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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers - Spicy, Juicy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Bell peppers: 4 large (red, orange, or yellow for sweetness; green for a sharper bite)
  • Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken breast/thighs)
  • Buffalo wing sauce: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (heat level to taste)
  • Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing: 1/4 cup (optional, for creaminess)
  • Shredded cheese: 1 to 1 1/2 cups (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced
  • Celery: 1 rib, finely diced (optional, classic buffalo crunch)
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil spray: for the air fryer basket
  • Crumbled blue cheese: for topping (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives: for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the peppers: Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. If they wobble, shave a thin slice from the underside so they sit flat.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 360°F (182°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce (start with 1/2 cup), softened cream cheese, and ranch or blue cheese dressing (if using). Stir in green onions, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Fold in half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Taste and adjust: Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat or a spoon of dressing for more creaminess. Season as needed.
  5. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper half, packing it in so it mounds slightly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  6. Air fry the first round: Arrange stuffed peppers in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the peppers start to soften and the cheese melts.
  7. Finish and color: Increase to 380°F (193°C) and cook 3 to 5 more minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and peppers are tender but not mushy.
  8. Garnish: Let rest 3 minutes. Drizzle with a little buffalo sauce, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles, and add chopped parsley or chives if you like.
  9. Serve: Pair with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping and crisp celery sticks on the side.