Air-Fried Jalapenos: A Spicy, Healthy Treat

There are several ways to make fried jalapeños in an air fryer. One option is to make jalapeño poppers by slicing jalapeños in half, removing the seeds, and stuffing them with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices. The poppers can then be coated in breadcrumbs and cooked in the air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes. Another option is to make crispy jalapeño slices by coating jalapeño rings in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air frying for 4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, sliced jalapeños can simply be tossed in olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, and air-fried for 10 minutes.

How to prepare jalapenos for frying

Preparing jalapeños for frying is a simple process, but it's important to take precautions to protect yourself from the heat of the peppers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare jalapeños for frying:

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear

Before handling jalapeños, it's crucial to put on disposable kitchen gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin in the peppers, which can cause a burning sensation if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.

Step 2: Slice the Jalapeños

Using a sharp knife, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. This will create a boat-like shape that makes it easier to remove the seeds and membranes. You can also cut off the stems at this stage if you plan on using the jalapeños in other recipes.

Step 3: Remove Seeds and Membranes

Use a small spoon or a jalapeno corer to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes (pith) from the inside of the jalapeño halves. Rinse the jalapeños under running water if any seeds are stubbornly stuck inside. Removing the seeds and membranes will help reduce the heat of the peppers, so adjust the amount you scoop out to your preferred spice level.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Give the jalapeño halves a quick rinse under running water to remove any remaining seeds or membranes. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.

Step 5: Cut into Desired Shape

At this stage, you can cut the jalapeño halves into your desired shape for frying. You can slice them into thin rings, spears, or sticks. If you plan to stuff the jalapeños, leave them halved and proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Prepare for Frying

Depending on your recipe, you might want to coat the jalapeños with flour, a batter made from flour and other ingredients, or breadcrumbs. This step will ensure a crispy texture when fried.

Once your jalapeños are prepared, you can fry them according to your chosen recipe, whether that's in an air fryer, deep fryer, or skillet. Enjoy your spicy, crispy treat!

How to make jalapeno poppers

How to Make Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients:

• 5-6 medium jalapeños
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Method:

• Use gloves or take extra care when slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes to hollow out the jalapeño halves. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until fully combined.
• Spoon the mixture into the peppers, adding about 1 tablespoon to each pepper.
• In another small dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
• Dip the cream cheese-stuffed peppers into the crumbs to coat.
• Lay the peppers in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 8 minutes.
• For a crispier texture, cook for the full 8 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Tips:

Wear plastic gloves when preparing the jalapeños to avoid transferring the juice to your skin, which can irritate your eyes or lips.

Storing and Reheating:

• Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, return the poppers to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cream cheese has melted and the topping is warm and crispy.

Variations:

• For an extra kick of flavour, add extra spices like paprika, garlic powder or onion powder, or simply season with salt and pepper.
• For a more substantial snack, wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
• If you're short on time, you can prepare the jalapeños ahead of time by stuffing and coating them with crumbs, then storing them in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Dipping Sauces:

Serve with your favourite dipping sauces like ranch dressing or a creamy jalapeño dip.

Oven-Baked Option:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the stuffed and coated jalapeños on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy jalapeño poppers!

How to roast jalapenos

Ingredients

1 lb fresh jalapenos peppers

Olive oil spray (or about 1/2 tablespoon olive oil)

Disposable kitchen gloves

Instructions

Wear disposable kitchen gloves to prevent painful jalapeno spice burns to your skin, eyes, or under your nails.

Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a knife to carefully separate and scoop out the pith and seeds from the inside of the jalapeno. Rinse the seeds out if any stubborn seeds are stuck inside.

If you plan on using the jalapenos in other recipes instead of eating them on their own, remove the stems.

Air Fryer Roasted Jalapenos

If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 350F. Place the halved cleaned-out jalapenos on your air fryer basket or pan. Air fry for 8-12 minutes at 350F, or until they are cooked to your liking, flipping halfway through.

All air fryers cook differently so make sure to check on the jalapenos before the cook time is up to make sure they're not burning or turning too black.

Oven-Roasted Jalapenos

Preheat the oven to 375F. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil, arrange the halved cleaned-out jalapenos on the baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil. Roast at 375F for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked to your liking, flipping halfway through.

Tips

• Adjust the cook time to your preference. If you prefer your jalapenos to retain their crispness, roast them for less time.
• Try roasting other veggies at the same time, such as sweet bell pepper slices, sliced zucchini, broccoli florets, or butternut squash.
• Always wear disposable kitchen gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent painful spice burns.

How to make jalapeno slices

Ingredients:

• Fresh jalapeños
• Olive oil spray (or about ½ tablespoon olive oil)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1 ½ cups pickled jalapeño pepper slices, drained
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 cup ranch salad dressing

Method:

• Wear disposable kitchen gloves to prevent painful jalapeño spice burns to your skin, eyes, or under your nails.
• Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise.
• Use a knife to carefully separate and scoop out the pith and seeds from the inside of the jalapeño. Rinse the seeds out if any are stuck inside.
• Remove the stems if you plan on using the jalapeños in other recipes instead of eating them on their own.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the halved and cleaned-out jalapeños on your air fryer basket or pan.
• Air fry for 8-12 minutes at 350°F, or until they are cooked to your liking, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with grilled chicken or fish, or chop them up and use in tacos, salsas, dips, or soups.

Tips:

• All air fryers cook differently, so make sure to check on the jalapeños before the cook time is up to make sure they're not burning or turning too black.
• Adjust the cook time to your preference. If you prefer your jalapeños to retain their crispness, roast them for less time.
• If you want to add more flavour, you can brush the jalapeños with oil or use non-stick spray to prevent them from sticking to the surface while they roast.

How to serve fried jalapenos

There are many ways to serve fried jalapeños. They can be served as a spicy, crispy snack or side dish, or used as an ingredient to add a kick of flavour to other dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Snack or Side Dish

• Serve the fried jalapeño slices with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, creamy dip, or melted nacho cheese sauce.
• For a more substantial snack, stuff the jalapeños with a cream cheese filling and top with breadcrumbs before air frying.

As an Ingredient

• Chop them up and add them to tacos, burgers, sandwiches, or quesadillas.
• Include them in salsas, dips, or chilli.
• Stir them into soup or stew.
• Add them to a salad for a spicy kick.
• Use them to make jalapeño poppers, a popular game-day snack.

Frequently asked questions