Air Fryer Frozen Jalapeño Poppers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious snack, look no further than air fryer frozen jalapeño poppers. With just a few simple steps, you can have crispy, golden, and cheesy jalapeño poppers ready in about 15 minutes. This cooking method is quicker than baking in the oven and less greasy than deep-fat frying. All you need are frozen jalapeño poppers (either store-bought or homemade), and optionally, some cooking oil for a crispier crust. The cooking process is straightforward: preheat your air fryer, brush the poppers with oil, spread them out in the basket, and air fry for 6-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping them halfway. You'll know they're done when the cheese starts to ooze out and the crust is golden. Enjoy them as a snack or serve them as an appetizer at your next party!

How to make frozen jalapeño poppers in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen jalapeño poppers (store-bought or homemade)
• Cooking oil (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380–400 °F.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray (optional).
• Place the frozen jalapeño poppers in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them.
• Brush the poppers with cooking oil (optional).
• Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes. The poppers are done when they are golden and the cheese starts to ooze out.
• Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving, as they will be very hot.

Tips:

• You can use any brand of frozen jalapeño poppers, but Farm Rich and TGI Fridays are recommended.
• It is best to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the poppers have reached an internal temperature of 165 °F.
• If you are reheating leftover jalapeño poppers, preheat your air fryer to 380 °F and cook for 4–5 minutes.

How to store leftover jalapeño poppers

Leftover jalapeño poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is not recommended to freeze them as they are unlikely to thaw well.

When storing leftover jalapeño poppers, it is important to let them cool completely before placing them in the container. Condensation from hot poppers can make the breading soggy.

How to reheat jalapeño poppers in an air fryer

To reheat jalapeño poppers in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F. Place the leftover jalapeño poppers in the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each one. Reheat for 4–5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the number of poppers being reheated.

What to serve with air-fried jalapeño poppers

Air-fried jalapeño poppers are a delicious snack, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your game day or party spread:

• Dips: Try tarter sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard dip, sriracha mayo, hot sauce, or a homemade air fryer spinach dip.
• Salad: Balance out the rich and spicy poppers with some fresh greens.
• Sliders: Make mini jalapeño popper sliders by adding two poppers to slider rolls with some slaw, lettuce, or pickles.
• Charcuterie board: These poppers are a tasty addition to a cheese and charcuterie board.
• Appetizers: Serve with other appetizers like air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks, air fryer jalapeno poppers (bacon-wrapped), buffalo chicken dip, or loaded pub fries with cheese and bacon.
• Main dishes: For a full meal, pair poppers with hot honey chicken tenders or Mexican elote in a cup.
• Drinks: Offer a refreshing beverage like a cocktail or mocktail to balance out the spice.

So, get creative and enjoy your jalapeño poppers with a variety of tasty accompaniments!

What kind of frozen jalapeño poppers to use

When it comes to choosing frozen jalapeño poppers to cook in your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a brand that offers breaded and frozen poppers, as these will give you the desired crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer. Some popular brands that fit this description include Farm Rich and TGI Fridays. Farm Rich jalapeno poppers are known for their creamy and gooey cream cheese filling, while TGI Fridays offer both cream cheese and cheddar cheese stuffed poppers.

Another option is to make your own jalapeño poppers from scratch and then freeze them before cooking in the air fryer. This allows you to customise the filling to your taste and control the ingredients used. However, when making your own, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary, and you might need to experiment to get the timing right.

Regardless of the brand or type of frozen jalapeño popper you choose, it's important to follow the general guidelines for cooking them in an air fryer. This includes preheating the air fryer, spacing out the poppers in a single layer, and cooking them at the recommended temperature for the specified time. Additionally, it's always a good idea to let the poppers cool down a bit before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot straight out of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions