If you’re a fan of zesty, cheesy appetizers, then Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are about to become your new favorite snack. These bite-sized wonders combine the heat of fresh jalapeños with a creamy, indulgent filling, all cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Get ready to impress your friends and satisfy your cravings with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Irresistible Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- 6 large jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and chopped (divided use)
How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Making these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers is a breeze, and the results are well worth the minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to create a flavor explosion in your mouth:
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.</
Prepare the Jalapeños
Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins. This will help control the spice level to your liking. Drizzle the jalapeño halves with olive oil and rub to coat them evenly.
Air Fry the Jalapeños
Place the prepared jalapeño halves in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes before handling.
Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, green onions, and ½ cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Stuff the Jalapeños
Carefully fill each jalapeño half with the creamy cheese mixture. Top the stuffed jalapeños with the remaining Colby Jack cheese and chopped bacon.
Air Fry the Poppers
Place the stuffed and topped jalapeños back in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers to cool slightly before serving. Savor the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy goodness in every bite!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
To ensure your Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers turn out crispy and delicious, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the right jalapeños: Look for large, fresh jalapeños with a vibrant green color. The size and freshness will affect the overall texture and flavor.
- Adjust spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, be sure to remove all the seeds and veins from the jalapeños. For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds and membranes intact.
- Preheat the air fryer: Letting the air fryer reach the desired temperature before adding the jalapeños is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking and crisping.
- Let them cool slightly: Allowing the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers to rest for a few minutes before serving will help the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers contains approximately:
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
While Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious and indulgent snack, they can be made healthier by using low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, or reduced-fat cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, from game nights to cocktail parties. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo, for an extra flavor boost. They also pair beautifully with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Cream Cheese and Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers
- Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Mushrooms
FAQs About Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
How long should I air fry jalapeño poppers?
The total air frying time for the stuffed and topped jalapeño poppers is 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This ensures the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the poppers are heated through.
Are jalapeño poppers better in the air fryer than the oven?
Yes, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are generally considered better than oven-baked versions. The air fryer provides a more consistent and even heat, resulting in a crispy exterior and a creamy, melted interior without the need for excessive oil or grease.
How long does it take to roast jalapenos in an air fryer?
In this recipe, the jalapeño halves are air fried for 4 minutes before being stuffed and topped. This brief cooking time helps soften the jalapeños and prepares them for the final air frying step with the creamy filling.
How do you air fry feel good jalapeño poppers?
To make these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers a healthier option, you can use low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat shredded cheese. Additionally, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to control the spice level.
Conclusion
Get ready to wow your guests with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful snack, these poppers are sure to satisfy. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in this flavor-packed appetizer!
For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Make Irresistible Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers in Just 5 Steps!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Irresistible Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Delight
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon sliced green onions
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
2. Slice the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
3. Place the jalapeño halves in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before handling.
4. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, green onions, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese until smooth.
5. Fill each jalapeño half with the creamy mixture. Top with remaining cheese and chopped bacon.
6. Place the stuffed jalapeños back in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
To ensure crispy poppers, choose large, fresh jalapeños. Adjust spiciness by removing seeds and veins. Preheat air fryer for best results. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg