Zesty Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe for Spicy Snacking

Spice lovers rejoice as these air fryer jalapeño poppers deliver a crispy, creamy explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Stuffed with a rich blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, these jalapeño poppers pack a punch of heat and indulgence.

The air fryer works magic, creating a perfectly golden exterior that crackles with each bite.

Loaded with zesty jalapeños and a creamy filling, these poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any gathering.

Unlike traditional deep-fried versions, this recipe offers a healthier twist without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering snack ready in minutes.

Get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible, spicy bites that are impossible to resist.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers – What You’ll Need

• Jalapenos: Fresh, vibrant peppers that deliver a spicy kick, choose firm and glossy peppers without blemishes.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that provides creamy texture and balances the heat, select full-fat version for best results.
• Sharp Cheddar: Adds tangy depth and melty goodness, opt for freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor.

• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion bite and bright color, choose crisp green tops with white bottoms.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle background heat and complexity, freshly ground offers most robust flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates light, crispy exterior with exceptional crunch, look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs adhere and provides golden, rich browning, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

Tool Up for Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for slicing jalapenos precisely and safely.
• Small Spoon: Perfect for scooping out seeds and membranes from peppers.
• Mixing Bowls (2 small): One for cheese mixture, another for panko coating.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps evenly distribute cheese filling into peppers.
• Air Fryer: Crucial for creating crispy, golden-brown jalapeno poppers.
• Spatula or Tongs: Useful for handling and transferring poppers in and out of air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

• Jalapeno Preparation

Carefully split each jalapeno lengthwise, keeping stems intact. Gently remove seeds and inner membranes using a small spoon or knife, creating a clean hollow space for filling.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Create a zesty mixture by combining soft cream cheese with sharp cheddar, finely chopped green onions, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.

• Filling Magic

Generously spoon the creamy cheese blend into each jalapeno half, ensuring a full and generous coating that peaks slightly above the pepper’s surface.

• Crispy Coating

Melt butter and toss with panko breadcrumbs until they’re evenly coated and have a golden, slightly glossy appearance. Carefully dip each cheese-filled jalapeno into the buttery breadcrumb mixture.

• Air Fryer Transformation

Place the coated poppers in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese becomes deliciously melted.

• Serving Delight

Remove the poppers from the air fryer, let them cool for a moment, then serve immediately. Enjoy these spicy, cheesy bites as a perfect appetizer or snack.

Jalapeno Popper Tweaks & Serving Tricks

• Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture for extra protein and a savory punch that takes these poppers to the next level.
• Reduce heat by thoroughly removing seeds and membranes, or keep some seeds for extra kick. Use gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation and burning sensations.
• Prepare poppers in advance and store uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply air fry for a quick and delicious appetizer that's perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or homemade chipotle sauce to complement the crispy texture and spicy flavor of these irresistible jalapeno poppers.

Ways to Serve Jalapeno Poppers Hot and Fresh

• Spicy Game Night Snack: Perfect bite-sized appetizer for watching sports or hosting friends, delivering a zesty kick that'll keep everyone munching.
• Cheese Board Companion: Pair these poppers with crisp white wine or cold beer, creating a delightful flavor combination that elevates your charcuterie spread.
• Tailgate Party Favorite: Portable, easy-to-eat finger food that travels well and packs a punch of flavor, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and casual celebrations.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Great option for keto dieters seeking a high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Keeping Jalapeno Poppers Fresh

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep poppers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Arrange uncooked stuffed jalapenos on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future snacking – they'll stay fresh for 2 months.
• Reheating Magic: Crisp up leftover poppers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, restoring their original crunch and preventing soggy disappointment.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the cream cheese filling and stuff jalapenos up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping them sealed in the refrigerator to save time during busy evenings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 163 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Jalapeno Poppers

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy and crispy air fryer jalapeno poppers promise a delightful appetizer with creamy cheese filling and crunchy bacon bits. Guests will savor these zesty bites that deliver bold flavor and irresistible texture.

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Ingredients

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• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 medium jalapenos
• ¼ cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice jalapenos lengthwise, maintaining stems. Use a spoon to meticulously extract seeds and membranes, creating a pristine vessel for filling.
2. Cheese Mixture: Thoroughly blend cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
3. Stuffing: Lavishly fill each jalapeno half with the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Coating: Melt butter and thoroughly coat panko breadcrumbs. Delicately dredge filled poppers, pressing gently to achieve a complete, crisp exterior.
5. Air Frying: Position poppers in the air fryer basket, allowing adequate space between each piece. Set temperature to 375°F and cook for 6-8 minutes, monitoring until exterior turns golden and cheese begins to bubble.
6. Serving: Carefully extract poppers from the air fryer. Let cool momentarily, then garnish with additional chopped green onions. Serve immediately to preserve optimal crispiness and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Handle with Care: Use kitchen gloves when deseeding jalapenos to prevent skin irritation and potential burning sensation from capsaicin.
• Cheese Filling Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in the cheese blend.
• Crispiness Hack: Press panko coating firmly onto poppers to create a more adherent and crunchier exterior during air frying.
• Temperature Watch: Monitor air fryer closely during last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and ensure perfect golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 163
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 242 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg