These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor, no deep frying needed. Perfect for game day, parties, holidays, or easy appetizers, they’re customizable with bacon, cheese, and spice level. A must-save air fryer snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in under 20 minutes
- Family-friendly – mild or spicy, your choice
- Budget-friendly – simple, affordable ingredients
- Customizable – add bacon, switch cheeses, adjust heat
Ingredients
- 8 fresh jalapeños
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Cooking spray
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- Green onions
- Smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the jalapeños: Slice in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and salt.
- Fill the peppers evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Top with breadcrumbs, gently pressing them into the filling.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray poppers with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag
- Knife & cutting board
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs
- Bacon lovers: Mix bacon directly into the filling
- Less spicy: Remove all seeds and membranes
- More heat: Add cayenne or use pepper jack cheese
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with ranch dressing or sour cream
- Pair with air fryer wings, sliders, or mozzarella sticks
- Add to a game-day appetizer spread or snack board
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Poppers – Approximate)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a bold snack, this recipe always delivers. Save it, print it, and share it with fellow air fryer fans.
FAQ
Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze air fryer jalapeño poppers?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked poppers and air fry straight from frozen.
How do I make them less spicy?
Remove all seeds and membranes and use mild cheese.
Can I use an egg wash for extra crunch?
Yes, dip filled peppers lightly in egg before breadcrumbs.
Why are my poppers soggy?
Too much filling or overcrowding the air fryer can cause this.