Name: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 jalapeños, halved and seeds removed; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — minimal prep and a short cook time make this ideal for busy days or last‑minute snacks.

Creamy, spicy and crunchy — the mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices inside sweet‑heat jalapeños pairs beautifully with the crispy breadcrumb topping for a satisfyingly textured bite.

Perfect for parties or casual gatherings — they’re flavorful crowd‑pleasers whether you serve them as an appetizer, side, or game‑night snack.

A lighter alternative to deep‑fried poppers — air frying gives you crispiness without submerging food in oil, saving time on cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Whole jalapeños
Cream cheese (softened)
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Green onions (chopped)
Garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Panko breadcrumbs
Butter (melted)

Directions

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes so the halves are hollow.
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half (about 1 tablespoon per pepper).
In another small dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Dip the cheese‑filled side of each jalapeño into the buttery crumbs to coat.
Place the stuffed peppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 375 °F (≈ 190 °C) for about 5–8 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Servings and timing

Serves: about 10 poppers
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~8 minutes
Total time: ~18 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 320–330 °F) for 3–5 minutes — just enough to warm the filling and crisp up the topping again.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare and stuff the jalapeños in advance, then refrigerate (for up to 2 days) or freeze (for up to 3 months). When you’re ready to serve, air fry them until they’re hot and crispy.

Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapeños?

It’s a good idea. The oils from jalapeños can irritate skin and eyes. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling peppers.

Can I bake them if I don’t have an air fryer?

Yes. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (≈ 220 °C), place the stuffed jalapeños on a foil‑lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12–15 minutes until they’re crisp on top.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely — adding cooked, crispy bacon either in the filling or wrapped around the peppers is a popular variation that adds smoky flavor.

What if my poppers come out too spicy?

If the jalapeños feel too hot, you can reduce the heat by removing not only the seeds but also the white membranes when you hollow them out.

Are there vegetarian options for these poppers?

Yes — the basic version uses just cheese, so it’s already vegetarian. For extra flavor (instead of bacon), you can mix in herbs or additional veggies into the cheese filling.

Can I adjust the filling flavor?

Yes — feel free to experiment by adding spices (like paprika, cumin), herbs (like chives or parsley), or different cheese blends to suit your taste.

How many poppers can I air fry at once?

It depends on the size of your air fryer, but it’s best to arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches.

What’s a good dipping sauce to serve with them?

They go great with dips like ranch, sour cream, Greek yogurt dip, or a simple mild salsa to balance the heat.

Can I use different peppers instead of jalapeños?

Yes — you can try milder peppers (for less heat) or slightly larger ones to make bigger poppers. Just adjust cook time as needed based on size and thickness.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd‑pleasing appetizer that’s creamy, crunchy, and a little spicy, these air fryer jalapeño poppers are hard to beat. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or casual dinners. Once you try them as written, you’ll see how easily you can tweak the filling, spice level, or toppings to make them your own.