Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable)

Crispy jalapeños filled with cream cheese, cheddar, and chives. Air-fried golden in just 10 minutes for a crowd-pleasing snack.

# What You 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
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 and slice each in half lengthwise. 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, chopped chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeño half with cheese mixture, mounding slightly on top.
05 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle or press breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
06 - Arrange poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary.
07 - Air fry for 8-10 minutes until tops are golden and jalapeños are tender.
08 - If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon immediately after cooking. Serve warm.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • They come out crispy on top and creamy inside without the mess of deep frying.
  • You can prep them in the morning and air fry them right before guests arrive.
  • The heat level is totally adjustable depending on how brave you're feeling.
  • They're naturally gluten-free if you swap the breadcrumbs, and everyone at the table can enjoy them.
02 -
  • If you skip mixing the breadcrumbs with oil, they won't crisp up properly and you'll end up with soggy tops.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or the poppers will steam instead of getting crispy.
  • Wearing gloves while handling jalapeños isn't paranoia—it's experience talking.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the jalapeños neatly without making a mess all over your counter.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the poppers at 7 minutes to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
  • For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling.
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