Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, air-fried golden in just 25 minutes for a perfect appetizer.

# What You 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

# How-To:

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 bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly on top.
05 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly moistened. Sprinkle or press the breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
07 - Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until tops are golden and jalapeños are tender.
08 - Remove from air fryer. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • They come out crispy on top and creamy inside without any deep frying mess.
  • You can control the heat level by choosing milder peppers or leaving in some seeds.
  • The air fryer makes them fast enough to throw together on a weeknight.
  • They taste like restaurant appetizers but cost a fraction of the price.
02 -
  • Removing all the seeds and membranes makes them mild enough for most people, but leaving a few seeds in amps up the heat.
  • Don't skip preheating the air fryer or the poppers won't crisp up as well on the outside.
  • If the breadcrumbs aren't browning, lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds cleanly without tearing the pepper walls.
  • If you want them extra indulgent, mix a little cooked crumbled sausage into the filling along with the cheeses.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or the poppers will steam instead of crisping up.
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