Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a spicy, cheesy snack that’s quick to make and perfect for gatherings. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they offer a delicious kick with every bite. Using an air fryer makes them healthier and super easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 10 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise (about 1 1/2 oz. each)
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup very finely chopped cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked crispy bacon
- 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz.)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- Bacon bits, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, scallion, smoked paprika, hot sauce, garlic, and fresh dill. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Step 3: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully discard the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
- Step 4: Evenly stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Step 5: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer basket and spray them lightly with cooking spray.
- Step 6: Cook in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are browned and the jalapeños are tender.
- Step 7: Remove from the air fryer and top with bacon bits and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Step 8: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon, and add extra cheese or chopped nuts for texture.
- If you prefer milder poppers, leave more seeds in or use milder peppers like mini sweet peppers.
- Use plain or flavored panko breadcrumbs to vary the crunch and seasoning.
- Try experimenting with different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella for new flavor profiles.
Storage
Store leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the jalapeños in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just add the breadcrumbs and cooking spray right before air frying for best texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these jalapeño poppers in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
Print
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, creamy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, chicken, bacon, cheddar, and spices. These spicy appetizers are quick to prepare and perfectly cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, making them a delicious snack or party favorite.
Ingredients
Jalapeños
- 10 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise (about 1 1/2 oz. each)
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup very finely chopped cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked crispy bacon
- 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz.)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
Toppings and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Bacon bits, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) to ensure it is ready for cooking the jalapeno poppers evenly.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cooked chicken, crispy bacon, shredded sharp Cheddar, scallion, smoked paprika, hot sauce, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together to create a flavorful filling.
- Prepare jalapeños: Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and carefully discard the seeds and membranes to reduce excessive heat and make room for the filling.
- Stuff jalapeños: Evenly spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them completely. Sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchy topping after cooking.
- Arrange and spray: Place the stuffed jalapeños into the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
- Air fry: Cook the stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the jalapeños are tender but still hold their shape.
- Garnish: After cooking, sprinkle the poppers with bacon bits and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the jalapeno poppers warm with your favorite dipping sauce on the side for a spicy, creamy appetizer everyone will love.
Notes
- For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before stuffing.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor in the filling.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on size of jalapeños and your air fryer model.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variation.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast to the spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jalapeno Poppers, Air Fryer Appetizer, Spicy Snack, Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos, Party Food
