Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, perfect for game day or a get-together. They can be made in the oven, but cooking them in an air fryer saves time and makes the bacon crispier. The basic recipe involves stuffing jalapenos with cream cheese, wrapping them in bacon, and cooking them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. However, there are many variations on the recipe, including adding cheddar cheese, green onions, or ranch seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.

How to make jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 5-6 medium jalapeños
• 4 oz. (or 6 oz.) of softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp. of green onions, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp. of butter, melted
• 3 slices of salami, quartered (optional)
• 6 strips of bacon, cut in half lengthwise (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F.
• Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes.
• In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
• Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves.
• If using, wrap each jalapeño with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
• Place the jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Air fry at 370-390°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Wear plastic gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid transferring the spice to your skin or eyes.
• You can add extra spices or ingredients like paprika, onion powder, or salami to the cream cheese mixture for more flavor.
• If you want to make the jalapeno poppers ahead of time, you can stuff and wrap the peppers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, air fry them until golden brown and crispy.

How to store leftover jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store them to enjoy another day.

Firstly, it is important to note that jalapeno poppers are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until the cream cheese filling is melted and the bacon is warm and crispy again.

If you want to make a big batch, you can also freeze jalapeno poppers. It is best to freeze them before baking. Prepare the poppers as usual and then freeze them on a tray. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a sealed container or a zip-top freezer bag. When you are ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from frozen at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.

If you have made the poppers without bacon, you can also reheat them in the oven or microwave in short bursts. However, the cream cheese and bacon combination is best reheated in the air fryer to ensure the bacon gets crispy again.

So, there you have it! Jalapeno poppers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later enjoyment. Just remember that they are best enjoyed fresh, so try not to leave them sitting around for too long.

How to reheat jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack and can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes. But what if you've cooked too many and want to save some for later? Well, it's super easy to reheat jalapeno poppers in an air fryer, and this is how you do it.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. While you're waiting for it to heat up, take your leftover jalapeno poppers out of the fridge and leave them to come up to room temperature. This is an important step as it will help ensure your poppers heat through evenly.

Once your poppers have reached room temperature, and your air fryer is up to temperature, it's time to start the reheating process. Place your poppers inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between them so the hot air can circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

Now, simply cook your jalapeno poppers for 4-5 minutes. After this time, they should be warmed through thoroughly and ready to eat. However, if you like your bacon extra crispy, you may want to air fry for a further minute or two.

And that's it! A super simple way to reheat your delicious jalapeno poppers and enjoy them all over again.

What to serve with jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a flavourful and spicy appetiser, often served as a snack or side dish. They are a great option for parties, BBQs, or game days. Here are some ideas for what to serve with jalapeno poppers:

• Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic appetiser that pairs well with jalapeno poppers. It typically consists of tomato, basil, and mozzarella on toasted bread.
• Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are another popular game day snack that can be served alongside jalapeno poppers. You can bake or fry them and serve them with a variety of dips and sauces.
• Mozzarella Sticks: Mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare and can be a great addition to your spread. They are a crowd favourite and can be served with a variety of dips.
• Perogis: Perogis are a delicious side dish that can be pan-fried in bacon fat and served with diced bacon and onion. This option adds a hearty and savoury element to your meal.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy and savoury dip is an excellent complement to jalapeno poppers. It is made with spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and grated cheese. Serve it with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
• Guacamole: Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip that pairs perfectly with jalapeno poppers. It provides a cool and zesty contrast to the spicy poppers. Use tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
• Carne Asada: Carne asada is a flavourful and tender grilled meat dish that goes well with jalapeno poppers. The thinly sliced beef is marinated in a mix of citrus, garlic, and spices, offering a satisfying and delicious protein option.
• Chipotle Coleslaw: If you're looking for a smoky and spicy side dish, chipotle coleslaw is an excellent choice. It adds a crunchy texture and a flavourful kick to your meal.
• Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic, hearty side dish that complements jalapeno poppers. They provide a creamy and savoury element to the meal, contrasting the crispy poppers.
• Grilled Pineapple: Grilled pineapple brings a sweet and tangy flavour to your spread. The natural sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the spiciness of the jalapeno poppers, creating a delightful contrast.
• Mexican Rice: This flavourful and versatile rice dish is a great option to serve with jalapeno poppers. It is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices, providing a warm and comforting balance to the spicy poppers.
• Black Bean Salad: A black bean salad is a nutritious and flavourful option to serve alongside jalapeno poppers. It typically includes black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and a zesty dressing, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
• Sweet Corn Salad: Sweet corn salad is a refreshing side dish that goes well with jalapeno poppers. The natural sweetness of corn balances the spiciness of the poppers, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
• Cucumber Yogurt Dip: Also known as tzatziki, this Greek-inspired dip is a cool and refreshing contrast to the spicy jalapeno poppers. Serve it with pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping.
• Salsa Fresca: Salsa fresca, or pico de gallo, is a fresh and zesty side dish that enhances the flavours of jalapeno poppers. It brings a burst of fresh flavours to the meal, including chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice.
• Salsa: A classic and versatile condiment, salsa adds a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy filling of the jalapeno poppers. You can choose a mild tomato-based salsa or a spicier version with roasted chillies.
• Cheese Dip: A warm and indulgent cheese dip is an excellent side dish to serve with jalapeno poppers. It adds an extra layer of richness and can be served with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
• Loaded Nachos: Loaded nachos are a fun and delicious option to serve alongside jalapeno poppers. You can customise them with your favourite toppings, such as cheese, beans, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapenos.

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 depend on your desired texture and the size of your jalapenos.

If you are using small jalapenos, cut the bacon slices in half before wrapping them around the pepper. For crispier bacon, you can cook the jalapeno poppers for up to 12 minutes. If you prefer softer jalapenos, cook them for 10 minutes.

If you are using larger jalapenos, you can cook them for 5 to 8 minutes for a crispier texture.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your jalapeno poppers while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook.

Frequently asked questions