Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers: Bacon-Wrapped, Crispy Treats

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer. They are a perfect blend of salty, creamy, and spicy. The recipe is simple and includes just a few ingredients: jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and bacon. The jalapenos are halved, filled with the cheese mixture, and wrapped in bacon before being cooked in the air fryer. The air fryer ensures that the snack is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. The cooking time varies depending on the desired crispness of the bacon and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook at 350-390°F.

How to prepare the jalapenos

Preparing the jalapeños for this recipe is a straightforward process, but it requires care and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select fresh jalapeño peppers that are similar in size for even cooking. Look for peppers that are firm and free from wrinkles or blemishes. For full bacon coverage, opt for shorter jalapeños, ideally around 3 inches long. This will also prevent the filling from leaking during the cooking process. Before handling the jalapeños, put on some gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the peppers.

Next, cut off the top stems of the jalapeños and slice each pepper in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out the seeds and membranes from the inside of the jalapeños and discard them. If you want your jalapeño poppers to be spicier, you can leave the seeds in. If you prefer them milder, remove the white pith from the inside of the jalapeño with a spoon, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated. You can also soak the seeded jalapeños in milk for 30 minutes before stuffing them to reduce their spiciness.

Now, it's time to fill the jalapeños. In a small bowl, combine your chosen filling ingredients and stir well to mix. For a classic combination, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. You can also add ingredients like garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour. If you want to experiment with a sweeter filling, try a blend of chorizo, cream cheese, and honey. If you're not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese, sour cream, or more shredded cheese. Be careful not to overfill the jalapeños, as this can cause the filling to spill out when you wrap them with bacon.

Finally, wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon. Cut the bacon slices in half, and use your best effort to tightly wrap the bacon around the pepper, minimising gaps. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, which will make the poppers easier to eat once cooked.

Now, your jalapeños are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to crispy, cheesy perfection!

Preparing the filling

Next, prepare the filling by combining softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings in a small bowl. You can add 1 tablespoon of Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. If you are not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with more cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, or even sour cream. For a sweeter filling, add some honey to the mixture. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined.

Now, you are ready to fill the jalapenos. Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill the jalapenos, as this can cause the filling to spill out when wrapping them with bacon. Depending on the size of the jalapenos, you may need about a teaspoon or two of filling in each pepper.

Wrapping the jalapenos with bacon

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a great snack or appetiser that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a perfect party snack and can be served hot or at room temperature. The saltiness of the bacon complements the spice of the jalapenos and the creamy cheese filling.

When preparing the jalapenos, it is recommended to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward to avoid touching your face. Start by slicing the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes, discarding them. If you prefer spicier jalapeno poppers, you can leave some of the seeds in. For less spicy jalapenos, remove the white pith from the inside as well.

The jalapenos can be filled with a variety of fillings. A common option is a mixture of softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder to this mixture for extra flavour. Another option is to fill the jalapenos with a blend of chorizo, cream cheese, and honey. If you are using chorizo, cook it in a skillet before removing it from the heat and adding the cream cheese and honey. You can also experiment with other fillings like ricotta cheese, sour cream, or white cheddar.

Once the jalapenos are filled, cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each jalapeno with half a slice of bacon. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, which will make them easier to eat. Try to wrap the bacon tightly around the jalapenos, minimising gaps, to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other to allow for even cooking. Preheating the air fryer is not mandatory but is recommended for better results. Set the air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-16 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispness. For a crispier bacon, you can brush on some BBQ sauce and cook for a couple of minutes more.

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a delicious and easy snack to make in your air fryer. They are perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want a tasty treat. Enjoy!

Cooking the jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack or appetiser that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are relatively easy to make and can be served hot or at room temperature.

To make the jalapeno poppers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jalapenos
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Bacon

Some recipes also call for:

• Honey
• Chorizo
• Ranch seasoning
• BBQ sauce

First, prepare the jalapenos by cutting off the stems and slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes, and discard them. If you prefer spicier poppers, you can leave the seeds in. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the jalapenos, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Next, prepare the filling by combining the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined. You can also add honey, chorizo, or ranch seasoning to the filling, depending on your preference.

Once the filling is ready, use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill the jalapenos, as this can cause the filling to spill out when wrapping them with bacon.

Now, cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each jalapeno with a half slice of bacon. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place and prevent it from falling off during cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Spray the basket with non-stick spray or cooking spray. Place the jalapeno poppers into the basket, leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking.

Cook the jalapeno poppers at 350°F for 10-16 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. The poppers are ready when the bacon is fully cooked and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer using tongs and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy jalapeno poppers!

Reheating and storing

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos can be reheated in the air fryer and, according to some, taste even better than the first time around! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, simply place the leftover jalapenos back into the air fryer and heat until warmed through. It is not mentioned how long this should take, but it is likely to be a short amount of time, given the small size of the jalapenos. It is also not mentioned whether the air fryer needs to be preheated first, but this is probably a good idea to ensure even cooking.

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days before cooking. They can even be frozen, although the cream cheese filling may not thaw well, so this is not recommended.

If you are making them in the morning to serve at lunch, they can be stored in the refrigerator and served cold or reheated before eating.

Frequently asked questions