Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect combination of spicy and creamy, with a crispy, cheesy filling inside a slightly smoky jalapeño pepper. They’re an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and healthier than the traditional deep-fried version. With just a few simple ingredients like cream cheese, cheese, and bacon, these poppers come out crispy and gooey in the air fryer, making them a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients:

  • 6 large fresh jalapeños
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional but adds great flavor)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
  • Olive oil spray (for crispiness)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. You can wear gloves while doing this to avoid irritation from the peppers.
  2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), crumbled bacon (optional), and salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
  3. Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing it down gently to fill the cavity completely.
  4. Optional – Add Crunch: If you’d like an extra crispy exterior, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the stuffed jalapeños. Lightly spray the top with olive oil for an even crispier finish.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Air Fry the Jalapeño Poppers: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the poppers are golden brown and crispy on top.
  7. Serve: Let the jalapeño poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them as-is or with a dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream to balance out the heat.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Popper):

  • Calories: 90-120 kcal (depending on the size of jalapeños and filling)
  • Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 180-250mg
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with just the right amount of heat. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at parties or as a snack for yourself. Adjust the level of spice by removing more or fewer seeds from the peppers, and enjoy!