Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños filled with creamy cheese blend, air-fried golden. Quick appetizer with irresistible kick.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeños

→ Filling

02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coating

08 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons cooked crumbled bacon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash jalapeños thoroughly. Slice each in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to spice.
03 - In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly above the edges.
05 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle or press the breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
07 - Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden brown and jalapeños are tender.
08 - Remove from air fryer. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm with ranch or sour cream dip.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come out of the air fryer golden and crackling, with none of the grease you get from frying.
  • The creamy filling cools down the heat just enough to keep you reaching for another.
  • You can prep them in the morning and air fry them right before guests arrive.
  • Even people who claim they don't like spice end up asking for the recipe.
02 -
  • Removing all the seeds makes them mild enough for most people, but leaving a few in gives you that extra kick without making them unbearable.
  • Don't skip mixing oil into the breadcrumbs, dry crumbs just blow around in the air fryer and never turn golden.
  • If your jalapeños are small, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two so they don't shrivel up.
03 -
  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños if you have sensitive skin, and whatever you do, don't touch your eyes until you've washed your hands twice.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 7 minutes to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the jalapeños if you want them to look neat, but honestly, messy ones taste just as good.
Go Back