If comfort food and a little kick had a baby, it would be these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers. Juicy bell peppers filled with spicy, cheesy buffalo chicken — every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence.
I love this recipe because it feels festive but also manageable. The air fryer cooks the peppers evenly, keeps the chicken juicy, and crisps up the top just enough to make every bite satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, casual weekend meal, or whenever you want something fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Even my grandkids get excited for this one — the cheesy filling and mild heat are just right for everyone. And I always make extra because leftovers are fantastic!
Why This Recipe Works
Stuffed peppers can be tricky — you want the pepper tender but not mushy, the filling moist but not soggy. The air fryer nails this every time.
Buffalo chicken adds bold flavor without being overwhelming. The cheese pulls everything together and keeps the filling creamy and satisfying.
This recipe is versatile, too. You can adjust the heat level to suit kids or adults, or make it extra indulgent with more cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the stuffed peppers:
- Large bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works)
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
Optional toppings:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Chopped green onions
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each pepper half, pressing gently to fill them evenly.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the basket, keeping space between them for even cooking.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- If desired, sprinkle with blue cheese, chopped green onions, or drizzle more buffalo sauce before serving.
- Let the peppers cool for a minute or two, then serve hot.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here because it’s flavorful and already cooked — perfect for weeknights.
I like to brush the peppers with a touch of olive oil to keep them glossy and prevent drying in the air fryer.
Mixing in cream cheese keeps the filling creamy and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.
Flavor Variations
- Make it milder by using less buffalo sauce or swapping for a sweet chili sauce.
- Add diced celery or carrots to the filling for crunch.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like extra heat.
- For a low-carb version, serve the filling over cauliflower rice instead of in peppers.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are excellent on their own, but you can pair them with:
- Air fryer roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Simple mixed salad
- Garlic bread for a heartier meal
They’re also great as leftovers — just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring the cheese back to melty perfection.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese melts again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with raw chicken?
Yes, cook the chicken first, then shred it before mixing with the buffalo sauce and cheese.
Are these spicy?
They have a mild heat if using standard buffalo sauce. Adjust to taste for kids or spice lovers.
Can I prep ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to air fry.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, fully cook, cool, and freeze individually. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate combination of spicy, cheesy, and comforting. They’re perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a meal that feels special without being complicated.
The air fryer keeps everything juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked, and the cheesy buffalo filling hits that sweet spot between indulgent and satisfying.
This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite — one bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds. 🌶️🍗✨
