Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Print)

Crispy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, air-fried to golden perfection in just 25 minutes.

# Components:

→ 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
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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash the jalapeños. 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, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, mounding slightly.
05 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle or press the breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of the filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
07 - Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are golden and the jalapeños are tender.
08 - If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready faster than you'd think, and the air fryer handles all the messy deep-frying.
  • You can prep them ahead and air fry when guests arrive for that just-cooked magic.
  • The cream cheese filling stays perfectly creamy inside while the outside gets genuinely crispy.
  • They work for vegetarians, and honestly taste better than the bacon versions (though bacon helps if you're that way inclined).
02 -
  • Don't skip removing the seeds unless you actually want them nuclear-level spicy—the membrane holds most of the heat, and you can control the kick by how much you leave in.
  • The breadcrumb coating needs that olive oil or it'll stay pale and taste like cardboard instead of toasting golden and crispy.
03 -
  • If your filling's running out the sides, your cream cheese wasn't soft enough—next time let it sit on the counter while you prep the peppers.
  • The breadcrumb mixture sticks better if you press it gently onto the cheese rather than just sprinkling it, so you get that crispy, golden crust instead of crumbs falling into the basket.
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