Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese filling, air-fried golden. Ready in 25 minutes for the perfect appetizer.

# What You'll 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash jalapeños and slice each in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to spice.
03 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture, mounding slightly.
05 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle or press mixture onto tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange poppers in single layer in air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
07 - Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden and jalapeños are tender.
08 - If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They come together in under half an hour, perfect for last-minute guests or game day cravings.
  • The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crunch without the mess or extra oil.
  • You control the heat level by how thoroughly you scrape out the seeds.
  • The creamy, cheesy filling balances the jalapeño bite in a way that keeps you reaching for just one more.
02 -
  • Remove as many seeds and membranes as you can if you want mild poppers; leaving a few seeds in amps up the heat significantly.
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese or you'll end up with a lumpy filling that doesn't spread evenly.
  • Tossing breadcrumbs with oil before topping is the secret to getting them crispy without any soggy patches.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the jalapeños neatly and avoid messy edges.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the poppers at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  • For a smoky twist, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
Go Back