Air-Fried Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and creamy and cheesy on the inside, with a hint of spice. This dish is perfect for parties, game nights, or as an appetizer. The preparation is simple: select fresh jalapenos, cut off the stems, scoop out the seeds, and fill with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced green onions. Wrap each jalapeno with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Prepping the jalapenos

Firstly, select fresh jalapenos that are bright green in colour and firm to the touch. The freshness of the jalapenos will impact the overall taste and texture of your poppers, so choose wisely. Once you've selected your jalapenos, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or residue.

Next, cut off the stems of the jalapenos. You can do this by carefully slicing off the top of each jalapeno, ensuring you don't cut too deep into the flesh of the pepper. After that, use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes from the inside of the jalapenos. This step will reduce the heat of the peppers and make them less spicy. It also makes the jalapenos easier to handle and stuff. Remember to wear gloves during this process and avoid touching your face, as jalapeno residue can irritate the skin and eyes. Once you've scooped out the seeds, give the jalapenos another quick rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.

At this point, you can decide whether you want to cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise or leave them whole. Cutting them in half will make it easier to stuff and ensure even cooking. However, if you prefer a more intact jalapeno, you can leave them whole.

If you want to add some extra flavour, you can try roasting the jalapenos before stuffing them. Place the jalapenos on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the skin is charred. Then, let them cool before peeling off the charred skin. This step will give your jalapeno poppers a smoky flavour.

Now your jalapenos are ready to be stuffed and wrapped! Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapenos to avoid any irritation.

Selecting the right bacon

When making bacon-wrapped jalapeños, selecting the right bacon is crucial to ensure the best flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bacon for this delicious appetiser:

Firstly, opt for thin-cut bacon. Thin-cut bacon, which is typically about 1/32 of an inch thick, is ideal for wrapping jalapeños. It cooks faster and crisps up nicely without overcooking the jalapeños. Thick-cut bacon, on the other hand, takes longer to cook and can result in floppy, unappetising bacon.

Secondly, choose raw bacon over pre-cooked bacon. Pre-cooked bacon is better suited for quick breakfasts, but raw bacon is what you need for wrapping. This allows the bacon to cook properly and render its fat while wrapping and cooking the jalapeños.

Thirdly, consider the type of bacon. Meaty back bacon, also called rashers, which is commonly found in British, English, or Irish varieties, is not ideal for wrapping. Instead, go for traditional bacon slices labelled as regular, standard, or traditional. These provide a meatier feel while still allowing for the desired crispiness when cooked in the air fryer.

Additionally, when wrapping the jalapeños, try to keep the bacon in a single layer as much as possible. Overlapping the bacon too much or layering two strips together will result in a stringy and chewy texture rather than the desired crispiness. Cutting each strip to size and using kitchen shears to trim any excess can help achieve a neat and even wrapping.

Lastly, if you want to add a little extra flavour to your bacon, you can brush it with a glaze or seasoning before wrapping. For example, a mixture of brown sugar and Dijon mustard or some grainy mustard can take your bacon-wrapped jalapeños to the next level.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Depending on your particular model, this may take a few minutes. Remember to use a non-stick spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It is also important to clean your air fryer before each use. Remove any leftover food or debris from the basket and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and prevent any unwanted flavours from lingering in your air fryer.

When you are ready to cook, carefully place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer basket, making sure there is a little space between each one. Don't overcrowd the basket or they won't cook evenly. Put the basket in the air fryer and slide it back in. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and the timer for 10-15 minutes. Check on them frequently to make sure they're cooking evenly. Turn them over halfway through the cooking time to crisp up the other side.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type and size of the food you're cooking. Thicker cuts of meat may require a longer cooking time or a higher temperature. Always consult the manual that came with your air fryer for specific cooking instructions. Additionally, some air fryers come with pre-set cooking programs for certain types of food, such as chicken or fish. These programs automatically set the temperature and cooking time for you.

Wrapping the jalapenos in bacon

Selecting the right bacon

When choosing the bacon to wrap your jalapenos, it's best to go for a thicker variety with a higher fat content. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly. Good options include centre-cut bacon or applewood smoked bacon, which also complement the spicy flavour of the jalapenos. Cut the bacon slices in half so that they're long enough to wrap around the jalapenos.

Wrapping technique

Take each jalapeno and wrap it with a slice of bacon, making sure that the bacon overlaps slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick that has been soaked in water for at least 20 minutes. Repeat this process for all the jalapenos.

Adding cheese

If you want to add a creamy, cheesy centre to your jalapenos, mix together some cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green onions. Cut a small slit in each jalapeno and stuff the cheese mixture inside before wrapping with bacon.

Freezer trick

If you're worried about the cheese melting out of the jalapenos, try placing them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before putting them into the air fryer. This will help the cheese to harden and reduce the chances of it oozing out during cooking.

Cooking the jalapenos

Once you have prepared your jalapenos, it's time to cook them! If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to between 375°F and 400°F (200°C). Remember to use a non-stick spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the jalapenos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, checking on them frequently to ensure even cooking. You may need to turn them over halfway through.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 375°F and place the jalapenos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender. You can also broil them for an extra 3-5 minutes to make the bacon extra crispy, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

It's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the jalapenos, so adjust accordingly. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant kitchen tools when handling the air fryer or oven, as they will be very hot.

Once they are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer or oven and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Your bacon-wrapped jalapenos are now ready to be enjoyed! They make a great appetizer or side dish and can be served with a variety of dips or sauces.

Frequently asked questions