Fresh halved jalapenos are stuffed with a cheddar cream cheese filling, and sprinkled with bacon bits and breadcrumbs before they’re air-fried.
Jalapeño poppers in the air fryer are hot and fiesta ready in minutes!
Ingredients & Variations
Jalapenos – Choose fresh, firm large jalapeños and slice them in half, leaving the stem on one side and scooping out the seeds. PRO TIP: Mix the seeds into the cream cheese filling if you want extra hot poppers. Sweet mini red and yellow peppers are perfect vehicles for poppers if you want a non-spicy option.
Filling – Ready-seasoned cream cheese adds instant flavor to jalapeno popper filling, but any addition of herbs and spices, like garlic powder and onion powder, can be used with plain cream cheese instead. For a lighter filling, use half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt.
Variations – Make bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers by assembling as directed and then wrapping each popper with a half slice of bacon and securing with a toothpick, if necessary. Swap the cheddar for Monterey jack. Leave off the bread crumbs for a gluten-free version or swap for crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
Serve with ranch dressing.
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Prepare topping as directed in the full instructions below.
- Cut jalapenos in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
- In a medium bowl blend cream cheese with cheddar.
- Fill jalapenos with cream cheese mixture and top with bacon bits and Panko bread crumbs.
- Place jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry until the cheese is melted and the jalapenos are tender-crisp. Serve hot.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 jalapeno peppers
- 6 ounces herb & garlic cream cheese or Boursin
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 tablespoons bacon bits or 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a small bowl combine Panko, bacon, and melted butter. Set aside.
- Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Use gloves or wash your hands well afterward.
- Combine cream cheese and shredded cheddar together in a bowl. Fill jalapenos with the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle each jalapeno with the Panko and bacon topping, lightly pressing to adhere.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes or until cheese is melted and jalapenos are tender crisp.
- Cool at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
It is recommended to wear gloves while working with the jalapenos.
Jalapeno poppers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
