Can I make these poppers less spicy?

Absolutely! The heat comes primarily from the seeds and membranes inside the jalapeños. Remove these completely and rinse the peppers under cold water for the mildest version. You could also substitute mini sweet peppers for all the flavor with none of the heat.

My jalapeños keep tipping over in the air fryer. How do I prevent this?

If your peppers won't stay upright, try creating a small flat spot on the bottom by slicing off a tiny bit of the outside curve. Another trick is to arrange them so they lean against the sides of the basket or against each other.

Can I make these in a regular oven if I don't have an air fryer?

Definitely! Place the stuffed peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

The cream cheese filling keeps oozing out during cooking. Any tips?

Make sure your jalapeños are large enough to hold the filling properly. You can also refrigerate the stuffed peppers for 15-20 minutes before cooking to firm up the cheese. Just don't overfill them—it's tempting, but restraint pays off!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect appetizer for gatherings or as a spicy snack. Packed with a creamy cheese filling, a hint of bacon, and just the right amount of spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, these poppers are irresistibly delicious. Ready in no time, they’re a quick, guilt-free treat made in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy appetizer, these poppers are guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Filling

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (1/2 brick)
1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

For the Peppers

6 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed

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Instructions

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and well blended. If you’re using bacon bits, stir them in as well.
Stuff the Jalapeños:
Using a spoon, divide the filling evenly between the jalapeño halves. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of filling per half, depending on the size of your peppers.
Cook the Jalapeño Poppers:
Place the stuffed jalapeño halves into the greased air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey, and the peppers are blistered on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the poppers to a plate, serve immediately, and enjoy! You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

Yield: This recipe makes 12 jalapeño poppers, with a serving size of 3 poppers per person.
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from their natural oils, especially if you have sensitive skin.
For a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before air frying.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the jalapeño poppers in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. Use a foil-lined baking tray for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 poppers
Calories: 140
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg