Air Fryer Poppers: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to make jalapeno poppers, and they're ready in no time! You can make them with a variety of fillings, from cream cheese to cheddar, or even spicy pepper jack. The air fryer ensures the bacon is crispy, and the filling is gooey and delicious. You can also make them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to four days.

Most recipes suggest cooking the poppers for around 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on your air fryer and how crispy you like your bacon. It's best to keep an eye on them to make sure they're cooked to your liking.

How to make poppers in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 4-6 medium jalapeños
• 4 oz of softened cream cheese
• 1/4-1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 slices of salami (optional)
• 6 strips of bacon
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-390°F.
• Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
• If desired, drizzle olive oil over the jalapeño slices and rub to coat.
• Fill the jalapeño halves with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and any spices you wish to include. You can also add salami to the filling.
• Wrap each jalapeño with half a slice or a whole slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
• Place the wrapped poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness.
• Remove from the basket and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Wear gloves when handling the jalapeños to avoid transferring the juice to your skin, which can cause irritation if it comes into contact with your eyes or lips.
• If you prefer crispier bacon, cook for the full 12 minutes.
• You can also add extra cheese, green onions, or bacon slices to the cream cheese mixture for a more complex filling.
• These poppers are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Variations:

• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.
• You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, to add a spicy kick to your poppers.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the poppers in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.

How to store leftover poppers

Storing leftover poppers is a simple process, but it does require some care and attention. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover poppers:

Firstly, it is important to note that poppers should be consumed within a few weeks of opening, as the effects tend to decrease rapidly. The ingredients in poppers, such as amyl, propyl, or pentyl nitrites, can also evaporate quickly, so it is best to use them within four weeks of opening.

To store leftover poppers, start by allowing them to cool down to room temperature. Poppers tend to be very hot after cooking, so giving them enough time to cool down is essential. Once they have reached room temperature, you can then proceed to store them in an airtight container.

When choosing a storage container, opt for a shallow, airtight option. This will help ensure that the poppers remain fresh and crispy. Place the poppers in the container in a single layer, if possible, to prevent them from sticking together.

The ideal storage location for the airtight container is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cellar or a closet. The temperature in this storage area should be consistent and ideally maintained at around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Keeping the poppers in a dark place is crucial, as sunlight can cause the poppers to decompose quickly.

It is also important to note that poppers should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the poppers to disintegrate, and they only work at room temperature. Therefore, a cool, dry, and dark place is ideal.

Additionally, always keep poppers away from children and pets, as ingestion can be dangerous. Poppers are also flammable, so they should be stored away from any sources of heat or flame.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your leftover poppers remain fresh and safe to consume for up to three to four days.

How to reheat poppers in an air fryer

If you've got leftover poppers, you can reheat them in an air fryer in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 390°F. This will ensure your poppers heat up quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Place the Poppers in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the leftover poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even heating.

Step 3: Reheat the Poppers

Cook the poppers for 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure the cheese doesn't ooze out too much. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check if they're hot enough; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 4: Let Them Cool

The poppers will be very hot after reheating, so let them cool down slightly before serving or eating. This will prevent any accidental burns.

Tips:

• You don't need to add any extra oil to the air fryer basket as there is usually enough residual oil in the poppers' crust.
• If you're reheating a large batch of poppers, you might need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even heating.
• All air fryers are different, so the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on your poppers to avoid overcooking.

How to prevent poppers from burning

To prevent poppers from burning, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to wear gloves when preparing the jalapenos. The juice from the peppers can irritate your skin and eyes if you do not handle them with care. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. For an extra precaution, you can rinse the jalapenos after removing the seeds.

Next, prepare the filling by mixing the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and spices in a small bowl. You can also add in cooked bacon bits for an extra kick. Once the filling is ready, use a spoon to scoop it into the hallowed-out jalapeno halves.

At this point, you can choose to wrap each pepper with half or whole slices of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. This step is optional but will add a crispy texture to your poppers.

When you are ready to cook the poppers, preheat your air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes for wrapped poppers, or 5-8 minutes for poppers without bacon. Keep an eye on them to make sure they do not burn, especially if your air fryer is preheated as this will reduce the cooking time.

Once the poppers are golden brown and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to prevent poppers from being soggy

To prevent poppers from becoming soggy, it is important to let them cool completely before storing them. If they are stored while still hot, condensation will make the breading soggy. Once they have cooled to room temperature, place them in a shallow airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking poppers. Leave space between them for the air to circulate properly.
• Use an Instant-Read thermometer to ensure the poppers are hot all the way through before removing them from the air fryer.
• If cooking from frozen, you may need to cook the poppers a little longer until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• If reheating poppers, preheat the air fryer and cook them in a single layer for 4-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions