Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
The Ultimate Air Fryer Party Appetizer
These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers deliver the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and spicy in every bite. Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with a rich cream cheese filling blended with cheddar, green onions, warm spices, and crispy dry aged bacon, then finished with a buttery panko topping for irresistible crunch. Quick to prepare and fast to cook in the air fryer, they’re an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer for game days, parties, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 7-8 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon green hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5-6 slices Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Panko Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
Directions
Cook bacon per package instructions. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Set aside.
Prep the jalapeños: Wearing gloves, slice peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
Make the filling: In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Fold in bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs.
Fill the peppers: Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into each jalapeño half, smoothing the top. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill (optional): Refrigerate filled poppers for about 1 hour to help the filling set.
Add the topping: Toss 1/2 cup panko with melted butter or oil. Sprinkle evenly over each filled jalapeño half, gently pressing to adhere.
Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange poppers in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden. Cooking time will vary based on air fryer size and batch amount.
Note: Recipe can easily be doubled.
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