Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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Learn how to make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers – crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and irresistibly delicious! Serve at your next party, summer cookout or game night.

Cuisine American

Keyword Air Fryer Fries, Curly Fries, Frozen Curly Fries

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 350kcal

Author Irena Macri

Equipment

Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex Plus
Large bowl
Spoon
Flat Tray
Olive Oil Spray

Ingredients

For Jalapeno Poppers

12 oz fresh jalapenos, about 350 grams
2 oz bacon bits, 60 g or diced bacon rashers
9 oz cream cheese, 250 grams (I used light)
4 oz grated cheese, such as Cheddar, about 130 g
2 tablespoon scallions, chopped, or chives
1 garlic clove, minced

For coating

1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Prep Jalapenos: Halve jalapenos lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
Make the filling: If using fresh bacon, dice and pan-fry until crispy. Mix cream cheese, grated cheese, fried bacon bits, scallions, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth and well-combined.
Fill jalapenos: Spoon filling into each jalapeno half. It can be slightly heaped but don’t overfill.
Coat: Dip 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 escaping. Place coated peppers on a tray.
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, don’t overlap, 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).

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid the spicy surprise on your skin.
Mix different cheeses for extra flavor depth.
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!

Nutrition