How To Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Costco stuffed peppers are a convenient, flavorful, and hearty meal option that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with savory fillings, often including seasoned ground beef, rice, and a melty layer of cheese. While they can be baked in a conventional oven, using an air fryer transforms the cooking process into a faster, energy-efficient experience that delivers evenly heated, slightly crisped peppers without sacrificing juiciness or flavor. Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around the food, creating a cooking environment similar to convection baking, which results in perfectly tender vegetables and thoroughly heated fillings. Understanding the optimal temperature and timing is key to preserving the integrity of both the pepper and its filling.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking Costco stuffed peppers in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). This temperature strikes a balance between thorough heating and gentle roasting: high enough to warm the filling evenly and slightly caramelize the exterior of the pepper, but not so high that the outer pepper scorches before the inside is fully cooked. Cooking at this temperature ensures the cheese melts to a gooey consistency while the peppers retain a slight firmness, rather than becoming mushy.

How Long To Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer

For pre-cooked or fully assembled Costco stuffed peppers, the typical air fryer cooking time is 12-15 minutes at 350°F. If the peppers were frozen, extend the time to 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform heat penetration. This timeframe allows the filling to reach a safe internal temperature without overcooking the pepper itself. Always consider the size and thickness of the peppers; larger peppers may require a few extra minutes.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining doneness is both visual and practical:

1. Internal Temperature: The filling should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a kitchen thermometer inserted into the center to verify.
2. Cheese Melt: The cheese on top should be fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
3. Pepper Texture: The pepper should be tender but maintain its shape, yielding slightly to a fork without collapsing.

If the pepper is browning too quickly but the filling is still cold, tent it with aluminum foil (if your air fryer allows) and continue cooking.

Ingredients Needed

Cooking Costco stuffed peppers in the air fryer typically doesn’t require additional ingredients since they are pre-seasoned and filled. However, for enhancements:

• Pre-made Costco stuffed peppers (1-4, depending on air fryer capacity)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional, to lightly crisp the pepper exterior)
• Additional shredded cheese (optional, for extra melty topping)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

How To Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers In Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the peppers: Remove any packaging and place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil if desired.
3. Air fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Frozen peppers should cook 18-20 minutes.
4. Check doneness: Use a thermometer or test the filling to ensure it has reached 165°F.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese, and serve hot.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Higher Temperature (375-400°F): The peppers may brown or slightly char on the exterior before the filling heats fully. You may need to reduce the cooking time and monitor carefully.
• Lower Temperature (325°F): Cooking will be slower, and the peppers may not develop a slight roasted texture. Plan for an additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter Time: The filling may remain cold, and cheese may not melt completely. This is especially true for frozen peppers.
• Longer Time: The pepper may become overly soft or slightly dry, and the cheese can brown excessively. Always prioritize internal temperature over time alone for safety and texture.

When Things Go Wrong

• Filling is cold while pepper is soft: Reduce temperature slightly and extend cooking time to allow filling to catch up.
• Pepper is burnt: Lower temperature and check midway through the cooking process next time. Lightly spraying with oil can help control browning.
• Cheese hasn’t melted: Add 2-3 minutes at 350°F or briefly broil if your air fryer has a broil function.

Expert Tips

1. Single Layer Cooking: Avoid stacking peppers; air circulation is crucial for even heating.
2. Shake or Flip: Flip halfway to ensure uniform cooking of both pepper and filling.
3. Preheat for Consistency: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking results.
4. Optional Toppings: Sprinkle cheese or breadcrumbs in the last 2-3 minutes for extra texture.
5. Check Internal Temperature: Never rely solely on time; temperature ensures safety and perfect texture.

FAQs

Can You Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers Directly In The Air Fryer?

Yes. Costco’s pre-made stuffed peppers can be cooked directly in the air fryer without removing the filling. You should place the peppers in a single layer, ideally still inside their foil cups or on a small piece of foil to catch any melted cheese or juices.

What Temperature Should I Use To Air Fry Costco Stuffed Peppers?

The recommended temperature is 350°F (177°C). This temperature allows the peppers to heat evenly while preventing the cheese from burning or overbrowning before the filling is fully warmed.

How Long Do Costco Stuffed Peppers Take To Cook In The Air Fryer?

Cook them for 15-20 minutes. Larger or more densely packed peppers may require up to 25 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Do I Need To Preheat My Air Fryer For Stuffed Peppers?

Preheating is recommended for best results. Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to ensure the peppers begin heating immediately and cook more evenly.

Should I Cover The Peppers With Foil While Air Frying?

Foil is not usually necessary. However, if the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the tops with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. Avoid tightly sealing foil to maintain air circulation.

Can I Air Fry Costco Stuffed Peppers From Frozen?

Yes. Increase the cook time to 25-30 minutes at 350°F and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You may also reduce the temperature slightly to 330-340°F if the cheese begins to brown before the center is heated.

How Do I Keep The Peppers From Falling Apart In The Air Fryer?

Use the foil cups the peppers come in or place them in a small oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. This helps stabilize the peppers and prevents filling from spilling during cooking.