Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to impress your guests? These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect choice! With a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy filling, these jalapeno poppers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these jalapeno poppers ready to serve in no time.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or just craving a tasty snack, these jalapeno poppers are a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes:
- Large Jalapeños: The star of the dish, jalapenos add a spicy kick to the poppers.
- Tablespoon Oil: Helps to coat the jalapenos for air frying.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy and rich filling.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
- Half & Half: Adds creaminess to the filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy element to the filling.
- Cooked Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and crunch to the poppers.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh and oniony flavor as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Slice jalapeños lengthwise, remove seeds and veins, then rub with oil and transfer to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry jalapeños at 350°F for 10 minutes, then let cool and drain excess liquid.
- Mix cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half & half until smooth. Stir in cheddar and bacon.
- Fill jalapeños with cream cheese mixture, top with additional cheese and bacon, then air fry for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Helpful Tips:
- For a milder version, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapenos.
- To make these poppers ahead of time, prepare them up to the filling stage and refrigerate until ready to air fry.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or add-ins like jalapeno slices or diced bell peppers for a twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers pair well with a creamy ranch dip, a cold beer, or a refreshing margarita for a perfect appetizer spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the cooled poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these jalapeno poppers in the oven instead of the air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute?
- Absolutely, feel free to use any type of bacon or bacon alternative that suits your dietary preferences.
- How can I make these jalapeno poppers less spicy?
- Removing the seeds and veins from the jalapenos will help reduce their spiciness.
- Can I freeze these jalapeno poppers for later?
- While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unbaked poppers and air fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, give these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers a try. With their perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crispy elements, they are sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy and share your feedback with us!
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are a spicy and creamy appetizer perfect for any occasion. The jalapeños are filled with a delicious cream cheese mixture, topped with cheddar cheese and bacon, then air fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 Large Jalapeños
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese – softened
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1–2 teaspoons Half & Half
- Pinch Salt/Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Slices Cooked Bacon – chopped
- 2 Green Onions – sliced
Instructions
- Slice and prep the jalapeños: Remove seeds, rub with oil, and air fry.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: Combine cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, half & half, cheddar, and bacon.
- Fill jalapeños: Stuff with cream cheese mixture, top with cheese and bacon.
- Air fry: Cook until crispy.
- Serve: Top with green onions and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture.
- You can customize the filling with different cheeses or add-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
