Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Cooking frozen jalapeno poppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or appetiser. It's also less greasy than deep-fat frying and quicker than baking in the oven. You can use store-bought or homemade frozen jalapeno poppers, and they will be ready to eat in around 10 minutes.

How to make frozen jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

How to Make Frozen Jalapeño Poppers in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen jalapeño poppers
• Cooking oil (optional)
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F. You can line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper to reduce mess.

Step 2: Arrange the Jalapeño Poppers

Place the frozen jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you have a large batch, cook them in batches.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the poppers and cook for an additional 2–5 minutes. The poppers are done when the breading is golden and the cheese starts to ooze out. For bacon-wrapped poppers, cook until the bacon is crispy.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving as the filling will be very hot. Enjoy your crispy, golden, and cheesy jalapeño poppers!

Tips:

• You don't need to defrost the poppers before air frying. Cook them straight from frozen.
• No additional oil is required as there is enough residual oil in the poppers' crust.
• Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of jalapeño poppers.
• To ensure the poppers are cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–4 days.
• To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 4–5 minutes.

How to reheat jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before reheating your jalapeno poppers, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 350°F.

Step 2: Place the Poppers in the Air Fryer

Next, place your leftover jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly.

Step 3: Reheat

Now, simply reheat your jalapeno poppers for 4-5 minutes at the set temperature.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Your jalapeno poppers are now ready to be enjoyed! Just be sure to let them cool down slightly before biting into them, as the filling can become extremely hot.

Tips:

• It is recommended to reheat without defrosting, cooking straight from frozen.
• You can use any brand of jalapeno poppers for this reheating method.
• No additional oil is required, but you may choose to use cooking spray or brush the poppers with oil for a crispier texture.
• For best results, ensure your poppers are not overlapping and cook in batches if necessary.
• If you're reheating a large batch, you may need to adjust the timing, as air fryers may cook quicker when dealing with larger quantities.
• You can also reheat jalapeno poppers in the microwave if preferred.

How long to cook frozen jalapeno poppers in an air fryer

Cooking frozen jalapeño poppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, golden, and breaded peppers with molten, gooey cheese. It is also a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying and quicker than baking in the oven.

How Long to Cook Frozen Jalapeño Poppers in an Air Fryer:

The cooking time for frozen jalapeño poppers in an air fryer can vary depending on the air fryer model and the brand of jalapeño poppers used. It is recommended to cook them at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F (190°C-200°C) for 6 to 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F. Preheating is not necessary, but it can affect the cooking time.
• Place the frozen jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then flip or shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. The poppers are done when the breading is golden, and the cheese is just starting to ooze out.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the poppers are hot all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving as the filling can be extremely hot.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Jalapeño Poppers in an Air Fryer:

• There is no need to defrost the poppers before cooking. Cook them straight from frozen.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• No additional oil is required as there is already residual oil in the crust of the poppers.
• Cooking times may vary, so it is recommended to test a few poppers first to determine the exact cooking time for your air fryer and the desired texture.
• Let the poppers cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

What to serve with air-fried jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack, especially on game day. They are also perfect as an appetizer, and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried jalapeno poppers:

Dips

Jalapeno poppers can be served with a variety of dips. Try a creamy jalapeno dip, ranch dressing, tarter sauce, or honey mustard dip. For an extra kick of spice, serve with sriracha mayo or hot sauce. Spinach dip is another great option to balance out the spice and richness of the poppers.

Salads

The poppers can also be added to a salad to give it a spicy kick. Try serving them with a side salad or as part of a larger salad platter.

Sliders

Make little jalapeno popper sliders by adding two poppers to slider rolls. Top with slaw, lettuce, or pickles for a delicious veggie slider.

Snack Platters

Jalapeno poppers are great to serve as part of a snack platter or cheese board. Try adding them to a platter with chopped veggies, cheese, and charcuterie.

Other Game Day Foods

If you're looking for more game day food inspiration, try serving jalapeno poppers with air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks, buffalo chicken dip, or loaded pub fries with cheese and bacon.

How to store leftover jalapeno poppers

Storing leftover jalapeño poppers is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Here's a detailed guide on how to store leftover jalapeño poppers:

Let Them Cool Down

Before storing your leftover jalapeño poppers, it's important to let them cool completely. Placing hot poppers in a container will cause condensation, making the breading soggy. So, exercise some patience and let them cool to room temperature.

Use an Airtight Container

Once your poppers are cooled, it's time to choose the right storage container. Place them in a shallow airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent odours from seeping in or out.

Store in the Fridge

The refrigerator is the best place to store your leftover jalapeño poppers. They can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures they remain edible and tasty for a few days after cooking.

Reheat in the Air Fryer or Microwave

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover jalapeño poppers again, you can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F to 380°F and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat, but be cautious to avoid overheating, as this can affect the texture and taste.

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