Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Description
The recipe starts by washing and halving fresh jalapeño peppers, removing seeds and ribs to reduce heat. The filling blends softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and spices like garlic powder and onion powder to create a savory, creamy core. This filling is then spooned evenly into each pepper half.
A mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter is prepared separately. Each filled pepper half is pressed gently into the panko mixture, forming a crisp breadcrumb layer on top. The air fryer is preheated to 375°F, and the poppers are arranged in a single layer inside. Lightly sprayed with cooking spray, they air fry for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and piping hot, ensuring a crunchy exterior and melted filling.
This method yields poppers with a pleasing contrast between the warm, creamy inside and the crispy coating. The poppers can be served immediately for a handheld snack or appetizer with minimal fuss. The recipe also suggests an alternate oven baking method and recommends wearing gloves when handling jalapeños due to their spicy oils.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeno pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 Tbsp bacon bits see chef tip #2, crumbled
- 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 butter melted, unsalted
- 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 yields 12 poppers, approximately serving 6 people if each eats two.
- Using gloves when seeding jalapeños is recommended to avoid irritation; wash hands thoroughly afterward.
- Hormel Real Bacon Bits are used, but cooked and crumbled bacon can be substituted if preferred.
- For oven preparation, bake assembled poppers at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until golden and hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 170kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 326mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 62mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 418IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 106mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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