Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers: A Quick, Easy Treat!

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack, but they're even better when cooked in an air fryer. This cooking method gives you crispy, golden, breaded peppers with molten, gooey cheese in just 15 minutes. You can use store-bought poppers or make them from scratch with jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs. Either way, the air fryer is the perfect way to cook jalapeno poppers to crispy, cheesy perfection.

How to make frozen jalapeño poppers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen jalapeño poppers
• Oil (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F.
• Place the frozen jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Brush the poppers with oil (optional).
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-4.5 minutes. The poppers are done when the outside is golden and the cheese is starting to ooze out.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips

• No oil is needed if you want to avoid it, as there is already oil in the popper crust.
• If you don't have a pastry brush, you can spray the oil instead.
• You can check if the poppers are cooked by using a meat thermometer—they are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• If you are reheating leftover poppers, cook for 4-5 minutes at 380°F.

How to store leftover jalapeño poppers

Storing leftover jalapeño poppers is simple. First, let the poppers cool completely. If you try to store them while they're still hot, condensation will make the breading soggy. Once they've cooled to room temperature, place the poppers in a shallow airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days.

If you want to freeze your leftover jalapeño poppers, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for a few hours, or until they're frozen solid. Transfer the frozen poppers to a zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through (around 400°F for about 10 minutes).

How to reheat jalapeño poppers in an air fryer

Reheating jalapeño poppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them back to their original glory.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). If you're in a hurry, there's no need to preheat the air fryer to 380°F (as some sources suggest) or 400°F.

Place the Poppers in the Air Fryer Basket

Next, place the leftover jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one so that the hot air can circulate.

Reheat the Poppers

Finally, cook the poppers for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through. The poppers are ready when they are hot all the way through.

Tips

• If your poppers are not hot enough after reheating, place them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.
• You can reheat jalapeño poppers more than once, but it's best to avoid reheating them multiple times, as this can make them tough.
• You don't need to add any extra oil to the air fryer basket when reheating jalapeño poppers.
• Remember to let the poppers cool slightly before eating, as they will be very hot straight out of the air fryer!

What to serve with jalapeño poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a versatile snack and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Appetizers and Snacks

Jalapeno poppers can be served as appetizers or snacks on their own or with other classic snacks like nachos, chicken wings, or any kind of dip. They can also be served with chopped veggies or a cheese and charcuterie board.

Dips

You can also serve jalapeno poppers with dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a cilantro lime creamy dressing. These dips will help cool down the spice and make them more enjoyable for those who prefer less heat.

Main Course

Jalapeno poppers can be a great side dish to main courses such as hot dogs, hamburgers, or sandwiches. They can add a spicy and cheesy element to the meal.

Salads

You can also add jalapeno poppers to salads to give them a spicy and creamy twist. The poppers will pair well with fresh greens and other salad ingredients.

Sliders

Make little jalapeno popper sliders by adding two poppers to slider rolls with some slaw, lettuce, or pickles. This will create a delicious and spicy mini sandwich.

Other Ideas

• Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Wrapped in Bacon
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Loaded Pub Fries with Cheese and Bacon
• Crispy Air-Fried Frozen Chicken Tenders or Strips
• Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

How to make jalapeño poppers ahead of time

Preparing jalapeño poppers ahead of time is a great way to save time and effort, especially if you're hosting a party or watching the game. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious jalapeño poppers in advance:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, ensuring you wear gloves during this process to avoid any irritation from the pepper oils. Remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the spice. You can leave some of the membranes if you prefer your poppers hot and spicy!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chives. You can also add cooked bacon bits or green onions for an extra kick. This filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Stuff and Coat the Peppers

Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. For a crispy texture, coat the peppers with breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crunch. If desired, wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon.

Step 4: Store and Refrigerate

Place the stuffed and coated peppers on a baking sheet or tray. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them ready to cook whenever you need a quick and tasty snack or appetizer.

Step 5: Cooking Instructions

When you're ready to serve, preheat your oven to 375-400°F. Place the poppers on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If cooking from frozen, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Now you know how to make delicious jalapeño poppers ahead of time! They're perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack anytime.

Frequently asked questions