Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, perfect for game day or a quick bite, and can easily be made in an air fryer. The process is simple: cut jalapenos in half, deseed, fill with cream cheese, wrap in bacon, and air fry! The air fryer makes the bacon extra crispy, and clean-up is a breeze. You can also add other ingredients like cheddar cheese, scallions, or chives to the cream cheese mixture.

How to prepare jalapenos for stuffing

Preparing jalapeños for stuffing is a relatively simple process, but it's important to take precautions to protect your skin and eyes from the pepper's heat-inducing capsaicin. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare jalapeños for stuffing:

Step 1: Put on Gloves

Before handling jalapeños, it is highly recommended to wear disposable latex or plastic gloves. This will help prevent the pepper's oils from getting on your skin, which can cause irritation or burning sensations if touched or transferred to your eyes or mouth. If you don't have gloves, you can use plastic bags to protect your fingers. Be very careful when handling jalapeños, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, during the preparation process.

Step 2: Cut the Jalapeños in Half

Using a sharp knife, cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Try to keep the stem intact on each half if possible, as it can serve as a handy handle when eating the stuffed jalapeños.

Step 3: Remove the Seeds and Membranes

Use a small spoon or a knife to carefully scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño halves. This part can be a bit messy, so it's a good idea to scrape out the seeds over a trash bin or a bowl. You can also rinse the jalapeño halves under running water to remove any remaining seeds or membranes.

Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeños for Stuffing

At this point, your jalapeños are ready to be stuffed with your desired filling. However, if you want to reduce the spiciness of the peppers, you can optionally blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before stuffing. This will help take away some of the heat while keeping the peppers firm.

When handling jalapeños, always be mindful of the pepper's heat and potential irritation. By taking the necessary precautions, you can safely prepare jalapeños for stuffing and enjoy their delicious flavour in your favourite recipes.

What to fill jalapeno poppers with

Jalapeno poppers are a versatile snack, and you can fill them with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for fillings to get you started:

Cream Cheese

A popular choice for jalapeno poppers is cream cheese. You can use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese, depending on your preference. The cream cheese helps to balance out the spiciness of the jalapeno and creates a creamy texture. You can also mix in other ingredients, such as shredded cheddar cheese, green onions or chives, bacon bits, or cooked chicken.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is another option for filling jalapeno poppers. You can use shredded cheddar cheese on its own or mix it with the cream cheese for an extra cheesy popper. The sharp cheddar adds a nice tanginess to the popper.

Breadcrumbs

For a crispy texture, you can coat your jalapeno poppers with breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs work well, and you can dip the stuffed jalapenos in melted butter before coating them with the breadcrumbs. This creates a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.

Meat

If you want to add some protein to your jalapeno poppers, you can include meat in the filling. Cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken are all great options. You can also use ground beef or crab meat for a different flavour profile.

Spices and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of your jalapeno poppers, you can add various spices and seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are all good choices. You can also add some heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Dips

While jalapeno poppers are delicious on their own, you can also serve them with dips to enhance the flavour and add moisture. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a cilantro lime creamy dressing are all excellent choices that will complement the spiciness of the poppers.

How to wrap jalapeno poppers in bacon

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack to make in an air fryer, and wrapping them in bacon is a fantastic way to add a little extra flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap jalapeno poppers in bacon:

Firstly, you will need to cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can do this with a sharp knife. Be sure to wear gloves while handling the jalapenos, as the juice from the peppers can burn or irritate your skin if you do not.

Next, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno halves. This step will reduce the heat of the jalapenos, so if you prefer your poppers to be spicier, you can leave some of the seeds and membranes intact.

Now it's time to fill the jalapeno halves. You can fill them with a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of both. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, or even cooked chicken. Simply mix your chosen ingredients in a bowl and then spoon the mixture into the jalapeno halves.

Once the jalapeno halves are filled, it's time to wrap them in bacon. Cut the bacon slices in half, and then wrap each jalapeno half with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, skewering it from side to side.

Finally, place the wrapped jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. Serve them immediately and enjoy!

How long to cook jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the jalapenos and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, jalapeno poppers should take between 8 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Preparation:

First, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves during this step to avoid getting jalapeno juice on your skin, which can be irritating.

Filling:

The filling for jalapeno poppers can vary, but typically includes a combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and various spices. Some recipes also include chicken, bacon, or scallions. Mix the filling ingredients in a small bowl and then use a spoon to fill each jalapeno half. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may bubble over during cooking.

Wrapping:

Some recipes call for wrapping the filled jalapenos with bacon or a breadcrumb mixture. If using bacon, cut the slices in half lengthwise and wrap each jalapeno, securing the bacon with a toothpick. If using breadcrumbs, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and dip the filled jalapenos into the mixture before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking:

Place the jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Preheat the air fryer to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary, but on average, jalapeno poppers should take between 8 to 12 minutes to cook. Be sure to check on them periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly and to your desired level of doneness.

Serving:

Remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease. Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Storing and Reheating:

Jalapeno poppers are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until the filling is melted and the bacon is warm and crispy again.

How to reheat jalapeno poppers

If you're craving jalapeno poppers but don't want to start from scratch, you can reheat them in an air fryer to achieve that crispy perfection. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the poppers heat evenly and the bacon (if included) starts to render fat.

Next, arrange the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This is to allow for even heating and to prevent overcrowding, which can make the poppers soggy.

Now, it's time to air fry! Depending on the size of your poppers and your desired level of crispiness, cook them for 4-7 minutes at the preheated temperature. Keep an eye on them, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once they're heated through and crispy, serve the jalapeno poppers immediately. Enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeno, all in one bite!

Frequently asked questions