Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Air fryer jalapeño poppers have a crisp, golden top and a hot, creamy center in about 8 minutes, with no splattering oil. The peppers soften just enough to take the edge off the heat, and the cheese filling stays inside when you do not overfill. This recipe covers classic cream cheese poppers, with times for bacon-wrapped and frozen jalapeño poppers in the air fryer.
- Temperature
- 370°F190 °C
- Total time
- 39min
- Prep time
- 20min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 190kcal
Why the air fryer works for jalapeño poppers
A jalapeño popper has three parts that need different things: a firm pepper, a soft filling and a crisp top. Baking in an oven takes 20 minutes and often leaves the pepper soggy. In the air fryer, the moving hot air crisps the crumbs and cheese on top while the pepper cooks in its own steam inside the cut half.
Because the filling sits exposed, the cheese browns in spots and the cream cheese turns hot and creamy. Frying would also work, but the air fryer needs only a spoonful of melted butter. This makes air fryer jalapeño poppers simple enough for a weeknight snack, and quick enough to make while the game starts.
How to make jalapeño poppers in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prep the peppers Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and white ribs with a small spoon. Leave the ribs in for more heat.
- Make the filling Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt and cilantro until smooth. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each half, mounding it slightly.
- Add the crumb topping Stir the panko with the melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon on top of each filled half so it sticks to the cheese.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 370 °F for .
- Cook Arrange 8 poppers in the basket, cut side up and not touching. Cook for at 370 °F, until the tops are golden and the peppers have softened. Cook the rest in a second batch.
- Rest Let the poppers sit for . The filling is very hot straight out of the basket.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, cream cheese | 370 °F (190 °C) | 8 min |
| Bacon-wrappedNot vegetarian, flip once | 370 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Frozen, breadedDo not thaw | 380 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Reheat leftover | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Choose peppers of even size. Large, wide jalapeños hold more filling. Pick ones that are similar so they finish together.
- Chill the stuffed peppers. Fifteen minutes in the refrigerator firms the filling and cuts down on leaking.
- Mind the heat. Remove the seeds and white ribs, and wear gloves. Do not touch your eyes.
Classic, bacon-wrapped or frozen
The recipe above is the no bacon version, with a crisp panko top. For bacon-wrapped poppers, cut thin bacon slices in half, wrap each stuffed half and secure with a toothpick (not vegetarian). The bacon needs 12 to 14 minutes to render and crisp, so use thin-cut bacon, which cooks through faster than thick-cut. If you are cooking store-bought frozen poppers, skip thawing and follow the variant times, because their breading is designed to crisp from frozen. Looking for another crunchy appetizer? Try bacon in the air fryer on its own to serve alongside.
What to serve with jalapeño poppers
Cool ranch, sour cream or a sweet chili dip balances the heat. For game day, serve with chicken wings and nachos. More appetizers are in the snacks category.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate cooked poppers for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat at 350 °F for 3 to 4 minutes until hot and crisp. Unbaked stuffed poppers freeze well on a tray; cook them from frozen at 370 °F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Variations
- Crumbled sausage: Mix ¼ cup cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage into the filling (not vegetarian).
- Smoky: Use smoked gouda and extra paprika.
- Breaded: Dip in flour, egg and panko for a heavier crust, then spray with oil and cook 10 minutes.
- Mild: Swap jalapeños for mini sweet peppers and cook 6 to 7 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The cheese melts out
- The filling was too soft or too full. Mound the filling lightly and chill the stuffed peppers for 15 minutes before cooking.
- The peppers are still firm
- Large peppers need more time. Add 2 minutes, or choose medium peppers, which soften faster.
- The crumbs fall off
- Press the crumbs firmly into the cheese and use melted butter, which acts as glue. Do not crowd the basket.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook jalapeño poppers in the air fryer?
Fresh stuffed poppers take 8 to 10 minutes at 370 °F. Frozen store-bought poppers take 8 to 10 minutes at 380 °F.
Can I cook bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in the air fryer?
Yes. Wrap each half in a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Cook at 370 °F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is crisp.
Are air fryer jalapeño poppers spicy?
Heat depends on the pepper. Removing the seeds and white ribs reduces the heat. Soaking the halves in cold water for 10 minutes also helps.
Can I make them without cream cheese?
Yes. Use shredded cheese mixed with a spoonful of sour cream, or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar with a little mayonnaise to bind.
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