Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese

Imagine biting into a perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites/”>Buffalo tofu bites Air fryer chicken wings These little bites of heaven are not just appetizers; they’re the star of any gathering, turning even the most mundane weekday into a fiesta.

I still remember the first time I made these delightful poppers for a game night with friends. The laughter, the cheers, and the way everyone’s eyes lit up with every bite was priceless. Whether it’s a lively party, a cozy movie night, or simply a Tuesday that needs spicing up, these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are your go-to treat that promises to deliver joy and flavor in every crunch.

I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received when serving these poppers! Friends always beg for the recipe after their first bite. Creamy coconut lime chicken.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Jalapeños: Select firm, bright green jalapeños for optimal flavor. They should have smooth skin without any blemishes.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture and flavor. Soften it at room temperature before mixing.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delightful tanginess and depth. Grate it fresh for best results.
• Bacon Bits: Cooked bacon bits give an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.
• Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the jalapeños.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add extra crunch when air-fried, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Olive Oil Spray: Lightly misting with olive oil helps achieve that golden color and crispy texture without deep frying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and that lovely crispy texture we crave.

Prepare the Jalapeños: Carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat; keep them if you’re feeling adventurous!

Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and garlic powder until well blended. The mixture should be creamy with bits of bacon throughout.

Stuff Those Peppers: Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag for fun shapes. Don’t be shy—overstuffing is encouraged!

Coat with Panko: Dip each stuffed jalapeño into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Give them a light spray with olive oil to achieve that golden-brown perfection while cooking.

Air Fry Them Away: Place them in your preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!

Serve Warm: Once cooked, let them cool slightly before serving. Mango avocado salsa Pair with ranch dressing or salsa for dipping—your taste buds will thank you! You might also enjoy this Mango Avocado Salsa recipe.

And there you have it! Crunchy on the outside but creamy on the inside; these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or quiet night at home!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your air fryer while preparing the poppers. This ensures even cooking and that delightful crunch we all crave.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for goat cheese or add bacon bits for an extra flavor kick! Customize based on your taste preferences for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Sometimes, I make these poppers for my friends, and they vanish faster than I can say “jalapeño.” Their delighted faces are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

FAQ

Can I use frozen jalapeños for this recipe?

Frozen jalapeños work but may release more moisture during cooking, affecting texture.

How spicy are these air fryer jalapeño poppers with cream cheese?

The spiciness depends on the jalapeño variety; taste test before using them!

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff and refrigerate them a few hours prior to cooking.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 poppers 1x

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Description

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese are the ultimate bite-sized delights, combining spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese filling and a crispy panko coating. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these poppers deliver flavor in every crunch. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a must-try for any snack lover looking to add some zest to their gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 6 fresh jalapeños
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup bacon bits (cooked)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds if desired.
3. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Coat the stuffed jalapeños in panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray with olive oil.
6. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving with ranch dressing or salsa.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg