Description
Make crispy, cheesy, bacon-stuffed jalapeno poppers quickly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 thin slices bacon (for wrapping, optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the jalapenos: Cut the peppers in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully remove all seeds and white membranes. For less heat, soak the hollowed peppers in cold water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeno half, mounding it slightly.
- Wrap (optional): If wrapping, take one thin slice of bacon and wrap it around the stuffed pepper half, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. If you wrapped the poppers with bacon, check at 8 minutes and flip them to ensure the bacon crisps evenly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, and the jalapeno skin should be tender.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before eating.
Notes
- For the best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Patting the jalapenos very dry after soaking prevents excess moisture from steaming the peppers in the air fryer.
- If you skip wrapping the bacon, spray the tops of the cheese filling lightly with cooking spray before air frying to help the cheese brown slightly without drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 25