Air-Fried Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, but deep-frying them adds unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats. A healthier alternative is to cook them in an air fryer, which requires little to no oil. This method also saves time and reduces the chances of overcooking. To make jalapeno poppers in an air fryer, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. For spicy poppers, leave the seeds and membranes intact. Then, fill the jalapenos with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and spices. For an extra kick, add some crispy bacon to the cream cheese filling. Finally, cook the poppers in the air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is molten and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

How to prepare the jalapenos

Preparing the jalapeños is a crucial step in making delicious cream cheese jalapeño poppers in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Slicing the Jalapeños

Start by carefully slicing each jalapeño pepper in half, cutting lengthwise through the pepper. This will give you two halves to work with for each pepper. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for this step, but be very careful as jalapeños can be slippery. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeño's heat and to avoid touching your eyes or face.

Step 2: Removing the Seeds and Membranes

Once the jalapeños are halved, use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. You can discard these or keep them aside if you prefer your poppers to have some extra spice. Removing the seeds and membranes will also help reduce the heat of the jalapeños, making the poppers more mild. Again, be cautious during this step as the seeds and membranes contain most of the pepper's heat.

Step 3: Rinsing the Jalapeños

After removing the seeds and membranes, rinse the jalapeño halves under cold water. This step will help remove any remaining seeds or debris and will also help reduce the heat of the peppers. It is important to ensure that the jalapeños are thoroughly cleaned before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with your choice of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, and any additional spices or ingredients you desire. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon pieces to the mixture for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Stuffing the Jalapeños

Now it's time to stuff the jalapeño halves with the cream cheese mixture. Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that the filling is evenly distributed among all the peppers. You can fill them generously, creating a delicious contrast between the creamy cheese and spicy jalapeño.

At this point, your jalapeños are almost ready for the air fryer! You can follow the remaining steps in the recipe to coat your poppers with breadcrumbs, wrap them in bacon, or cook them according to your preferred method. Enjoy your delicious and spicy creation!

How to make the filling

The filling for your air fryer jalapeno poppers is simple to make and can be prepared in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Jalapenos
• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Bacon (optional)
• Green Onions (optional)
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper)

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos

Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can use a sturdy spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you prefer spicier poppers, you can leave some of the seeds in. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves during this step to avoid any irritation from the jalapeno juices.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and any spices you wish to add. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon pieces or green onions for extra flavour. Microwave the cream cheese for 15 seconds beforehand to soften it, which will make it easier to mix.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos

Use a spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. You can add more or less filling to suit your taste, but aim for around 1-2 tablespoons per pepper.

Step 4: Wrap with Bacon (Optional)

For an extra indulgent treat, you can wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half or whole slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. This step is optional, but it adds a crispy, savoury element to the poppers.

Tips:

• You can make the poppers up to this stage in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• If you want to add a crunch to your poppers, cook them for 5-8 minutes. For softer jalapenos, cook for around 10 minutes.
• If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, brush it with BBQ sauce and cook for a couple more minutes.

Now that your filling is ready, you can move on to the final steps of making your air fryer jalapeno poppers!

How to stuff the jalapenos

To make delicious cream cheese jalapeno poppers in an air fryer, you'll need to carefully follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Jalapenos

First, put on some plastic gloves to protect your hands from the jalapeno juice, which can burn or irritate your skin and eyes. Then, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can choose to keep the seeds and membranes for a spicier popper, or remove them with a spoon for a milder version. Rinse the jalapeno halves under cold water to remove any remaining seeds or debris.

Step 2: Making the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and any additional ingredients you desire, such as cooked bacon bits, green onions, or spices. Stir until the filling is well combined.

Step 3: Stuffing the Jalapenos

Use a spoon to carefully fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to distribute the filling evenly among all the jalapeno halves. You can add a slice of bacon to each jalapeno half before stuffing, or wrap the bacon around the outside of the jalapeno.

Step 4: Coating the Poppers (Optional)

If you want an extra crispy coating, dip the stuffed jalapenos into a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, or another type of crumb. You can also try crushed Fritos or Cheez-Its for a crunchy, cheesy coating.

Step 5: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F. Place the poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the poppers are golden brown and the bacon is crisp, if using. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and creamy jalapeno poppers!

How to coat the poppers

Coating the poppers is an important step in ensuring they turn out crispy and golden. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to coat your cream cheese jalapeno poppers for air frying:

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Panko breadcrumbs are made from bread without crusts, resulting in larger, coarser crumbs that will give your poppers an extra crispy texture. Mix the breadcrumbs and butter well to ensure that all the crumbs are evenly coated. You can also add some shredded cheese to this mixture for an extra cheesy kick.

Step 2: Stuff the Jalapenos

Before coating the poppers, you'll want to ensure they are stuffed and ready to go. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Be sure to wear plastic gloves during this step to protect your hands from the jalapeno juices, which can irritate the skin and eyes. Once the jalapenos are hollowed out, fill each one with your cream cheese mixture. You can mix in some shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, or green onions to the cream cheese for added flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Poppers

Now it's time to coat your stuffed jalapenos! Take each pepper and gently dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Make sure the cream cheese side of the pepper is fully covered in crumbs. You can also roll or gently shake the pepper in the crumbs to ensure an even coating. Repeat this step for each pepper.

Step 4: Arrange on a Tray

Once your peppers are stuffed and coated, place them on a tray or plate, ready for the fridge or freezer. If you plan to cook them immediately, arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking. If you are making them ahead of time, wrap the tray or plate with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Step 5: Cook and Enjoy!

If cooking from fresh, preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-8 minutes until the coating is golden brown. If cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure the filling is hot and bubbly. Enjoy your crispy, creamy jalapeno poppers as a snack or appetiser!

How to cook the poppers

Firstly, cut the jalapenos in half, lengthwise. You can use a small or sturdy spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If you prefer spicier poppers, you can leave some of the seeds in. It is recommended to wear plastic gloves when handling the jalapenos to avoid transferring the juice to your skin, which can irritate your eyes or lips.

Next, prepare the filling by mixing the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and any other desired ingredients such as green onions, bacon, or ranch seasoning in a bowl. You can microwave the cream cheese for 15 seconds to soften it before mixing. Once the filling is ready, stuff each jalapeno half with the mixture.

Now, it's time to coat the poppers. You can use breadcrumbs, such as panko, and combine them with melted butter or cooking oil. Dip the stuffed jalapenos into the crumbs to create a crispy coating. Alternatively, you can wrap each jalapeno with bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the poppers inside the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the poppers for around 5-8 minutes. For a crispier texture, you can cook them for up to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The poppers are done when the bacon is crispy, or the coating is golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy jalapeno poppers!

Frequently asked questions