Air Fryer Magic: Stuffed Jalapenos, Cooking Time?

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook stuffed jalapenos, also known as jalapeno poppers. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the size of the food, but on average, jalapeno poppers take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

The basic ingredients for jalapeno poppers include jalapenos, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and bacon. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as salami, scallions or chives, chicken, hot sauce, and breadcrumbs.

To make jalapeno poppers, start by halving the jalapenos lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. Then, fill the jalapeno halves with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and any other desired fillings. Wrap each jalapeno with a half or whole slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.

Jalapeno poppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the bacon is warm and crispy.

How to prepare the jalapenos

Preparing jalapeños for air frying is a simple process, but it's important to be careful to avoid the painful spice burns that can occur if the jalapeño's oils get on your skin. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare jalapeños for air frying:

Step 1: Wear Protective Gloves

Before handling jalapeños, it is highly recommended to wear disposable kitchen gloves to prevent any direct contact with the peppers. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound that can cause a burning sensation if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. By wearing gloves, you can minimise the risk of irritation and ensure a more comfortable preparation process.

Step 2: Slice the Jalapeños

Using a sharp knife, cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. This will create a boat-like shape that can be easily stuffed or filled. Be cautious during this step, as the oils from the jalapeños can easily get onto your hands and cause discomfort. If you don't have gloves, you can use two small plastic bags to protect your fingers when handling the jalapeños.

Step 3: Remove the Seeds and Membranes

Once the jalapeños are halved, use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step is important as it helps reduce the overall spiciness of the jalapeños and creates space for any fillings you plan to add. After removing the seeds, you may want to rinse the jalapeños to ensure that any remaining seeds or membranes are washed away.

Step 4: Decide on the Stem

At this point, you can choose to remove the stems or leave them on, depending on your preference and how you plan to serve the jalapeños. If you plan to use the jalapeños in other recipes or blend them into dips, removing the stems is a good idea. However, if you intend to serve them as a side dish, you may want to keep the stems intact for a more attractive presentation.

Step 5: Fill and Wrap (Optional)

If you're making stuffed jalapeño poppers, this is the step where you'll fill the jalapeño halves with your desired filling. Common fillings include cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and spices. You can also wrap the stuffed jalapeños with bacon or coat them with breadcrumbs for added flavour and texture.

Step 6: Chill (Optional)

If you've stuffed the jalapeños, it's a good idea to chill them for at least an hour or even overnight before air frying. This helps the filling set and prevents it from bubbling over or spilling out during the cooking process.

Step 7: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Different air fryers may have varying preheating temperatures and times, so refer to your specific model's guidelines. Preheating ensures that your jalapeños cook evenly and helps achieve the desired level of crispness.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious air-fried jalapeños. Just remember to take the necessary precautions when handling jalapeños, and feel free to experiment with different fillings and coatings to find your favourite combinations.

What to fill the jalapenos with

There are many different ways to fill jalapenos, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese

A popular choice for stuffed jalapenos is a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. You can use low-fat or full-fat cream cheese, and for the cheddar, opt for a sharp variety to maximise flavour. The cream cheese should be softened to make it easier to mix and fill the jalapenos.

Salami

Salami is a great addition to the cream cheese and cheddar cheese filling. Cut the salami into quarters and place a piece on each jalapeno half before wrapping with bacon.

Bacon

Wrapping jalapenos with bacon adds a salty, crispy texture to the dish. You can use centre-cut or regular bacon, but avoid thick-cut bacon as it will take longer to cook. If you don't want to use bacon, you can try a bacon alternative or simply sprinkle the poppers with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Chicken

For a heartier option, add some cooked, finely chopped chicken to the cheese filling. Rotisserie chicken or leftovers work well.

Spices and Seasonings

You can enhance the flavour of your stuffed jalapenos by adding various spices and seasonings. Try adding some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, or pepper to the cheese mixture. For an extra kick, include some hot sauce or chilli powder.

Green Onions or Chives

For a fresh flavour and a pop of colour, add some chopped green onions or chives to the cheese filling.

Breadcrumbs

For a crispy texture, coat your stuffed jalapenos with breadcrumbs before air-frying. You can use panko breadcrumbs and mix them with melted butter before dipping the stuffed peppers.

How to wrap the jalapenos

Wrapping jalapenos is an important step in the preparation of this popular appetiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to wrap jalapenos for air frying:

Firstly, select the right jalapenos. Look for jalapenos that are large in size, as they will be easier to stuff and wrap. Avoid curled jalapenos, and opt for those that sit flat on a baking sheet to prevent the filling from spilling out.

When you are ready to wrap the jalapenos, put on some gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno juice, which can irritate the skin and eyes. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Be thorough in removing the seeds, as this will also reduce the spiciness of the poppers.

Now it's time to fill the jalapenos. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, chicken, hot sauce, and spices. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to spill over during cooking.

Once the jalapenos are filled, it's time to wrap them. You can use bacon, or if you prefer, there are vegetarian options such as panko breadcrumbs. If using bacon, cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise, and wrap each jalapeno half with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. If using breadcrumbs, dip the stuffed jalapenos into a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter, ensuring an even coat.

Finally, place the wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry at a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time and temperature as needed for your desired level of crispness.

Air fryer temperature and time

If you are making jalapeno poppers with bacon, most recipes recommend cooking at around 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes. However, some recipes suggest lowering the temperature after a few minutes to around 350°F and cooking for another 7-9 minutes. This allows the bacon to finish cooking without burning. If you want crispier bacon, you can cook the jalapeno poppers for up to 12 minutes.

If you are making vegetarian jalapeno poppers without bacon, a lower temperature of 360-375°F is recommended for 5-8 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures and cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on your jalapeno poppers while they are cooking to ensure they don't burn.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer stuffed jalapenos are a great snack for game day, parties, or get-togethers. They can be served as finger food or as a side dish with family dinners.

For a more substantial meal, serve them with a side of crispy baked chicken wings, 7-layer dip, or ribs. If you're looking for something more low-carb, try serving them with some crushed pork rinds or sour cream.

If you're cooking for a crowd with varying spice preferences, you can leave some of the jalapeno membranes in the peppers to give them a kick. Alternatively, for those who don't enjoy spicy food, you can use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor of the poppers. Try adding shredded sharp cheddar, or any other flavored cheese, to the cream cheese. You could also add chopped green onions, bacon slices, or even some cooked, crisp bacon to the cream cheese filling.

Serve your air fryer stuffed jalapenos with some ranch dressing, a creamy jalapeno dip, or extra BBQ sauce on the side. For an extra special touch, chop up the jalapenos and mix them with cream cheese for a yummy dip.

Frequently asked questions