Craving a spicy, cheesy, and bacon-filled snack that will have everyone asking for more? My easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe is the perfect treat! Made with creamy cheese, crunchy bacon, and tender jalapeños, this quick and easy appetizer is sure to be a hit at any party or even as a beloved game day snack. Plus, the air fryer makes the whole process fast and simple, giving these poppers the perfect crispiness with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious and easy air fryer jalapeño poppers, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 large jalapeños : Choose fresh, firm jalapeños for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil : Drizzle over the jalapeños before air frying for added flavor and crispness.
- 8-ounce block cream cheese (softened) : The creamy base that holds the flavor together and provides the perfect contrast to the spicy jalapeños.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder : Adds a punch of savory flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper : Balances out the creaminess and enhances all the flavors.
- 3 Tablespoons sliced green onions : Adds freshness and a subtle oniony flavor to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese : A melty, gooey layer of cheesy perfection on top of the poppers.
- ½ pound bacon (cooked and chopped) : The smoky, crispy bacon adds the ultimate salty crunch, divided for both mixing into the filling and adding on top of the poppers.
Required Tools for Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools on hand to make the process smooth and efficient:
- Air Fryer – The star of this recipe. It helps crisp up the jalapeño poppers without the need for extra oil or deep frying.
- Mixing Bowl – You’ll need this to combine the cream cheese filling and other ingredients.
- Sharp Knife – Used to slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins.
- Spoon or Small Spatula – Perfect for filling the jalapeños with the cream cheese mixture.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (Olive Oil) – Spray this in the air fryer basket to prevent the jalapeños from sticking during cooking.
- Paper Towels – Handy for draining any excess liquid from the jalapeños after air frying.
Having these tools ready will make the entire process seamless, ensuring you end up with perfectly cooked and crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers! 🌶️
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to make the most delicious and crowd-pleasing air fryer jalapeño poppers at home:
1. Prepare the Jalapeños
Start by slicing the jalapeños lengthwise . Using a spoon, carefully remove the seeds and veins. The seeds are the spiciest part of the jalapeños, so removing most of them will soften the heat but still leave that delicious kick.
2. Coat and Air Fry the Jalapeños
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the sliced jalapeños and rub each half to ensure they’re evenly coated. This helps give them a lovely roasted flavor.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the jalapeño halves in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400ºF for 4 minutes (no need to preheat), then let them cool for about 5 minutes , or until they’re cool enough to handle. Place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess liquid.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the jalapeños cool, prepare the filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese , 1 teaspoon of garlic powder , ¼ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Use an electric hand mixer for a smoother and more consistent mixture (or mix by hand if you prefer).
Once well combined, stir in ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese , 3 tablespoons of sliced green onions , and half of the cooked, chopped bacon (save the other half for topping). Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Assemble and Cook the Jalapeño Poppers
4. Fill the Jalapeños
Now that the jalapeños have cooled and the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture , using a spoon or small spatula to pack in the filling generously. Don’t worry about overfilling – the creaminess adds to the magic!
Once filled, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the tops of all jalapeño halves. Then, finish by adding the reserved pieces of chopped bacon to create that crispy, savory topping.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
Place your filled jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring none of them overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry at 400ºF for 5 minutes (no preheating needed). The cheese should be fully melted with a perfect golden crust, and the jalapeños will be tender but still have a bit of bite.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, carefully remove the jalapeño poppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving – they will be hot and cheesy! Serve your air fryer jalapeño poppers on a platter as a party appetizer or snack, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), you can store the jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350ºF for about 2-3 minutes , or until warmed through and crispy again.
Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusted air fryer, you can whip up these delicious jalapeño poppers in no time! They’re the perfect combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, smoky bacon, and melty Colby Jack cheese, all with a crispy finish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer for a gathering or serving up a snack for game day, these air fryer jalapeño poppers are guaranteed to impress.
Best of all, the air fryer transforms this indulgent treat into a lighter, quicker, and less messy option—no deep frying needed! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and fillings for your own creative twist (try adding some diced avocado, corn, or even chopped jalapeño bits for added texture).
Get ready to dive into a batch of cheesy, crispy, spicy goodness that will have everyone reaching for more. Enjoy fresh, enjoy hot, and enjoy every bite!