Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a flavorful, easy-to-make snack that combines spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and a perfectly crispy coating. Made in the air fryer, these poppers are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. Perfect for game days, parties, or as a delicious appetizer, they are customizable to suit your preferred spice levels and filling options.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Shallow Dish (for egg wash) – 1 unit
- Shallow Dish (for breadcrumbs) – 1 unit
- Mixing Bowl (1 unit)
- Spoon (for stuffing) – 1 unit
- Knife & Cutting Board – 1 unit
Ingredients
- Jalapeños – 6 large
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz 1 package, softened
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1/2 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 1/2 cup
- Garlic Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Onion Powder – 1/4 tsp
- Fresh Cilantro – 2 tbsp optional
- Eggs – 2 beaten
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup regular or panko
- Paprika – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil – for spraying
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeños thoroughly. Cut each one in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and membranes (you can wear gloves to avoid irritation from the oils).
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped cilantro (if using). Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, packing the filling in tightly.
- Bread the Poppers: Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another, combine breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the egg wash, ensuring it’s coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
- Air Fry the Poppers: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed and breaded jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Lightly spray the poppers with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for an extra crispy finish. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, spicy mayo, or guacamole.
Notes
- Spice Level: For milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes. For extra spice, leave some seeds in or add a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can stuff and bread the jalapeños up to 2 hours in advance, keeping them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. You can also freeze the stuffed and breaded poppers for up to 3 months. When ready, cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Alternative Fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cooked bacon bits, sausage, or even avocado to customize the filling to your liking.
- Air Fryer Tips: If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the poppers in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure they get crispy all around.