Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Add a spicy twist to your appetizer game with these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. They are crispy, cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser! Serve at your next party, summer cookout, or game night.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes & Substitutions 
• Step by Step
• Video Instructions
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Texture and flavor: Crispy coating with a creamy, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. The flavors are salty, savory and so moreish, you won’t be able to stop eating them!
• Healthier option: Made with light cream cheese and air-fried to perfection, you’ll be cutting down on excess oil without sacrificing the taste or texture.
• Easy and quick: Simple steps and ready in just 10 minutes in the air fryer, no greasy deep-frying required.
• Versatile: Perfect for parties, cookouts, game days, or just a spicy snack. 
• Proven crowd-pleaser: I've made these countless times, and they’re always a hit with friends and family!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions 

• Jalapenos: Use fresh jalapenos, and choose nicely rounded, elongated peppers that are easy to fill, and not too small. 
• Bacon: You can use bacon rashers that you will dice and pan-fry until crispy, or you can use pre-cooked bacon bits to save time. Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version. Omit this ingredient for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese: A combination of cream cheese (use light for a healthier option) and grated cheese (Cheddar or your favorite) can be used.
• Aromatics: Scallions or chives and minced garlic will add extra flavor and aroma.
• For coating: Milk, flour, garlic and onion powder, salt, and breadcrumbs.
• Olive oil spray: This helps to crisp up the poppers in the air fryer while adding a bit of richness. Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, can be used if you prefer.

Step by Step

1. Prep Jalapenos

• Halve jalapenos lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.

2. Make the filling

• If using fresh bacon, dice and pan-fry until crispy. 
• Mix the cream cheese, grated cheese, fried bacon bits, scallions, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth and well combined.

3. Fill and coat jalapenos

• Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half. It can be slightly heaped but don’t overfill.
• Dip the filled jalapenos in milk, then roll in flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. 
• Place flour-coated peppers on a tray and let dry for 2-3 minutes. Then, dip back in milk and then in breadcrumbs. Make sure to cover evenly and fully in breadcrumbs as this layer will protect the cream cheese filling from oozing out. 
• Place the coated peppers on a tray.

3. Air fry the poppers

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the bottom of the basket with a little oil. Place the coated peppers in one layer, evenly spaced apart, and spray generously with oil. 
• Air fry for 10 minutes, spraying with more oil halfway through (this will make them crispy and prevent them from drying out).

Video Instructions

Expert Tips

• Seed Care: Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid the spicy surprise on your skin.
• Cheese Mix: Mix different types of cheese for an extra depth in flavor.
• Crispiness: Spray with oil halfway through air frying to keep poppers crisp and prevent drying out.
• To keep the cream cheese filling from oozing out during air frying, make sure to cover the poppers well with breadcrumbs and flour. 
• Avoid overfilling them with the cream cheese mixture. But don't stress if some of the filling escapes – your poppers will still taste amazing and have a charmingly rustic look!

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