Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable Version)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese filling, air-fried until golden. A perfect appetizer with a kick.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeños

→ Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coating

08 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons cooked crumbled bacon

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash jalapeños thoroughly. Slice each in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to spice.
03 - In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Spoon cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly above the surface.
05 - Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened. Sprinkle or press breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Place poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
07 - Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until breadcrumb topping is golden brown and jalapeños are tender.
08 - Remove from air fryer. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm with ranch or sour cream dip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Theyre ridiculously fast, ready in under half an hour with barely any cleanup required.
  • The air fryer gives you that crispy, golden top without deep frying or heating up the whole kitchen.
  • You control the heat level completely, so they work for timid eaters and spice lovers alike.
  • Theyre impressive enough for guests but easy enough to make on a lazy Tuesday.
02 -
  • Removing all the seeds makes them mild, leaving a few in amps up the heat, so taste your peppers first and decide your risk tolerance.
  • Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable, cold cheese creates lumps and makes filling the peppers a frustrating mess.
  • Dont skip the olive oil in the breadcrumbs, dry crumbs stay pale and bland even after air frying.
03 -
  • Preheat the air fryer every time, it makes the difference between crispy and lukewarm results.
  • Press the breadcrumb topping down gently so it adheres, loose crumbs blow around in the air fryer and burn.
  • Serve these within 20 minutes of cooking, theyre at their absolute best when the cheese is still molten and the peppers are just tender.
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