Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are insanely scrumptious – stuffed with melty cream cheese and cheddar, with crispy bacon and chives. Just 10 minutes of prep and even less time in the air fryer is all you need for the perfect game day food or quick party snack!
If you love a boatload of flavor in one super easy and quick snackable party food, then this jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe is definitely for you!!
Fair warning, though – I often have to make a double batch of this jalapeno poppers recipe, because one serving usually isn’t enough!
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Crisp, juicy and spicy chiles stuffed with smooth cream cheese and savory bacon bits, then topped with melty cheddar and a sprinkling of crunchy crackers.
This party snack has the perfect storm of texture and flavors! They go great with our air fryer burgers.
If you don’t have an air fryer, I have a ton of jalapeno recipes you can make to enjoy the same flavors.
You can enjoy the flavors of jalapeno poppers smoked, stuffed into pretzel bombs and meatballs, or in a creamy skillet dip!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Jalapenos – I like to make these with larger peppers for nice, big bites!
But you could get away with smaller ones – just keep in mind you won’t be able to fit as much filling. - Cooked Crumbled Bacon – You can use bacon bits, but I like making it fresh!
In fact, whenever I make bacon in the oven, I cook extra to crumble and use throughout the week. - Cracker Crumbs – I like to use Ritz, but any butter cracker will do!
Try to avoid thinner crackers, such as Saltines, that may get a bit soggy once in contact with the filling. - Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese – While you can’t go wrong with cheddar cheese, Monterey or Colby Jack are great substitutes.
Cream Cheese Alternatives – If cream cheese isn’t your thing, you have a few other options!
Mascarpone cheese is pretty close in flavor and texture. For a lighter option, try plain Greek yogurt. - Green Chiles and Chives – Either of these can be left out if you’re not a fan.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers FAQ
Making my jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe takes less than 10 minutes!
The best way to tell when your poppers are done is by looking at the topping. When the crackers just begin to brown, they’re ready to eat!
Let them cool for a bit before serving, as the cream cheese gets quite hot.
400°F is the best temperature for making jalapeno poppers in the air fryer. At this temp, the peppers are tender-crisp, but not raw or overcooked.
The only thing better than bacon on the inside is when it’s on the outside too!
Wrap them in a strip of bacon, and place them in your fryer seam-side down, where the two ends of the piece of bacon meet. Be sure to air fry them until the bacon is completely cooked.
Reheating Jalapeno Poppers In Air Fryer
This appetizer is best eaten while it’s hot and fresh. The cracker crumbs and the jalapeno both become soggy and soft after a night in the fridge.
But if you do keep leftovers and want some the next day, put the jalapeno poppers in air fryer for a couple of minutes.
You could also reheat them in the oven.
What is a good sauce for jalapeno poppers?
You can’t go wrong with dipping sauces that are smooth, cool, and zesty – the flavors pair perfectly with this jalapeno poppers recipe.
My first recommendation is a chipotle lime mayo. It has a bit of heat, but the acidity of the lime and creaminess of the mayo tones down the spicy air fryer jalapeno poppers!
They’re also fantastic dipped in barbecue ranch dressing (cool and a bit sweet), a simple marinara, or any yogurt-based sauce.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeno peppers, halved and deseeded
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs, I use Ritz
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
Instructions
- Add softened cream cheese to a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Add bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese and green chiles, then beat until well blended.
- Place jalapeno halves on a plate. Fill generously with cream cheese filling.
- Mix cracker crumbs and butter together in a shallow dish.
- Press each stuffed jalapeno, filling side down, firmly into cracker crumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Line the air fryer with a parchment paper liner, then place jalapeno halves in a single layer. onto the liner. Air fry for 6-7 minutes, or until topping is beginning to brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with chives, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2022
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Jalapeno’s are my favorite food, so these are AMAZING. My boyfriend (who also LOVES Jalapeno) absolutely loved it. This is going to be made weekly in my house.