Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, air-fried until golden—ready in 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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 breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange poppers in a single layer in air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
07 - Air fry for 8-10 minutes until tops are golden and jalapeños are tender.
08 - If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They cook in just ten minutes, so you can make them while people are walking through the door.
  • The air fryer gives you that crispy, golden top without any oil splattering or oven preheating.
  • You control the heat level completely by how many seeds you leave in.
  • The creamy filling balances the jalapeño bite in a way that even pepper skeptics enjoy.
02 -
  • Remove the seeds and membranes thoroughly unless you want serious heat, I left them in once and my guests needed milk.
  • Don't skip mixing the breadcrumbs with oil, dry crumbs stay pale and chalky no matter how long you cook them.
  • Let the cream cheese soften completely before mixing, cold cheese creates lumps that won't smooth out.
  • Work in batches if your air fryer is small, overlapping poppers steam instead of crisp.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds cleanly without tearing the pepper walls.
  • Press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the cheese so it adheres well and doesn't fall off during cooking.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes on a parchment lined tray.
  • Taste your filling before stuffing the peppers, it's easier to adjust seasoning now than after they're cooked.
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