Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
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Crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate appetizer! Filled with cream cheese and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, they’re so irresistible you might need to make a double batch!
When it comes to appetizers, this 20-minute recipe is key to have in your back pocket when you just need something easy and delicious.
When I know I’ll be entertaining, a quick and easy appetizer is usually my go-to. I love these jalapeño poppers because they’re SO easy to put together, and making them in the air fryer cuts down on cooking time.
Thanks to a creamy filling and a golden brown bread crumb topping, every single bite of these stuffed jalapeños is packed with delicious flavor! Pair them with a simple homemade sour cream sauce and you’ve got the perfect appetizer or snack.
For even more great appetizers just like this, check out my Air Fryer Banana Peppers or these Crispy Popcorn Shrimp!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy: It’ll take you 20 minutes or less to get these from cutting board to table!
- Familiar flavors: Though these have an air fryer twist, the filling is still classic jalapeño popper with cream cheese and bacon.
- Great for crowds: With just 10 minutes of cook time, you can easily make several batches of these to feed a larger group.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Jalapeño peppers: I like to look for rounder ones because they will hold more filling.
- Seasonings: I add some garlic powder along with salt and black pepper.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Any kind of breadcrumbs work fine, but Panko bread crumbs are my favorite because they’re super light and crispy.
- Cream cheese: Don’t forget to let your cream cheese come up to room temperature first to make it easier to mix into the filling!
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon.
- Feel free to use other kinds of cheese like pepper jack, mozzarella, Monterey jack, or even a Mexican blend.
- If you want to infuse your filling with more flavor, mix in some additional seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, or cumin.
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1: Prepare peppers. Cut each pepper in half and scrape out all of the seeds to make a hollow.
Step 2: Make filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, green onions, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Stuff peppers. Spoon a dollop of the cheese filling into each pepper. Top with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Air fry. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 375. Spritz with some olive oil before cooking for an extra crispy and golden brown top.
Recipe FAQs
This depends on how you prepare the peppers! All the heat is in the seeds and the “ribs” of the peppers, so if you scoop all of that out you’ll be left with a mild but flavorful pepper.
You can easily make a delicious sauce with some sour cream, mayo, and your seasonings of choice. Other good options are ranch dressing, buffalo sauce for more heat, or a nice creamy queso.
Allow the peppers to cool and transfer to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes, preparing ahead of time and freezing is a great way to make this recipe even more convenient! I would wait to add the panko bread crumbs until you’re ready to air fry them. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet or on a plate in a single layer. Once. they’re frozen you can transfer them to a storage container.
Pop them back in the air fryer at 350 until the filling is melty and bubbly again, or you can even toss them in the oven for a bit.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
- Air Fryer Nachos
- Air Fryer Radish Chips
- Air Fryer Cheese Bites
- Air Fryer Garlic Knots
If you tried these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeño peppers or 8 medium
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 strips bacon cooked and finely chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
- fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat (you might want to wear cut resistent gloves).6 large jalapeño peppers
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper.4 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 2 green onions, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 6 strips bacon, salt & pepper
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and dip the filled jalapeños into the panko, pressing lightly to adhere. For an extra crispy finish, spray the panko with a little olive oil spray.1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, olive oil spray
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉. Place the jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
- Let the jalapeño poppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish them with fresh parsley or chives and enjoy as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce!fresh chopped parsley or chives
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
Notes
- Spritz the poppers with olive oil before placing in the air fryer basket if you want your panko topping extra crispy.
- Feel free to leave out the bacon if you prefer!
- If you have extra filling, you can place it in a small oven dish, top with panko, and bake at 375 until warmed through and golden on top to make a mini cheesy bacon and onion dip!
