Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are stuffed with a cheesy, gooey cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon filling, and topped with a crispy crumb topping. They're cooked easily and quickly in the air fryer.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 20poppers
Calories 105kcal
Author Michelle
Ingredients
10fresh jalapenos
4slices baconchopped (optional)
8ouncescream cheesesoftened
1cupshredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼cupsliced green onions
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoonblack pepper
½cup Panko bread crumbs
3tablespoonsbuttermelted
1tablespoonfresh chopped or dried parsley(optional for color and garnish)
Instructions
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat. cook bacon pieces until crispy. Drain onto paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
Slice jalapeno in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and inner membranes. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, add cream cheese, cheese, green onions, bacon, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is incorporated.
Spoon the mixture into the peppers, about 1½ to 2 tablespoons for each half pepper. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, butter, and parsley.
Dip the cream cheese part of the filled peppers into the breadcrumb mixture.
Lay poppers in the air fryer in an even layer. (You may need to work in 2 to 3 batches depending on the size of the air fryer. There should be space between each pepper to ensure it cooks evenly.)
Cook at 370°F for about 7 minutes. Check at 7 minutes and if jalapenos are not at desired softness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Video
Notes
Bacon is fun to add, but not necessary. Feel free to skip it to save time or add it if you love bacon!
Wear gloves. When you handle spicy peppers, gloves help prevent accidental burns in your eyes or hands. Always wash your hands after preparing spicy peppers.
Work in batches. If you have a small air fryer, stretch the cooking over multiple batches to ensure they have enough air flow to get crisp. Don’t crowd the basket.
Storage: Store poppers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat poppers in the air fryer for about 3 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezer: Prepare according to recipe instructions, and stop before cooking. Lay flat on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Then cook from frozen, adding a couple minutes to account for them being frozen.