Air Fryer Frozen Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, but making them can be a hassle. Fortunately, you can make them in an air fryer using frozen jalapeno poppers. This cuts down on prep time and delivers a crispy exterior with a gooey, molten cheese centre. The process is simple: place your frozen jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket, leaving space for the air to circulate, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip them, and cook for another 4 minutes. You can also brush the poppers with oil before cooking to get an even crispier crust.

How to make air fryer frozen jalapeno poppers

Ingredients:

• Frozen jalapeno poppers
• Oil (optional)
• Salt
• Toothpicks

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/193°C or 400°F/200°C, depending on your air fryer model.
• Place the frozen jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for the air to circulate. There is no need to defrost them first.
• Brush or spray the poppers with oil, if desired. This will help the crust crisp up.
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then gently shake or turn the poppers. Continue air frying for another 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese starts to ooze out. The poppers should be golden and crispy.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving. The filling can be very hot, so be careful!

Tips:

• You can use store-bought frozen jalapeno poppers, or make your own by stuffing halved jalapeno peppers with cream cheese and topping with breadcrumbs.
• If making your own, wear plastic gloves when handling the jalapenos to avoid transferring the spicy oils to your skin or eyes.
• Don't cook the poppers for too long, or the cheese will ooze out.
• Test a few poppers first to determine the exact cooking time for your preferred texture and your air fryer model.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
• No oil is required, as there is already enough residual oil in the poppers' crusts.
• If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check that the poppers have reached an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
• Let the poppers cool completely before storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place the poppers back in the air fryer at 380°F/190°C for 4-5 minutes.

What to serve with air fryer jalapeno poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. They can be served in a variety of ways and pair well with many different foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer jalapeno poppers:

• Salads: The rich and spicy poppers can be balanced out with some fresh greens.
• Sliders: Add 2 poppers to slider rolls with some slaw, lettuce, or pickles for a veggie popper slider.
• Charcuterie board: These poppers add a spicy kick to a traditional meat and cheese board.
• Dips: Serve with a variety of dips such as tarter sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, hot sauce, or spinach dip.
• Other snacks: Jalapeno poppers can be served alongside other snacks like chopped veggies or mozzarella sticks.
• Game day foods: Jalapeno poppers are a great game day snack and can be served with other game day foods like chicken wings, dips, and fries.

How long to cook frozen jalapeno poppers in the air fryer

Frozen jalapeno poppers are a great snack to cook in the air fryer. They are quick, easy, and can be cooked straight from frozen. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model and the brand of jalapeno poppers, but on average, they will take between 6 and 15 minutes to cook.

Steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/193°C or 400°F/200°C.
• Place the frozen jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Brush or spray the poppers with oil (optional).
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese starts to ooze out.
• Allow to cool before serving and enjoying!

Tips:

• It is recommended to test a few poppers first to gauge the exact cooking time needed for your air fryer.
• Don't cook them for too long, or the cheese will start to ooze out.
• If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do so in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• No oil is needed, but it can help the crust crisp up.
• Always allow the poppers to cool slightly before eating as the filling can be extremely hot.

Sauces to serve with jalapeno poppers:

• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard dip
• Sriracha mayo or hot sauce
• Spinach dip

How to store leftover jalapeno poppers

Storing leftover jalapeño poppers is simple. First, let the poppers cool completely. If you try to store them while they're still hot, condensation will make the breading soggy. Once they've cooled to room temperature, place the poppers in a shallow airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days.

If you want to freeze your leftover jalapeño poppers, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours, or until they're frozen solid. Transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag, and for added protection, wrap the bag in a layer of aluminium foil. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through (around 10 minutes at 400°F should be enough).

How to reheat jalapeno poppers in the air fryer

If you have leftover jalapeno poppers, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to reheat jalapeno poppers, ensuring they become crispy again without burning.

Step 2: Place the Poppers in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the leftover jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each popper. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the poppers.

Step 3: Reheat the Poppers

Reheat the jalapeno poppers in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes. This should be enough time for them to warm through thoroughly. Keep in mind that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the timing slightly.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once the jalapeno poppers are warmed through, they're ready to enjoy! Be careful when removing them from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crispy, creamy treat!

Tips:

• It is best to reheat only the amount of jalapeno poppers you plan to consume. Reheating leftovers multiple times is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and taste.
• If you have any leftover poppers after reheating, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 2-3 days.

Frequently asked questions