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GET IT NOWYou’ll Make These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers on Repeat
These air fryer jalapeno poppers came out of a last-minute game day panic 😅 I’ve made classic jalapeno poppers and jalapeno popper hasselback chicken before, but I needed something quicker, easier, and still super satisfying. So I started experimenting with bacon-wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer. One bite in, and I was hooked. The crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy kick all hit just right. Here’s why I love them:
- Cheesy, crispy, spicy goodness – The air fryer makes the bacon super crispy while the filling stays creamy and melty. You get all the classic jalapeño popper flavors with none of the breadcrumbs.
- Quick and simple – Just five ingredients, 10 minutes of prep, and a short air fryer cook time. I can make a batch even when I’m short on time.
- Perfect party food – These jalapeno poppers always disappear fast. I love making them for game days, parties, or anytime I want a fun, healthy snack.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Jalapeño Peppers – Look for bright green ones with smooth skin. I try to pick peppers that are all about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Cheeses – I use a combination of cream cheese (full fat for that rich creamy texture) and cheddar cheese. You could also use neufchatel or any kind of preshredded cheese you want.
- Spices – Just a little garlic powder and black pepper is all you need for flavor.
- Bacon – You’ll need 24 strips of raw bacon. I skip the thick-cut stuff since it takes longer to cook and doesn’t wrap as nicely.
VARIATION: Want more flavor?
Try adding some grated parmesan, a pinch of onion powder, or a few sliced scallions or green onions to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
How To Make Jalapeno Poppers In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep. Preheat your air fryer. Slice the jalapeños in half and scoop out the seeds and white stuff. I usually use a small spoon for this part.
- Mix. Stir together the cheeses and spices in a small bowl until it’s nice and creamy.
- Fill. Add about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to each jalapeño half. Just eyeball it–they don’t have to be perfect.
- Wrap. Wrap the stuffed jalapenos with a slice of bacon and pop in a toothpick to hold it all together. I usually tuck the ends underneath to help it stay in place.
- Air fry. Place them in the air fryer basket, and cook your air fryer jalapeno poppers until the bacon is nice and crispy.
My Recipe Tips
- Wear gloves. Trust me, handling spicy peppers without gloves can come back to haunt you. I always wash my hands after, just to be safe.
- Precook the bacon if you have time. It’s not required, but I like to air fry it for about 6 minutes at 370°F before wrapping the peppers. It gets way crispier that way.
- Give the poppers plenty of space. I use this air fryer which is the perfect size for this recipe, but if yours is smaller, cook in batches.
- Want to bake them instead? Just follow my regular jalapeno poppers recipe for oven directions.
- Use toothpicks. They help keep the bacon in place and stop the cheese from leaking out. I never skip them.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers (5 Ingredients)
My air fryer jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and perfectly crispy. The easiest way to make this classic snack!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C).
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In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Fill each jalapeño halve with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
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Wrap a slice of bacon tightly around each jalapeño half and secure horizontally with a toothpick. Repeat with all the peppers.
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Place jalapeño poppers in the air fryer and cook for 10-14 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and crisp to your liking.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 jalapeno poppers
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make the prep easier, get perfectly crispy bacon, and keep your jalapeno poppers cheesy and intact.
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal prep: Prepare cheese filling in advance. You can also assemble the poppers and just cook them when ready.
- Reheat: Warm the poppers in the air fryer at 325 degrees F, until warmed through.
- Freeze: To avoid mushy peppers, I like to air fry the jalapeno poppers for a few minutes before freezing. Let them cool, flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can reheat or finish cooking them right from frozen in the air fryer.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle and my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
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13 Comments
Jules
0These were delicious!!!!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jules, thank you so much! Happy to hear you enjoyed them! 🙂
Mollie
0Are these spicy?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Mollie, Yes, jalapeños are usually spicy.
Sylvia
0What setting do you use for the air fryer?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sylvia, I use the air-fry setting.
Mary
0This recipe was so easy and they were nice and crispy. Really enjoyed them!!
Laura
0We love these poppers!! They’re so tasty!!
Taylor
0This is the easiest way to make jalapeno poppers! The bacon gets super crispy while the peppers stay nice and tender. Everyone loved these!
Allyson Zea
0These are one of my favorite apps!
Toni
0I love how easy these are to make! Everyone at my house loved this! I can’t wait to make it again!
Shelby
0These are such a flavorful app! Fun for Sunday football games.
Guy
0This look very nice.