Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers have a rich cream cheese filling and a crispy breadcrumb topping! They’re ready in just 12 minutes in the air fryer and make the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer! 

If you’re planning a game day gathering with friends, you’ll want to add these jalapeno poppers to the menu. They’re quick and easy, and the air fryer ensures the peppers are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy!

We love to pair these poppers with other air fryer finger foods like these air fryer popcorn shrimp, air fryer ravioli, air fryer pierogies and air fryer tater tots!

We also have a love for spicy jalapeno snacks, so game day gatherings usually include these jalapeno hush puppies and this cranberry jalapeno dip! Be sure to check them out if you’re a jalapeno lover like us!

And don't forget these ultra delicious roasted jalapenos - they are amazing used in salsa but also good as a snack 🙂

Check out the air fryer jalapeno poppers story!

Why this recipe works

1. The air fryer saves time! Oven baked jalapeno poppers can take over 20 minutes to bake but when you prepare them in the air fryer, they bake up golden brown and delicious in just 10-12 minutes!
2. Using the air fryer means you can free up your oven space for other delicious finger foods like these crispy baked BBQ chicken wings.
3. The addition of crumbled bacon makes them less work than bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers but you still get the salty bacon goodness paired with the rich cheesy filling and spicy jalapeno flavor!

What is an Air Fryer?

The Air Fryer is a healthier alternative to frying foods. It's basically a small, powerful convection oven that sits on your countertop.

It circulates hot air around the food you're cooking, which is what gives it that crisp texture that mimics fried food (without all the grease).

Read more about the health benefits of using an air fryer.

I personally use this Ninja MAX XL Air Fryer because it hold 5.5 quarts, which is more than most. It has worked great so far and we just love how easy it is to use!

Ingredients

For the full list of ingredients and quantities, please see the recipe card below.

You’ll need 6-8 jalapenos for this recipe. Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to make room for the cheesy filling. (The seeds are also where most of the jalapeno heat comes from, so removing them will lessen the heat).

For the filling, you’ll need 5 ounces of cream cheese, which should be softened so it mixes together easily with the other ingredients. (I usually let mine sit at room temperature for a little bit to soften it).

To mix in with the cream cheese, the recipe calls for 2 pieces of cooked crumbled bacon. To save time, you can buy precooked bacon or crumbled bacon.

The cream cheese mixture is flavored with a tablespoon of minced chives. If you can’t find fresh chives, green onion will work as a substitute.

We’re not over doing it on the cheese, but you’ll need 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. For the best quality, I normally buy the block and grate it myself but you can also use the store-bought shredded kind.

If you prefer another type of cheese, cheddar or mozzarella work well too.

For the crispy topping, the recipe calls for ⅓ cup of panko breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Make sure you’re using panko crumbs and not regular breadcrumbs which are soft and will not create the same golden brown and crispy topping.

Step by step instructions

Stir the breadcrumbs and melted butter together and set aside.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine.

Spread the mixture into each jalapeno half until all the filling has been used.

Top with the buttered breadcrumbs.

Place the jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 325F degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisped.

Repeat with second batch, if necessary.

Dip options

There are so many delicious ways to serve jalapeno poppers. Here are a few of our favorite dips to serve them with:

• Ranch Dressing
• Spicy Cajun Remoulade Sauce
• Pesto Sauce
• Avocado Dip
• Argentinian Chimichurri
• Red Chimichurri
• Blue Cheese Dressing
• Cilantro Lime Dip

Expert tips

1. When cutting the jalapenos, it’s best to wear gloves and use a spoon to remove the seeds. If you don’t use gloves, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and be careful not to touch your face or eyes.
2. Instead of parmesan cheese, feel free to use mozzarella or cheddar cheese. 
3. For even cooking, air fry the jalapeno poppers in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, this may require air frying in two batches.
4. Keep an eye on the poppers as the breadcrumb topping can brown quickly.
5. When adding the breadcrumbs to the top of the cream cheese filling, try to press it in a little instead of just sprinkling it on. You don’t want any of the breadcrumbs flying around in the air fryer!
6. If your air fryer model requires preheating, you should preheat it before adding the jalapeno poppers.
7. Different air fryer brands and models will vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly. 

Common questions

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftover air fried jalapeno poppers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 3-4 days.

To reheat, air fry them on 350F degrees for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy on top and heated through.

Make ahead instructions

There are a few different options for making these jalapeno poppers in advance.

You can prepare the filling and jalapenos 1-2 days in advance and then stuff the jalapenos and top with the breadcrumbs just before air frying.

You can completely assemble the jalapeno poppers and store them covered in the fridge up to a day in advance. When ready to enjoy, just remove from the fridge and air fry.

Other air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes
• Air Fryer Cheesecake

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!