Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: Perfect Timing For Spicy Treats

Jalapeño poppers are a popular snack and appetiser, and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. They are made by stuffing halved jalapeños with a variety of fillings, such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chicken, before wrapping them in bacon and air-frying. The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook jalapeño poppers, with many recipes stating that they can be cooked in under 10 minutes.

Jalapeño Popper ingredients

Jalapeño poppers are a delicious snack, perfect for game day, and can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The ingredients you will need are:

• Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños are sliced in half lengthwise, and the seeds and membranes are scooped out and discarded. You can wear gloves during this process to avoid burning your hands. Leaving some seeds in will make the poppers spicier.
• Cream Cheese: This forms the base of the creamy, cheesy filling.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese can be used. You can also add Parmesan or another sharp cheese for more flavour.
• Bacon: Chopped or crumbled bacon adds a savoury, salty element to the poppers.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are commonly used, and they give the poppers a crispy texture. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or crush some crackers as a substitute.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, chives, green onions, and ranch seasoning can be added to taste.

You can also experiment with other ingredients like ground beef, sausage, or imitation crab. For an extra kick of heat, try adding some hot sauce or chilli peppers.

Filling the peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise. You can do this with a sharp knife. Be sure to wear gloves during this process to protect your hands from the jalapeño's heat. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños and discard them. Rinsing the jalapeños after removing the seeds can also help reduce the heat.

Step 2: Make the Filling

The filling for jalapeño poppers typically includes cream cheese, providing a creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavour. You can use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese, depending on your preference. Mix the cream cheese with other ingredients to add flavour and texture. Common additions include shredded cheddar cheese, Colby Jack cheese, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, sliced green onions, and cooked bacon bits. If you want to get creative, you can even add in cooked chicken or buffalo chicken dip. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Peppers

Now it's time to fill the jalapeño halves with the cream cheese mixture. Use a small spoon or measuring spoon to fill each jalapeño half evenly. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling may bubble over during cooking. You want just enough filling to create a generous bite without making it difficult to wrap the peppers.

Step 4: Top with Extras

Before wrapping the peppers, you can top the filled jalapeños with a little extra shredded cheese and chopped bacon. This step is optional but adds to the flavour and texture of the final dish.

Wrapping the peppers

When preparing jalapeño poppers, it is important to wear gloves and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes. You can also use two small plastic baggies to protect your fingers. Start by cutting the tops off the jalapeños and slicing them in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to carefully scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes. If you prefer more spice, you can leave some seeds in. Rinse the jalapeño halves and pat them dry.

For the filling, mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Colby Jack cheese, hot sauce, salt, green onions, and chicken (optional). Stir in chopped bacon, reserving about 2 tablespoons to top the poppers. You can also add shredded parmesan cheese, olive oil, and breadcrumbs to the mixture. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill.

To wrap the peppers, use a half or whole slice of bacon for each popper. Don't wrap the bacon too tightly, as it will shrink during cooking. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed. You can also add a slice of salami to each popper before wrapping with bacon.

Place the wrapped poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch or overcrowd. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches and clean the drip pan between batches.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking jalapeño poppers in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide:

Most recipes recommend cooking jalapeño poppers at a temperature between 350-400°F (176-204°C). At this temperature range, the poppers will cook evenly and achieve a nice crispiness. It is important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and some may cook hotter than others. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

The cooking time for jalapeño poppers in the air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 12 minutes. For example, one recipe suggests cooking the poppers at 400°F for 5 minutes without preheating the air fryer first. This results in creamy and slightly crunchy poppers that are perfect as an appetizer.

However, other recipes suggest a longer cooking time of 10 to 12 minutes at a lower temperature of 370°F. This additional time allows the bacon wrapping to become crispier, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the poppers. It is recommended to check on the poppers after 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of crispiness.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 425°F when cooking jalapeño poppers in the oven. This temperature setting is not recommended for air fryers, as it may be too high and could potentially overcook or burn the poppers.

Serving suggestions

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a great snack to serve at a party, BBQ, or on game day. They can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. The poppers are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for sharing.

The poppers are best served fresh and crispy, so it is recommended to cook them just before serving. However, if you want to prep them in advance, you can stuff the jalapeños and keep them in the fridge, then cook them in the air fryer just before serving. If you have any leftover poppers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

You can serve the poppers on their own, as the bacon, cheese, and jalapeño combination is delicious by itself. However, if you want to add something extra, you can serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. You can also add extra spice to the poppers by stirring in some cayenne pepper or leaving in some of the jalapeño seeds.

The poppers are a great snack to serve with drinks, especially if you are looking for something with a kick. They go well with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail. If you are serving them as a side dish, they pair well with meats like chicken or steak. You can also serve them with other snacks like chicken wings, dips, or cheeseburger sliders for a full game day spread.

Frequently asked questions