Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Perfection

Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers: Get Ready to be Hooked!
Fancy a Jalapeo Popper Recipe that's got a bit of a kick? These Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are just the ticket! Honestly, who can resist a cheesy, spicy bite of heaven? The best bit? It's all done in the air fryer, meaning less mess and fewer calories.
It's a win-win, innit?
Where Does The Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers Recipe Come From?
These Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are a cheeky twist on the classic American bar snack. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's well easy.
This recipe makes about 12 poppers, enough to share or hog all to yourself!
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers
Spicy Air Fryer Recipes are all the rage and this one has got to be one of the tastiest. Not only are they utterly delicious, but these poppers are also relatively healthy.
It is a great source of protein and much lower in fat than their deep fried cousins! They are fantastic for Game Day Air Fryer Recipes or even just a Friday night in front of the telly.
Bob's your uncle! This is all you need...
Right then, gather up your bits and bobs, and let's get cracking! Here's your "Bob's your uncle!" list of what you need for these Cream Cheese Jalapeo Poppers :
- 6 large jalapeño peppers (170g / 6oz)
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
It’s all about kit
To make sure you get it spot on, gather this lot up:
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small spoon or melon baller
Quick And Easy Side Dishes For A Crowd, are these?
Yep! This is defintely on the list of Easy Air Fryer Snacks . Give them a go!
Air Fryer Jalapeo Popper: What You'll Need
Alright, mate, let's get down to brass tacks. You fancy knocking up some Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers ? Spot on! They're fantastic, even for a beginner.
Don't get overwhelmed; it is easier than you think. These Easy Air Fryer Snacks are just what the doctor ordered for a relaxed night.
No need to be scared of making these Crispy Jalapeno Poppers. So grab your shopping basket, and let's see what we need.
Main Ingredients List for the Jalapeno Popper Recipe
- Jalapeños: 6 large ones. That is roughly 170g / 6oz . Big lads are easier to stuff, innit? Make sure they are firm, not wrinkly. Honestly, no one likes a wrinkly jalapeño.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) . Proper soft is key. You know? Like, properly left out-of-the-fridge soft.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (57g) , shredded. A good mature cheddar, for that tang.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , shredded. A bit of mildness to balance the cheddar.
- Green Onions: 1 tablespoon , finely chopped. Adds a fresh bite.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . Classic flavour enhancer.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . A little kick.
- Egg: 1 large, beaten. For sticking the breadcrumbs, see.
- Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) , all-purpose.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (85g) . Panko is the secret to Crispy Jalapeno Poppers .
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . Colour and a touch of smokiness.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
Seasoning Notes: Get That Flavor Right
Forget bland, right? The garlic powder and pepper are essential. But don't be shy with a pinch of cayenne if you want a real Spicy Air Fryer Recipe .
No green onions? Chives or even a tiny bit of finely chopped shallot will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Less is More
You don't need much for this Jalapeno Poppers Recipe .
- Air Fryer: Obviously.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping those jalapeños. Glove up, yeah?
- Small Spoon: For scooping out the seeds. A melon baller works wonders.
Don't have an air fryer? This is one of the Game Day Air Fryer Recipes that will have you running out to buy one, so you can always bake 'em.
But the air fryer is the way to go for speed and that satisfying crunch.
Let's Get Popping: Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Magic
Fancy a Jalapeo Popper Recipe that won't leave you feeling guilty? Well, you're in the right spot. Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are the snack! Honestly, forget the greasy, deep fried versions.
These are crispy jalapeno poppers , cheesy, spicy, and dead easy to make. Perfect Air Fryer Appetizers for a game night, or just a cheeky treat.
This recipe is so easy, Bob's your uncle! .
Prep Steps: Making Sure Your Ducks are in a Row
Before we get cooking, let's get organised. This is the mise en place , darling! First, get your six large jalapeños halved and seeded.
I use a little spoon to scoop out the seeds, and sometimes wear gloves those oils are sneaky! Next, soften your 4 ounces of cream cheese .
Nobody wants lumpy filling.
Got all your cheeses grated ( 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Monterey Jack ) and ready to go? Good on ya!.
Chop those green onions ! And remember, safety first. Watch those fingers with the knife. Nobody likes a visit to A&E.
step-by-step: Popper Perfection
Ready to get this show on the road?
- Mix the filling: Combine your softened cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, green onions, garlic powder ( 1/2 teaspoon ), and pepper ( 1/4 teaspoon ) in a bowl.
- Stuff those peppers: Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture. Don't be shy!
- Breading Station: Set up three dishes: flour ( 1/2 cup ), beaten egg ( 1 large ), and panko breadcrumbs ( 1 cup ) with paprika and salt.
- Coat 'em: Dredge each popper in flour, then egg, then panko. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick.
- Air Fry: Place the poppers in your air fryer basket, not too crowded. Spray lightly with oil. Cook at 375° F ( 190° C) for 8- 10 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let them cool for a bit before scoffing them down. The cheese gets volcanically hot!
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Popper Game
Honestly, the secret to killer Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers is all in the details. First, don't overcrowd the air fryer .
Cook in batches for maximum crispiness. Second, panko is your friend. It gives the best crunch. If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
It'll give it a right kick!
Oh my gosh, this recipe turns out so well. Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers will become your go-to quick and easy side dishes for a crowd or even a cheeky midnight snack for yourself.
They are not only easy air fryer snacks , but also a total winner as game day air fryer recipes .
Recipe Notes for Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty! Honestly, these Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are pretty straightforward. But, a few little tweaks and tips can really take them from "alright" to "oh my gosh, these are amazing!".
I will provide some notes for your Jalapeno Popper Recipe
Serving 'em Up: Plating & Drinks
Okay, presentation matters. Pile these Crispy Jalapeno Poppers on a nice platter. A bit of fresh coriander scattered about looks dead posh.
For dipping, think ranch dressing or sour cream that cooling contrast is lovely.
Fancy a drink? A cold beer is always a winner, or maybe a cheeky margarita if you're feeling fancy. These are also Quick And Easy Side Dishes For A Crowd .
Get the drinks in!
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Right, so you've made a batch of these Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers . Any left? Lucky you! Pop 'em in the fridge in an airtight container, they'll be grand for 3-4 days .
Freezing? Yeah, you can , but honestly, they're best fresh. If you must , freeze them before cooking. Then when you are ready, put them in the Air Fryer until they are golden brown.
To reheat, the air fryer's your best bet a few minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) should do the trick.
Mix it Up: Variations on the Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? Want Spicy Air Fryer Recipes ? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
For a milder version, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, these are one of the best Air Fryer Appetizers
Need a dietary tweak? Use vegan cream cheese and cheddar. Boom, vegan Jalapeno Poppers Recipe ! It’s also a great Easy Air Fryer Snacks .
The Boring But Important Bit: Nutrition
Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving (around 3 poppers) clocks in at roughly 250 calories. You get a decent bit of protein and a good dose of cheesy goodness.
The fibre is roughly 1g, it's not exactly health food, is it? But, hey, everything in moderation! Good for Game Day Air Fryer Recipes for your guest to enjoy.
That's All Folks!
So there you have it, my friend! A few notes to help you nail these Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers every single time.
Now, get in the kitchen and get cooking. These are the best way to spice up your life, literally. Bob's your uncle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the poppers up to the point of air frying, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container. When you're ready to cook, pop them straight into the air fryer no need to thaw!
This is ideal for a busy schedule when you are trying to plan in advance, the amount of spice in the poppers may become stronger the longer it sits so keep that in mind if you are not a fan of spice!
How do I prevent the cheese from melting out of my Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers?
Melting cheese is a right pain, isn't it? To minimize cheese leakage, make sure the jalapeños are well stuffed and the breadcrumbs are firmly pressed onto the poppers. A quick chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes before air frying can also help the cheese set a little.
If you have a model that allows, preheating your air fryer can also help with this issue! Think of it as a little "bake off" trick!
What's the best way to store leftover jalapeño poppers?
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can air fry them again for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy this is definitely the best way to get them back to their former glory.
Microwaving them is an option too, but they might lose some of their crispiness, so use the air fryer if you can!
I don't like spicy food. How can I make these Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers milder?
Not everyone likes the heat, and that's fair enough! The key is in the jalapeños. Make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes, as that's where most of the heat resides. You could even soak the halved jalapeños in ice water for about 30 minutes to further reduce the spice.
Alternatively, you could substitute some of the jalapeños with milder peppers like poblano peppers for a subtle flavour difference that reduces the spice!
Can I use different types of cheese in my Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your cheese selection. A blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack is classic, but you could try adding some pepper jack for an extra kick, or swapping in some Gruyère for a richer flavour.
Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. Just don't use any weird cheese that doesn't melt unless that is your thing!
Are Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers healthier than the deep fried version?
In short, yes! Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, which means fewer calories and less fat. While these are still an indulgent treat, air frying allows you to enjoy the same satisfying crunch without the guilt.
Keep in mind that the nutritional information will also depend on the ingredients that you use in the recipe, but it will definitely have less calories and fat than the deep fried version!
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Perfection

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |