Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are easy to make, with minimal preparation, and can be served as a quick lunch or an appetizer. The saltiness of the bacon pairs well with the spice of the jalapeno and the creamy filling made of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. The poppers are cooked in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. This recipe is perfect for game days, parties, or any get-together and can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment.

Preparing the jalapenos

First, put on some gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno's oils. Then, cut off the stems of the jalapenos, staying as close to the stem as possible. This will create a boat shape that will hold the filling. Next, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Using a small paring knife, carefully cut around the membrane inside the jalapeno, and then remove it along with the seeds using a small spoon or your hand. Leaving some of the membranes will make the poppers spicier, so adjust according to your preference.

Once the jalapenos are prepared, you can start making the filling.

Preparing the filling

Once you've sliced the jalapenos, you'll need to remove the seeds and membranes. Leaving some of the membranes inside the pepper will make your poppers spicier, so adjust according to your preference. Be sure to use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes, and if you like, you can use a small paring knife to cut around the membrane to make it easier to remove.

Now it's time to make the filling. In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some ranch seasoning or paprika for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. If your cream cheese is cold, you can warm it up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make it easier to mix.

Once your filling is ready, 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 you wrap them with bacon.

Wrapping the jalapenos

Wrapping the jalapeños is a crucial step in making bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you master this process:

Before you begin wrapping, it is important to select the right type of bacon. While thick-cut bacon is a favourite for many, it is not ideal for this recipe. Opt for a "normal" cut of bacon and ensure that it is not flavoured with maple or any other flavour.

Now, let's get started with the wrapping process:

• Cut the bacon slices: For each jalapeño half, you will need a piece of bacon that is long enough to wrap around it comfortably. Start by cutting each bacon slice in half. You can also cut the bacon into smaller pieces, depending on the size of your jalapeños.
• Prepare the jalapeños: Cut the stems off the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Be sure to wear gloves during this process to protect your hands from the spicy oils of the jalapeños. Remove the seeds and membranes with a small spoon, being careful not to over-fill the jalapeños. The more membrane you leave, the spicier your poppers will be.
• Fill the jalapeños: In a small bowl, mix your desired filling. This could be a combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. You can also add in cooked chorizo or ground meat for a heartier filling. Spoon the filling into the jalapeño halves, being careful not to overfill.
• Wrap the jalapeños: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around each filled jalapeño half. Ensure that the bacon is secure and there are no gaps. The bacon should be snug and meet the edges of the other slices.
• Layer the poppers in the air fryer: Place the wrapped jalapeño poppers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other. This will ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers!

Cooking the jalapenos

Now that your jalapenos are prepped and filled with the cream cheese mixture, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, cut your bacon slices in half. You can also keep them whole, but half a slice should be enough to wrap around each jalapeno.

Next, wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a piece of bacon. Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly and spread out to cover the entire surface area of the jalapeno. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the filling from leaking out.

Once your jalapenos are wrapped, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to 350-390°F and cook for 10-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the desired crispness of the bacon.

If you want to add a sweet and smoky flavour to your poppers, brush some BBQ sauce onto the bacon during the last few minutes of cooking.

Your bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Serving suggestions

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos are a great snack for game day or a casual get-together. They can be served as a side dish or an appetizer.

If you're serving them as an appetizer, you can pair them with a dip like ranch or Greek yogurt ranch. You can also serve them with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping, or brush the sauce onto the poppers before serving.

If you're serving them as a side, they go well with grilled foods or chicken wings. You can also serve them with other appetizers like antipasto skewers, slow cooker chicken wings, or sausage cheese balls.

Bacon-wrapped jalapenos can be served hot or cold, so they're a great option for a potluck or party. Just make sure to let them cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so the cheese sets a bit.

Frequently asked questions