Air-Fried Jalapenos: A Spicy, Healthy Treat

Yes, you can make fried jalapenos in an air fryer! This cooking method is perfect for those who want to avoid deep-frying but still want a crispy texture. Air-fried jalapenos can be served as a tasty appetizer, snack, or side dish and are simple to make. There are several ways to prepare and serve them, including jalapeno poppers, slices, or roasted jalapenos.

How to make fried jalapenos in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 6 large jalapenos
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup ranch salad dressing
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

• Prepare the jalapenos: Wash your jalapenos and cut off the ends. Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins.
• Coat the jalapenos: Drizzle olive oil over the jalapeno slices and rub them to ensure they are thoroughly coated.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil non-stick cooking spray.
• Air fry the jalapenos: Place the jalapeno halves into the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes.
• Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can use an electric hand mixer to make this easier. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, chopped bacon (reserve about 2 tablespoons to top the jalapenos), and sliced green onions.
• Fill the jalapenos: Once the jalapenos have cooled down, fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Top the jalapenos with the remaining shredded cheese and chopped bacon.
• Air fry again: Place the filled jalapenos in an even layer inside the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Serve: Enjoy the fried jalapenos as an appetizer or snack. You can serve them with dips like ranch, sour cream, or melted butter.

Tips:

• Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid irritation.
• Different air fryer models may vary in cooking time and temperature, so adjust accordingly.
• To make crispy jalapeno slices, coat jalapeno rings in flour, egg, and bread crumbs before air frying.

What ingredients are needed

There are a few different ways to make fried jalapeños in an air fryer, and the ingredients will vary depending on the recipe you choose. Here is a list of ingredients that you may need:

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers:

• Jalapeños
• Olive oil
• Cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Green onions
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack)
• Bacon
• Toothpicks

Air Fryer Roasted Jalapeños:

• Jalapeños
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder

Air Fryer Fried Jalapeño Slices:

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Pickled jalapeño pepper slices
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Ranch salad dressing

How to prepare jalapenos for frying

Preparing jalapeños for frying is a simple process, but it's important to take some precautions. Always wear disposable kitchen gloves when handling jalapeños to protect your skin from irritation. It's also important to not touch your face, especially your eyes, while preparing them.

To prepare jalapeños for frying, start by slicing off the stems. You can then slice the jalapeños into rings or lengthwise to create halves or spears. If you're creating rings, use a small spoon to scoop out the ribs and seeds to reduce the heat of the peppers. Alternatively, you can use a jalapeño corer to remove the seeds and ribs before slicing. Remember, the more ribs and seeds you remove, the milder the jalapeños will taste.

Once you've sliced and deseeded the jalapeños, you can proceed with your chosen breading and frying method.

What to serve with fried jalapenos

Jalapenos are a versatile snack and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with fried jalapenos:

As a Topping

Fried jalapeno slices can be used as a topping for a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, burgers, or even tacos. The crispiness and spiciness of the jalapenos can add a nice texture and flavour contrast to your meal.

With Dips

Fried jalapenos go well with a variety of dips. Some popular options include ranch dressing, sour cream, blue cheese dip, or melted butter. You can also get creative and make your own dips, such as a spicy nacho cheese or jalapeno ranch.

As a Side Dish

Fried jalapenos can be served as a side dish to complement the main course. They pair well with dishes that have a contrasting texture or flavour, such as pork steaks, pork chops, or fried calamari.

As an Appetizer

Fried jalapenos are often served as appetizers or snacks, and they can be a great way to start a meal. Serve them with other easy appetizers like cheese curds, mini tacos, or fried pickles.

In Recipes

Fried jalapenos can also be incorporated into recipes to add a crunchy and spicy element. For example, you could try making jalapeno poppers, jalapeno chicken salad, or jalapeno wonton crackers.

With Drinks

Finally, fried jalapenos make a great snack to pair with drinks, especially IPAs or pale ales. The crispiness and spiciness of the jalapenos can complement the bitterness and carbonation of the beer.

So, there you have it! Fried jalapenos are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different pairings to find your favourite combinations.

How to store leftover fried jalapenos

If you have leftover fried jalapenos, the best way to store them is to place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days.

If you want to store your jalapenos for longer, you can freeze them. First, blanch the jalapenos to retain nutrients and texture. Do this by putting the jalapenos in boiling water for three minutes, then immediately placing them in ice water for one minute. Remove the seeds and cut the jalapenos to your desired size. Put them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to a year.

You can also dry your jalapenos, which will make them last indefinitely. One way to do this is to hang them in a dry location, such as near a window in your kitchen. String thread through a needle and push the needle through the jalapenos just below the stem. Hang the jalapenos and let them dry for three to four weeks. Alternatively, you can speed up the drying process by using an oven or a dehydrator. Cut the jalapenos into strips and place them in an oven at 300 °F (149 °C) for one to three hours, or overnight in a dehydrator on a low-heat setting. Once they are dried, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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