Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
These jalapeño poppers are the ultimate party food!
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 170kcal
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp crumbled bacon bits see chef tip #2
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare peppers
- Wash and dry the peppers, then slice them lengthwise. Remove the seeds and ribs, then set peppers aside for now.
Make filling
- To a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Fill peppers
- Spoon the filling evenly into each half of the jalapeño peppers.
Add topping
- To a small mixing bowl, add the panko and melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Gently press the filling side of the jalapeño popper into the breadcrumbs, coating it well. Repeat with remaining jalapeño poppers.
Air fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, then arrange the jalapeño poppers in an even single layer (you may need to air fry in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Lightly spray the poppers with cooking spray, then air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Serve
- Remove the jalapeño poppers from the air fryer and let them cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe will make 12 jalapeño poppers, and I've estimated that will serve about 6 people, with 2 poppers being the serving size.
- I typically use Hormel Real Bacon Bits, but if you'd prefer to use your own cooked and crumbled bacon, you could cook and crumble up 2-3 slices of bacon.
- I highly recommend using gloves when slicing and seeding the peppers, and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards. The oils from jalapeños are potent.
Oven Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Assemble jalapeño poppers as directed, add to prepared baking sheet, then bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg