Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable Version)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, air-fried to golden perfection in just 25 minutes.

# 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 Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They cook in ten minutes flat, so you can whip up a crowd-pleaser while guests are still taking off their coats.
  • The creamy filling balances the heat just enough to keep you reaching for one more.
  • No deep fryer means no oil splatter and way less cleanup.
  • You control the spice level by how many seeds you leave in.
02 -
  • Softening the cream cheese completely is non-negotiable, or you will fight with lumps that never quite blend in.
  • Do not skip preheating the air fryer, because starting cold means uneven cooking and a pale, sad topping.
  • If you leave too many seeds in, even cheese lovers will tear up, so start conservative and add heat next time if you want.
03 -
  • Use a grapefruit spoon or a small melon baller to scoop out the seeds cleanly without tearing the pepper walls.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the poppers at eight minutes to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
  • Double the filling recipe and freeze half in a zip-top bag, then thaw it the next time you need a quick appetizer.
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