Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers in Air Fryer Recipe
These Irresistibly Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread poppers are a perfect blend of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy topping made effortlessly in an air fryer. A delicious appetizer or snack with a spicy kick and satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 jalapeño poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Poppers
- 4 pieces fresh, firm Jalapeño Peppers
- 8 oz Neufchâtel Cream Cheese (lower-fat option)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with pepper jack for more kick)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
For the Topping
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 4 slices Bacon (optional, can substitute with turkey bacon)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat fully for even cooking of the jalapeño poppers.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Halve each jalapeño pepper lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat while maintaining flavor. Set aside the halved peppers.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the Neufchâtel cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until a creamy, uniform mixture forms.
- Fill Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture generously into each jalapeño half, ensuring they are well-filled.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the filled jalapeños. If using, crumble or finely chop bacon slices and sprinkle on top of the bread crumbs for added flavor and crunch.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the stuffed and topped jalapeño halves in a single layer within the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Air Fry: Cook the poppers in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the air fryer and allow the poppers to cool slightly for about 5 minutes so they firm up and can be safely enjoyed.
Notes
- To reduce heat, be sure to deseed the jalapeños thoroughly.
- For a spicier version, leave some seeds or use pepper jack cheese.
- Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for stronger flavor.
- Bacon is optional but adds a smoky, savory element; turkey bacon works as a lighter substitute.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier topping compared to regular bread crumbs.
- If air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
