Tiffany Haney
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They are a crowd-pleaser and can be made in a variety of ways. The cooking time for Jalapeño Poppers in an air fryer ranges from 4 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and the specific air fryer model. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking and to chill the poppers beforehand to prevent the filling from spilling out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350ºF to 400ºF |
| Time | 4 minutes to 15 minutes |
| Preheat | Not required, but recommended |
| Chill | At least 1 hour, up to a day |
| Reheat | Put back in the air fryer for a few minutes |
| Toppings | BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs |
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What You'll Learn
Prep time and ingredients
The prep time for this recipe is minimal, and cooking in the air fryer is quick and easy. You can also prep the poppers in advance and store them in the fridge (for up to 4 days) or freezer (for up to 3 months) until you're ready to cook.
Ingredients:
- 6 jalapeños
- 6 slices of bacon
- 4 oz (1/2 block) of softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or any other shredded cheese of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of Ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- BBQ sauce
Optional Ingredients:
- Toothpicks
- Dipping sauces like ranch dressing or creamy jalapeño dip
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Gloves
- Paper towels
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Filling the jalapeños
Preparing the Jalapeños:
First, put on some plastic or rubber gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeño's heat and to prevent any irritation from the juices. Cut off the tops of 6 jalapeños and slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or a sharp knife, carefully scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes (veins) from each jalapeño half. This step helps reduce the heat of the jalapeños. It is important to be thorough in removing the seeds and membranes as they can add an unwanted bitter taste to your poppers.
Making the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and your choice of seasonings. You can use 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of Ranch seasoning, or you can experiment with other combinations. Some popular additions include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. If you want a more indulgent filling, you can also add cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions to the mixture. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and creamy.
Stuffing the Jalapeños:
Now it's time to fill those jalapeño halves! Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill them. You want the filling to be flush with or just below the top of each jalapeño. You can also add a small piece of bacon to each popper, wrapping it around the jalapeño and securing it with a toothpick if needed. This step is optional but adds a delicious crispy element to your poppers.
Chilling the Poppers:
Before cooking your jalapeño poppers, it is important to chill them. Place the filled and wrapped poppers in the refrigerator for at least an hour or even overnight. Chilling helps the filling firm up, preventing it from melting and spilling out during the cooking process. It also ensures that the poppers hold their shape and don't fall apart in the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for poppers in an air fryer depend on the specific recipe and your preferred level of crispiness.
If you are making jalapeño poppers with a bacon wrap, it is recommended to cook them at 350ºF for about 15 minutes. After the initial 15 minutes, brush some BBQ sauce onto the poppers and cook for a few more minutes until the bacon is crispy.
If you are making jalapeño poppers without bacon, cook them at 400ºF for 4 minutes. After cooking, let them cool for 5 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle. Place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess liquid or oil.
For poppers with a cream cheese filling, it is important to chill the poppers for at least an hour or up to a day before cooking to prevent the filling from bubbling up and spilling out. When cooking, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature and cook for about 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
If you prefer crispier poppers, you can cook them at 370ºF for 10-12 minutes. Check on your poppers after 10 minutes to see if they have reached your desired level of crispiness.
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Serving suggestions
Jalapeño poppers are a fantastic appetizer or snack for game day or parties, and can be served in a variety of ways. They are best served fresh and crisp, so it's best to cook them just before eating.
The classic cheese filling is a favourite, but you can experiment with different flavours and variations. For a milder flavour, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeños. You can also mix in yoghurt or sour cream to tone down the heat.
If you want to add a bit of meat, try adding cooked, crisp bacon to the cream cheese filling before stuffing the peppers. You can also top the poppers with bacon pieces and brush with BBQ sauce.
For vegetarians, use cream cheese mixed with shredded cheese and various spices. You can include ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced veggies for added texture and flavour. If you want a more substantial vegetarian filling, add some chopped mushrooms or spinach.
Jalapeño poppers go well with refreshing beverages and a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, sweet and spicy sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy jalapeño dip.
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Reheating and storing
Jalapeño poppers are best served fresh and crispy, but if you have leftovers or want to make them ahead of time, there are ways to reheat and store them.
Reheating
If you have cooked jalapeño poppers and want to reheat them, you can put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. You can also use the bake or broil function to reheat them if you have an air fryer that also has an oven function.
Storing
If you want to make jalapeño poppers ahead of time, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. It is important to chill the poppers before cooking, so if you are making them ahead of time, be sure to chill them for at least an hour or even overnight. When you are ready to cook, preheat the air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and then cook for 5-8 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. If cooking from frozen, you will need to cook them for a little longer.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the temperature and the number of poppers you are cooking. For example, at 400ºF, it will take 4-5 minutes, while at 350ºF, it will take 15 minutes. If you are cooking at 370ºF, it will take 10-12 minutes.
It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer. However, some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400ºF for five minutes.
The poppers are done when the bacon is crispy and browned, and the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can make the poppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
