Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos: Perfect Timing

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are a delicious snack that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The poppers are made by filling jalapeno peppers with a cream cheese mixture and wrapping them in bacon. The filled and wrapped peppers are then cooked in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes at a temperature of around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired crispness of the bacon and the model of the air fryer.

How to prepare the jalapenos

Preparing the jalapenos is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the jalapenos for bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers in an air fryer:

Step 1: Selecting and Cutting the Jalapenos

Begin by choosing jalapenos that are similar in size, ensuring consistent results. For optimal bacon coverage, opt for shorter jalapenos, around 3 inches long. Cut off the stems of the jalapenos, staying as close to the stem as possible to create a boat-like shape that will hold the filling. Then, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. It is recommended to wear gloves during this process to protect your hands from the spicy oils inside the jalapenos.

Step 2: Removing the Seeds and Membranes

Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno halves. If you prefer more spice, you can leave some of the membranes in the jalapenos or even add some of the seeds to the filling. Be cautious not to touch your face or eyes after handling the jalapenos, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling

In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other ingredients like ranch seasoning or chorizo for a spicy kick. Stir the mixture until it is well combined. If the cream cheese is cold, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it and make it easier to mix.

Step 4: Filling the Jalapenos

Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill the jalapenos, as this can cause the filling to spill out when wrapped with bacon. Fill the jalapenos just to the top, ensuring a generous amount of filling in each popper.

Step 5: Wrapping with Bacon

Cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise. Then, wrap each jalapeno half with a half slice of bacon. Ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the jalapeno, minimizing any gaps. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.

Now that your jalapenos are prepared, you can move on to cooking them in the air fryer!

How to make the filling

To make the filling for bacon-wrapped jalapenos in an air fryer, you'll need a mix of cheeses and spices. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (softened or at room temperature)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Jalapenos

Optional Ingredients:

• Ranch seasoning
• BBQ sauce
• Salami

Instructions:

Start by preparing the jalapenos. Cut off the tops of the jalapenos and slice them in half lengthwise. It is recommended to wear gloves while handling jalapenos as the oils can irritate your skin. Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. Leaving some membranes will make your jalapeno poppers spicier.

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can use a microwave to soften the cream cheese if it's cold. Mix the ingredients well until they are fully combined.

Now, it's time to fill the jalapenos. Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out when you wrap the jalapenos with bacon.

If you want to add some extra flavour, you can include a slice of salami on top of the cream cheese mixture before wrapping with bacon.

Once filled, wrap each jalapeno half with a slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick if needed.

Place the wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. This will ensure even cooking.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes. Then, cook the bacon-wrapped jalapenos at the same temperature for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on your air fryer model.

For an extra crispy touch, brush some BBQ sauce onto the jalapeno poppers during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to wrap the bacon

To wrap the bacon, first cut each slice of bacon in half. You can keep it in one slice, but half a slice will be enough to wrap around the stuffed jalapenos. Wrap each jalapeno half in one piece of bacon. If you are using thick-cut bacon, you may need to pre-bake it before wrapping it around the jalapenos. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick.

If you are making the jalapeno poppers ahead of time, you can fill and wrap the jalapenos and store them in the refrigerator for up to eight hours or even a day before baking.

How to cook the poppers

Ingredients

Depending on how many poppers you want to make, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Jalapenos
• Cream cheese (softened or room temperature)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Bacon (thinly sliced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Honey (optional)
• Chorizo (optional)
• Salami (optional)
• Ranch seasoning (optional)
• BBQ sauce (optional)

Method

• Cut the stems off the jalapenos and slice them in half lengthwise.
• Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. You can leave some of the membranes inside the pepper if you prefer your poppers to be spicier. Wear gloves when handling the jalapenos to avoid getting pepper oils on your skin.
• Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. If you're using honey, chorizo, or ranch seasoning, add it to the mixture now.
• Spoon the cream cheese filling into the jalapeno halves. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling may spill out when you wrap the bacon around them.
• Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap each jalapeno half with a piece of bacon.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the poppers in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other.
• Cook the poppers for 10-16 minutes, until the bacon is fully cooked and crisp.

Tips

• If you want to make this recipe for those who don't like spicy food, you can use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, try adding some sliced green onions to the cheese mixture or stuffing a small amount of chorizo into the poppers before wrapping them in bacon.
• If you're making a large batch, you may need to cook the poppers in batches.
• If you're making the poppers ahead of time, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

How to serve the poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a flavourful and fun appetiser or side dish. They can be served as finger food for a party or get-together, or as part of a meal with a variety of other dishes.

If you are serving the poppers as a snack, you could pair them with dips such as guacamole, salsa, or spinach and artichoke dip. You could also serve them with tortilla chips, garlic bread, or fresh vegetables such as carrots or celery.

If you are serving the poppers as part of a meal, they can be a great side dish to a variety of mains. Some suggestions include:

• Chicken breast
• Chicken sandwiches
• BBQ food, such as ribs or chicken
• Green beans
• Collard greens
• Cornbread
• Mac and cheese
• Baked beans
• Mozzarella sticks
• Perogis
• Chicken wings
• Bruschetta
• Black bean soup
• Quesadillas
• Chicken breast sandwiches

For a full meal of appetisers, you could serve the poppers with dishes such as:

• Bruschetta
• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Spinach and artichoke dip
• Chicken sandwiches

Frequently asked questions