Prepare to elevate your snack game with these incredible Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers! They are undeniably a crowd-pleaser, consistently vanishing first at any gathering. Imagine a harmonious blend of creamy, rich cheese filling, encased in smoky, perfectly crispy bacon, all surrounding a perfectly cooked jalapeño. The magic happens in your air fryer, making this popular appetizer incredibly easy and fast to prepare, all without heating up your entire kitchen.

I’ve personally crafted this recipe countless times, and the results are always a resounding success. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also delivers that irresistible crispy bacon texture and tender-crisp jalapeño that deep-frying often achieves, but with far less oil and mess.

“Cheesy, spicy, smoky, and crispy, these jalapeño poppers check all the boxes for the ultimate party snack.”

-Becky

The true beauty of making these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers lies in their versatility. This delightful appetizer is perfect for virtually any occasion – whether you’re hosting a lively game day party, firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, or simply craving a quick and satisfying weekend snack. Thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer, you can have a batch of these hot and ready to devour in under 20 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute addition to any menu.

If you’re as enthusiastic about these poppers as we are, you’ll surely love exploring other fantastic air fryer recipes. Consider whipping up our Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs for another smoky, savory treat, or dive into the flavors of our Air Fryer Taco Ring. For a simpler, yet equally delicious, vegetable side, try our Air Fryer Mushrooms. And if these poppers are serving as a fantastic side dish, you can easily pair them with main courses like juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers or a quick Air Fryer Pizza for complete and satisfying dinner ideas!

Ingredients You Will Need for Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Crafting these irresistible air fryer jalapeño poppers requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. The key is to start with fresh, high-quality components to ensure the best flavor and texture in your finished snack.

• Jalapeños: Choose firm, bright green peppers without blemishes. The size of your jalapeños will dictate how much filling they hold and how much bacon you’ll need.
• Cream cheese, softened: Essential for that wonderfully smooth and creamy center. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth and extra cheesy goodness to the filling. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Bacon: The crispy, smoky exterior that ties everything together. Regular cut bacon works best for wrapping.

You’ll find a complete, detailed list of ingredients with exact measurements in the recipe card provided below.

Exciting Variations & Serving Suggestions

While the classic air fryer jalapeño popper is perfect on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to customize them to your taste or for different occasions:

• Add Crumbs for Extra Crunch: For an irresistible textural contrast, lightly sprinkle panko breadcrumbs (or even crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option) mixed with a touch of melted butter over the cream cheese filling before you wrap them with bacon. This adds a delightful crispy layer.
• Change Up the Cheeses: Get creative with your cheese blend! Instead of just cheddar, try mixing in pepper jack for an extra kick, Monterey jack for more melty goodness, or a smoky gouda for a sophisticated twist. A combination of cheddar and a milder cheese often works wonderfully.
• Serve with a Drizzling Sauce: Elevate your poppers with a dipping or drizzling sauce. A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce can add an incredible dimension, while a cool and tangy ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heat.
• Boost with Seasonings: Infuse more flavor directly into your cheese filling. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of your favorite all-purpose seasoning can take the taste to the next level. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste!
• Make them Sweeter & Spicier: For a popular sweet and spicy combination, add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to your cream cheese mixture. This creates a delightful caramelized effect when cooked.
• Stuff with Proteins: For a heartier popper, mix finely chopped cooked chicken, pulled pork, or even a bit of ground sausage into your cream cheese filling.

How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these air fryer jalapeño poppers is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of crispy, cheesy perfection.

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Begin by slicing each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or a small knife, carefully remove all the seeds and the white membrane inside. This is where most of the heat resides, so removing them will make your poppers milder. For extra mildness, rinse the jalapeño halves gently under cold water to wash away any lingering seeds. Remember to wear gloves during this step to protect your hands from the capsaicin, which can cause irritation.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir these together thoroughly until you have a smooth and well-incorporated mixture. This creamy filling is the heart of your poppers, so ensure it’s perfectly blended. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.

3. Stuff the Jalapeños: Using a small spoon, carefully fill each jalapeño half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the filling is packed in neatly but don’t overstuff them, as some cheese might escape during cooking. Aim for a level or slightly mounded surface.

4. Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each cheese-stuffed jalapeño. For larger poppers, you might need a whole slice; for smaller ones, cutting a slice in half might be sufficient. Ensure the bacon completely covers the cheese filling to prevent it from oozing out. If needed, secure the bacon tightly with a toothpick.

5. Air Fry the Poppers: Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped poppers in a single layer within your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this is crucial for achieving crispy bacon. If necessary, cook in multiple batches. Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and cook for 12–15 minutes.

6. Check for Doneness: Your poppers are perfectly cooked when the bacon is beautifully golden brown and crispy to your preference, and the jalapeños are tender. Depending on the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your bacon, cooking times may need slight adjustments. Always keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking cycle to prevent burning.

Expert Tips for Perfect Poppers Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality air fryer jalapeño poppers is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your poppers are consistently delicious, crispy, and perfectly cooked:

• Always Use Gloves: Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can severely irritate your skin and eyes. Wearing disposable gloves (latex, nitrile, or even plastic food prep gloves) when handling and deseeding them is highly recommended. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, even if wearing gloves, before touching your face.
• Slightly Pre-cook Bacon for Extra Crispiness: If you desire intensely crispy bacon that renders perfectly, consider pre-cooking your bacon slices halfway before wrapping the peppers. You can do this by microwaving them on a paper towel-lined plate for 30-60 seconds, or briefly cooking them in a pan until just starting to crisp but still pliable enough to wrap. This step ensures the bacon gets fully crispy without overcooking the jalapeños.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air frying. Overcrowding prevents proper airflow, leading to steamed rather than crispy bacon. Always arrange your poppers in a single layer with a little space between each one. If you have a large batch, air fry them in multiple smaller batches for optimal results.
• Choose the Right Jalapeños: Look for firm, vibrant green jalapeños. Smaller peppers tend to be hotter, while larger ones are milder. If you want less heat, choose larger, smoother peppers. For more heat, look for smaller peppers with “stretch marks” or white lines, which indicate higher capsaicin content.
• Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: Softened cream cheese mixes easily with cheddar and spreads smoothly into the jalapeño halves. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and harder to work with, potentially tearing the delicate pepper.
• Secure Bacon with Toothpicks: Sometimes, especially with thicker bacon, it can unwrap during cooking. Using a toothpick to secure the bacon seam ensures it stays in place, allowing it to crisp up beautifully around the filling. Remember to remove them before serving!
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, and cooking times can differ. Check your poppers at the 10-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the jalapeño should be tender-crisp.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers FAQs

Got questions about making the perfect air fryer jalapeño poppers? We’ve got answers to some of the most common inquiries:

4.67 from 59 votes

Servings:
10

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

By
Becky

These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are incredibly simple to make and always a showstopper! Each bite is packed with a creamy, cheesy filling and then perfectly wrapped with crispy, smoky bacon. They’re quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – ideal for any gathering or a satisfying snack.

Prep:
10 minutes mins

Cook:
12 minutes mins

Total:
22 minutes mins

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Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon or knife for deseeding
• Optional: Disposable gloves
• Optional: Toothpicks

Ingredients 

• ▢ 10 medium Jalapeños
• ▢ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 10 slices bacon, regular cut works best
• ▢ Optional: Toothpicks

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Instructions 

• Carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. With a small spoon or knife, scoop out all of the seeds and the white membrane inside. Gently rinse the jalapeños under cold water to ensure all seeds are removed, which helps reduce the heat. Remember to wear gloves!
• In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and smooth.
• Spoon a generous amount of the creamy cheese mixture into each hollowed-out jalapeño half, filling them completely.
• Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each cheese-filled jalapeño. Ensure the bacon tightly covers the filling. If necessary, use a toothpick to secure the bacon so it stays wrapped during cooking.
• Arrange the prepared poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed to allow proper airflow for crispy bacon. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully golden brown and crispy to your preference, and the jalapeños are tender. (Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model and bacon thickness.)

Video Tutorial

Notes

Use gloves: Jalapeños can irritate skin and eyes, so always wear disposable gloves (if you have them) when handling them, especially when removing seeds and membranes.
Pre-cook bacon slightly: For exceptionally crispy bacon, consider microwaving the bacon slices for 30-60 seconds before wrapping the peppers. This helps render some fat and speeds up the crisping process in the air fryer.
Don’t overcrowd: Air fry in batches to ensure proper air circulation. This is key for crispy bacon and evenly cooked jalapeños. Overfilling the basket will result in steamed, rather than fried, results.
Storage: Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results.

 

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 167kcal

,

Carbohydrates: 3g

,

Protein: 7g

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Fat: 15g

,

Saturated Fat: 8g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

,

Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

,

Trans Fat: 0.01g

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Cholesterol: 42mg

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Sodium: 280mg

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Potassium: 113mg

,

Fiber: 0.4g

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Sugar: 1g

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Vitamin A: 572IU

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Vitamin C: 17mg

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Calcium: 104mg

,

Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Factors like ingredient brands and exact measurements can affect the final nutritional values.

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