This air fryer jalapeños recipe is a classic appetizer that is a perfect blend of heat with a creamy filling, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. This delicious appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Email me the recipe!
Enter your email and I'll send it to your inbox!
Plus get all our new recipes too!
If you love those golden brown jalapeño poppers from your favorite restaurants, then you are really gonna love this version made in the air fryer.
This easy appetizer recipe is homemade. We're not just popping open a box and reheating them in the air fryer. Yes, there are a few more steps to follow, but trust me-it's worth it. I've got your back with step by step instructions and process photos that I took from my very own kitchen.
This is one of our favorite recipes for tailgates, game day, or just anytime we crave a spicy appetizer that includes fresh jalapeño peppers.
We love using our air fryer because of how evenly it cooks food. I was really pleased with how these Air Fryer Tortilla Strips turned out.
Whether you're looking for a great snack idea or side dish for your next party or family dinner, these air fryer jalapeños are a great option with minimal prep. It's an easy recipe everyone will love.
Don't forget to try out all my Mexican recipes!
Why you'll love it
- Simplicity: You only need a few simple ingredients.
- Less time: Quick prep work and cooking time is a game changer for your next party or get together.
- Versatility: Whether you’re a meat-lover or vegetarian, stuffings and spices can be tailored to your preference.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and printable recipe card.
- Fresh jalapeños - large jalapeños work great as well as medium sized ones. For best results, choose the same size for even cooking.
- Cream cheese - softened for easy mixing. This is what gives the recipe its cheesy center!
- Cheddar cheese - we like to use sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use your favorite kind.
- Bacon - we like to use microwave bacon that's already been cooked.
- Mayonnaise - add a creamy texture.
- Pickled jalapeños - adds a bit of tang without much heat. You can dice up jalapeño slices. Be sure to add some of the jalapeño juice too.
- Green onions - adds another layer of flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs - this is what gives the recipe that crispy texture we know and love from restaurant style jalapeño poppers.
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Ranch dressing - for serving
Additional sliced green onions or cilantro for garnish.
Cooking spray - to spray the air fryer basket, if needed. Use canola, avocado, or olive oil.
Instructions
It's important to wear gloves while preparing peppers to avoid getting capsaicin (the extract that causes burning) on your skin or in your eyes.
STEP ONE: Start by thoroughly washing your jalapeños. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, cut the jalapeños lengthwise to create two equal halves. Gently remove the seeds and membrane with a spoon or a knife. For less heat, ensure you remove all the seeds.
STEP TWO: Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, mayo, pickled jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, with paprika and garlic powder.
STEP THREE: Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves. Then, top each pepper with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
STEP FOUR: Arrange each pepper in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes, or until desired crispness.
Serve with Ranch dressing, if desired.
Tips
Selecting the Best Jalapeños
When picking jalapeño peppers, look for firm, glossy, unblemished skins. The ideal jalapeños should be bright green, indicating freshness. Size matters too—be sure peppers are large enough to offer enough space for stuffing while ensuring even cooking. Peppers should be:
- Firm to touch
- Glossy appearance
- Bright green color
- No soft spots or dark blemishes
How to make ahead and store
You can make these air fryer jalapeños ahead of time a couple of ways.
After stuffing peppers, cover with plastic wrap and leave them in the fridge until ready to cook (up to 2 days).
Or, cook the peppers then let them cool. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F until hot throughout.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Dipping sauces to try
- Ranch Dressing: This classic, creamy dip complements the spicy kick of jalapeños exceptionally well.
- Blue Cheese dressing
- Homemade Salsa
- Cajun Sauce
- Sriracha Mayo
FAQ
This version has bacon, so it's not. But you can leave out the bacon for a delicious vegetarian party appetizer.
Remove seeds and membranes to reduce heat. For further mitigation, soak the cut peppers in salted water for 1-2 hours before cooking.
A light spray of oil can help achieve a crisper finish but is not mandatory as air frying reduces the need for a lot of oil.
More easy party food recipes
Thank you for checking out this Air Fryer Jalapeños recipe. I'm grateful to have readers like you! If you enjoyed the recipe, I'd love a star rating and any feedback you may have. Please come back for more recipes made with maximum flavor and minimal effort!
Email me the recipe!
Enter your email and I'll send it to your inbox!
Plus get all our new recipes too!
Air Fryer Jalapeños
Ingredients
- 6 jalapeños medium to large
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup cheddar cheese sharp
- 2 slices bacon crumbled
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 2 tablespoon green onions chopped finely
- 2 tablespoon pickled jalapeños chopped with juices
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder divided use
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- Ranch dressing to dip
Instructions
- It's important to wear gloves while preparing peppers to avoid getting capsaicin (the extract that causes burning) on your skin or in your eyes.
- Start by thoroughly washing your jalapeños. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Using a sharp knife, cut the jalapeños lengthwise to create two equal halves. Gently remove the seeds and membrane with a spoon or a knife. For less heat, ensure you remove all the seeds.
- Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, mayo, pickled jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, with paprika and garlic powder.
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves. Then, top each pepper with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange each pepper in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes.
- Serve with Ranch dressing, if desired.
Notes
- You can make these air fryer jalapeños ahead of time for your next party or get together. To make ahead or to store leftovers, just place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F until hot throughout.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Comments
No Comments