Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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Air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer or snack to get your next party or game day started. Jalapeño peppers are stuffed with two different kinds of cheese, seasoning and wrapped in bacon. They cook quickly in the air fryer and are ready in under 10 minutes!

plate of air fryer cheesy jalapeño poppers. — Plate of cheesy, scrumptious air fryer jalapeño poppers

Love my air fryer jalapeño poppers? Try my Air Fried Pickles and my Air Fryer Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons for more delicious game day snack recipes!

Jalapeño poppers are wildly popular at every party I’ve been to. It’s hard to resist these delicious cheese filled peppers, especially when they’re wrapped in bacon. They go so fast, everyone will be searching for more!

Ditch the pre-made frozen jalapeño poppers because these made from scratch jalapeño poppers are made with only 5 ingredients and take only 15 minutes to prep. They are so delicious and easy to make homemade without all the preservatives of the frozen boxed stuff.

crispy plate of air fryer jalapeño poppers. — Crispy plate of air fryer jalapeño poppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the easiest snacks to make in the air fryer!
They’re perfectly bite-sized and filled with cheese.
You’ll love how easy is it to make homemade jalapeño poppers.
Air frying makes this snack so much easier, and healthier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jalapeño Peppers – Look for jalapeños that are a bit larger in size so you can easily stuff and wrap them. You also don’t want jalapeños that curl or are shaped funny. Ones that will lay flat once they are cut in half are the best.
Cream Cheese – Soften the cream cheese to room temperature. You can use low-fat cream cheese here too.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar is the best!
Ranch Seasoning – Prepackaged ranch seasoning or a homemade ranch seasoning works.
Bacon – Use your favorite bacon. I just don’t recommend a thick cut because it will take too long to cook. You can cut back on calories by using only half a bacon slice per popper.

How To Make This Recipe

eight image process making air fryer jalapeño poppers. — Air fryer jalapeño poppers process

Step 1: Prep the jalapeños.

Cut the jalapeños in half and scoop out the seeds and membranes. *Be careful not to rub your eyes before washing your hands*

Step 2: Make the filling.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses and seasoning.

Step 3: Stuff and wrap in bacon.

Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Wrap each half with a slice of bacon.

Step 4: Air fry the poppers.

Place the poppers in the air fryer basket and cook on 425 degrees F for 14-15 minutes, or until bacon is cooked to your liking. Enjoy!

air fryer bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers with a bite. — A bite taken out of a delicious jalapeño popper

Recipe Tips

Buy large, round jalapeños that can hold a lot of the filling.
Chilling your jalapeño poppers for about and hour before cooking them can help prevent the filling from bubbling up and spilling out of the jalapeño. You can also make them the day before and keep them in the refrigerator overnight.
Not overstuffing the poppers will also prevent the filling from falling out.
Preheat the air fryer for a more even cook.
There’s no need to wrap the poppers too tight with the bacon. As the bacon shrinks during cooking it will cover less of the jalapeño popper.

Variations

Swap in bacon bits instead of wrapping the poppers with bacon.
Looking for something even healthier? Try wrapping the poppers in turkey bacon!
Want to bake these in the oven instead? Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes.
For a crunchier popper, sprinkle the cheese with a Panko breadcrumb/parmesan cheese mix instead of wrapping them in bacon.

Storing

Storing: Place the poppers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If layering the poppers, place some parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating: To reheat, place the jalapeño poppers on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they will lose their crispiness.

Freezing: You can freeze jalapeño poppers, but you will want to do it before cooking them. After you’ve prepped the poppers by stuffing them and wrapping them in bacon, place them in a freezer safe container or zip top bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?

Yes! Do all the prep work the night before cooking them. Keep them stored in the refrigerator in a zip top bag, or wrapped in plastic wrap. Cook them the next day when you are ready!

Can I serve jalapeño poppers with a sauce?

Absolutely! Ranch, BBQ sauce and cilantro lime crema are all delicious dipping sauces.

Are jalapeño poppers spicy?

Not really. Jalapeños are a mild pepper that become less spicy after cooking. The seeds are also scooped out and replaced with a delicious cheese filling.

Yield: 10 Servings

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer or snack to get your next party or game day started. Jalapeño peppers are stuffed with two different kinds of cheese, seasoning and wrapped in bacon. They cook quickly in the air fryer and are ready in under 10 minutes!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Ingredients

5 jalapeño peppers
8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
10 slices bacon

Instructions

Cut the jalapeños in half and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses and seasoning.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Wrap each half with a slice of bacon.
Place the poppers in the air fryer basket and cook on 380° for 8 minutes, or until bacon is cooked to your liking. Enjoy!

Notes

Use thin cut bacon for a crispier cooked bacon. You can also use half a slice per popper for less calories.
Use reduced fat cream cheese for lower calories.
Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
Chilling your jalapeño poppers for about and hour before cooking them can help prevent the filling from bubbling up and spilling out of the jalapeño. You can also make them the day before and keep them in the refrigerator overnight.
Storing: Place the poppers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If layering the poppers, place some parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating: place the jalapeño poppers on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they will lose their crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze jalapeño poppers, but you will want to do it before cooking them. After you’ve prepped the poppers by stuffing them and wrapping them in bacon, place them in a freezer safe container or zip top bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.