Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printable Version)

Golden jalapeño halves filled with creamy cheddar and cream cheese, air-fried until crispy. Ready in 25 minutes.

# The Ingredients You'll 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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

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, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.
04 - Spoon cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly.
05 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil. Mix until crumbly.
06 - Sprinkle or press breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
07 - Arrange poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
08 - Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden and jalapeños are tender.
09 - Sprinkle with crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • They come out perfectly crispy on top and tender inside without a single drop of frying oil.
  • The creamy cheese filling stays put and gets just melty enough to make every bite rich and satisfying.
  • You can prep them in the morning and air fry them right before guests arrive.
  • They're naturally gluten-free if you swap the breadcrumbs, so everyone at the table can enjoy them.
02 -
  • Always preheat your air fryer—skipping this step can leave the breadcrumbs pale and soft instead of crispy.
  • Don't overfill the jalapeños or the cheese will spill out during cooking and make a mess in the basket.
  • If your jalapeños are small, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two to avoid burning the tops.
03 -
  • Mix a tiny pinch of smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs for a subtle smoky flavor that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 7 minutes to avoid over-browning the tops.
  • Use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the jalapeños neatly and quickly.
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