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–+ servings
image of a top down realistic mise en place shot showing cream cheese fresh jalapenos bacon strips breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
katya bou

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

These crispy, creamy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers deliver all the flavor of a restaurant-style appetizer with less oil and mess. Stuffed with melting cheese and topped with crunchy panko, they're the perfect spicy bite for game day or movie night.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 24 poppers
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 jalapeño peppers halved lengthwise
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp green onions finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternative
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • Small Mixing Bowls
  • tongs
  • Melon Baller or Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and dry your jalapeños thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scrape out the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or melon baller. (Wear gloves to avoid irritation.)
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in bacon bits if using.
  4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Fill generously but avoid overfilling to prevent leakage.
  5. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
  6. Dip the open side of each stuffed jalapeño into the breadcrumb mixture and press gently so the crumbs adhere.
  7. Arrange poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until peppers are tender and topping is golden brown.
  8. Remove with tongs and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

For best results, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on size. To make ahead, stuff the peppers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, adding breadcrumbs just before cooking.
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