Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Cheesy Treat

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious snack and a perfect appetiser for parties or game days. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside with a hint of jalapeno. You can make them in an air fryer in just 8-15 minutes.

To make jalapeno poppers, start by cutting the jalapenos in half and scooping out the seeds. Then, fill the jalapenos with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ranch seasoning. You can also add bacon by wrapping each jalapeno with a slice of bacon and securing it with a toothpick. Finally, place the jalapeno poppers in the air fryer and cook at 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.

You can also make jalapeno poppers without bacon by filling the jalapenos with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Then, air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.

Choosing the right jalapeños

• Variety: Look for jalapeño varieties that are specifically bred for lower heat levels, such as "mild jalapeños." This is especially important if you prefer less spicy food or are serving guests with milder palates.
• Color: For spicy jalapeños, choose firm, dark green peppers. The deeper the green colour, the more mature the pepper, which often indicates a higher heat level.
• Size: Select jalapeños that are about 3-4 inches long. Longer jalapeños tend to have more heat.
• Skin Texture: Go for jalapeños with smooth and glossy skin. Avoid wrinkled or dull skin, as this can indicate over-ripeness and potentially less flavour.
• Shape: Jalapeños that are more slender and slightly curved often carry more heat compared to those that are thicker and more bulbous.
• Seed and Membrane: If you want to reduce the spiciness of your poppers, choose jalapeños with lower heat levels or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain a significant amount of heat.
• Taste Test: If possible, sample a small piece of the jalapeño before cooking. Even within the same batch, heat levels can vary, so tasting is an excellent way to determine the spiciness of your peppers.

When shopping for jalapeños, keep these criteria in mind to ensure you get the right level of heat and flavour for your stuffed jalapeño poppers.

Preparing the jalapeños

Step 1: Put on Gloves

As jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can cause skin irritation, it's important to wear disposable or reusable gloves when handling them. This will create a protective barrier for your skin.

Step 2: Cut and Deseed the Jalapeños

Using a sharp knife, cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Then, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon. You can also use a small knife to help with this process. Be cautious not to touch your face or eyes during this step, and if you don't have gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

Step 3: Rinse the Jalapeños

After removing the seeds and membranes, rinse the jalapeño halves to wash away any remaining seeds or oils that could cause irritation.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

At this stage, you can prepare the filling by mixing the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and any additional ingredients of your choice, such as green onions, garlic powder, or ranch seasoning. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Jalapeños

Now, it's time to fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to gently pack the filling into the jalapeños, ensuring they are nicely stuffed.

Step 6: Wrap with Bacon (Optional)

If you'd like to add bacon to your poppers, cut the bacon slices in half and wrap each piece around a stuffed jalapeño half. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. This step can be skipped if you prefer your poppers without bacon.

Step 7: Air Fry or Bake

Finally, it's time to cook your jalapeño poppers! You can either air fry them at 370-390°F for 10-12 minutes or bake them in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. If you're using an air fryer, there's no need for parchment paper or cooking spray, as the natural grease will prevent sticking. Enjoy your delicious and spicy treat!

Making the filling

The filling is the star of the jalapeño poppers, providing a creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savoury centre to the crispy peppers. The following ingredients are required:

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Some recipes also add bacon to the filling, or suggest adding cooked, crisp bacon to the cream cheese before stuffing the peppers.

To make the filling, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix until fully combined. The filling is now ready to be spooned into the peppers.

Customising the filling

The beauty of jalapeño poppers is that the filling can be customised to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Add fresh herbs such as chives, green onions, or cilantro to brighten the flavour.
• Substitute the cream cheese with ricotta, goat cheese, or dairy-free cream cheese.
• Use any shredded cheese you like—popular choices include mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
• For an extra kick, add chopped fresh chilli peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese filling.
• If you like a smoky flavour, add smoked paprika or crumbled tempeh.

Stuffing the jalapeños

To make stuffed jalapeño poppers in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare the jalapeños. Wash and dry the peppers, then cut them in half lengthwise. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the spicy oils found in the peppers. Use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes—this step is especially important if you're sensitive to heat.

Next, make the filling by combining softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and any desired mix-ins, such as green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper, in a bowl. Mix until well combined.

Now it's time to stuff the jalapeños. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, gently pressing to ensure it's packed in. You can also wrap each stuffed pepper with half a slice or a whole slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness. For a crispier texture, cook for the full 12 minutes.

Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or guacamole.

Air frying

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Jalapeno Poppers:

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapenos

Wash and cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. It is recommended to wear gloves during this step to avoid any irritation from the spicy oils.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the filling ingredients. The classic combination is cream cheese, shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like chives, green onions, or cilantro for extra flavour.

Step 3: Stuff the Jalapenos

Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, gently pressing to pack it in. You can also wrap the stuffed jalapenos with bacon slices and secure them with toothpicks.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (some recipes suggest 350°F or 390°F). Place the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then open the basket and top each popper with more shredded cheese. Air fry for an additional 4-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the poppers to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as is or with a dipping sauce on the side. Popular choices include ranch dressing, sour cream, guacamole, or blue cheese sauce.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can make the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to stuff the jalapenos.
• If you want to make the poppers ahead of time, stuff and wrap the peppers, then refrigerate or freeze them until you're ready to cook.
• When reheating, preheat the air fryer to 380°F and cook the poppers for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
• Always wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.
• If you prefer more spice, you can leave some seeds in the jalapenos or add extra spicy ingredients to the filling, such as chili powder or hot sauce.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked paprika or crumbled tempeh.
• You can also experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to create your own unique flavour combinations.

Frequently asked questions