Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Print version)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, air-fried until golden. Quick, easy, and perfectly spicy appetizer.

# What you'll need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeños

→ Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coating

08 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash jalapeños thoroughly. Slice each in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to spice.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Spoon cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly to ensure generous filling.
05 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle or press breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Place poppers in a single layer in air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
07 - Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden brown and jalapeños are tender.
08 - Remove from air fryer. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They cook in just 10 minutes, so you can make a batch while guests are arriving.
  • The air fryer gives you crispy, golden tops without any messy deep frying.
  • The creamy cheese filling balances the jalapeño heat perfectly, so even spice-shy eaters enjoy them.
  • You can prep them hours ahead and air fry right before serving.
02 -
  • Wear gloves when handling the jalapeños, or wash your hands immediately after, because jalapeño oils can burn your skin and eyes for hours if you're not careful.
  • Don't skip preheating the air fryer, or the poppers will cook unevenly and the breadcrumbs won't crisp up properly.
  • If your jalapeños are small, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two so they don't get too soft and lose their structure.
  • Let the cream cheese soften fully before mixing, or you'll end up with lumps in the filling that are hard to smooth out.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the jalapeños neatly, which keeps the filling from spilling over the sides and burning in the air fryer.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, even if it means cooking in two batches, because good air circulation is what makes the tops crispy and golden.
  • If you like your poppers extra cheesy, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking and let it melt into the breadcrumbs.
Go back