Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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! 

jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe

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 ingredients

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!

filling for air fryer jalapeno poppers

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. 
stuffed jalapeno poppers

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers FAQ

How long to cook jalapeno poppers in air fryer?

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.

What temperature do you set an air fryer to for jalapeno poppers?

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.

Want more bacon? Make bacon wrapped air fryer jalapeno poppers! 

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.

stuffed jalapenos in air fryer basket

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. 

jalapeno poppers on wood board

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter Pinterest | Instagram 


spicy appetizers

air fryer jalapeno poppers closeup

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Donna Elick
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers have a creamy, spicy filling with a perfect crunchy topping. This is the best jalapeno popper recipe around!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Method Air Fryer
Servings 4 3 popper servings

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

Serving: 1 | Calories: 509cal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 792mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 1mg

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.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe

Originally published September 2022

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The Simple Kitchen cookbook affiliate linked banner

One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating