Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

These air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect party appetiser – crispy, creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy.

Made with fresh jalapeños, a savoury cream cheese filling, crispy panko topping, and a touch of smoky bacon, these poppers are quick to make and totally addictive. Using the air fryer means they turn out perfectly golden without the mess of deep frying.

Tips for Best Results

• Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation or accidentally transferring heat to your eyes.
• Adjust spice levels by removing all seeds and membranes for milder poppers, or leaving a bit in for extra heat.
• Don’t overfill the jalapeños – too much filling may bubble out during cooking.
• Use preheated air fryer for the best crisp texture on the topping.
• If your jalapeños are very large, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Jalapeños – Choose firm, fresh jalapeños. Serrano peppers can be substituted for more heat.
• Cream Cheese – Full-fat works best, but light cream cheese is fine too.
• Cheddar Cheese – Use sharp cheddar for the best flavour; Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great alternatives.
• Bacon Crumbles – Real bacon bits add smoky flavour. You can omit for a vegetarian option.
• Mayonnaise – Helps smooth out the filling. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used instead.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds a crispy topping. Regular breadcrumbs can be used in a pinch, but won’t be as light and crunchy.
• Salt & Garlic Powder – Season to taste; garlic granules or onion powder can be swapped in.

Looking for More Tasty Appetizers?

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Yields: 4 Servings | Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 7–9 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 fresh jalapeños
• 4 tablespoons bacon crumbles
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• One-third teaspoon salt
• One-third teaspoon granulated garlic

Directions:

1. Prepare jalapeños:
   Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. For safety, wear latex gloves.
2. Make the filling:
   In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon crumbles, mayonnaise, salt, and garlic.
3. Stuff the jalapeños:
   Spoon the filling into each jalapeño half, smoothing the top. (Image 1)
4. Add the topping:
   Lightly press panko breadcrumbs onto the surface of each filled jalapeño.
5. Air fry:
   Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place jalapeños in a single layer in the basket and cook for 7 minutes. If needed, continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes until golden and bubbly. (Image 2)
6. Serve hot:
   Enjoy immediately while the cheese is melty and warm.