicious. I would love to try this soon.
Jessica Formicola says
My family loves stuffed peppers, and I can't wait to make this for them for dinner this week!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
I love stuffed peppers...first time trying an air-fryer recipe and they came out perfect!
Jessica Formicola says
My family loves stuffed peppers, so I can’t wait to make this for them for dinner tonight!
Luci says
I have yet to try stuffed capsicum, however it looks delicious! I'm saving this recipe to try this week for dinner. I've been on a potato kick lately so I love that the filling is a potato mix! Thanks for sharing!
Rachna says
Glad to hear that, Luci. I love potatoes as well. 😉
Andrea Metlika says
This is a completely new version of a stuffed pepper for me. Can't wait to taste this!
Rachna says
I hope you like it, Andrea.