Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Name: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 large jalapeño peppers (or 8 medium); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 green onions (finely chopped); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 strips bacon (cooked and finely chopped); salt & pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; olive oil spray; fresh chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

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These crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are hands-down the best appetizer for any occasion. Stuffed with creamy cheese, topped with crunchy golden breadcrumbs, and ready in just 20 minutes, they’re so irresistible you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. This is the foolproof recipe you’ll reach for every time you need an easy, crowd-pleasing snack.

A plate of air fryer jalapeno poppers next to a small bowl of sauce.

Table of Contents

For even more great appetizers just like this, check out my Air Fryer Banana Peppers or these Crispy Popcorn Shrimp!

Why You Will Love These

a girl wearing a black leather jacket holding a drink

Thanks to a creamy filling and a golden brown bread crumb topping, every single bite of these stuffed jalapeños is packed with delicious flavor! Pair them with a simple homemade sour cream sauce and you’ve got the perfect appetizer or snack.

Crispy and cheesy without deep frying: The air fryer gives you that golden crunch with way less oil and mess.

Perfect party or game-day snack: These poppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with bold, spicy flavor in every bite.

Quick, easy, and customizable: Ready in under 15 minutes and easy to fill with your favorite cheeses, bacon, or toppings.

Jordan

Ingredients You Will Need

Labeled ingredients for air fryer jalapeño poppers.

Jalapeño peppers: I like to look for rounder ones because they will hold more filling.
Seasonings: I add some garlic powder along with salt and black pepper.
Panko breadcrumbs: Any kind of breadcrumbs work fine, but Panko bread crumbs are my favorite because they’re super light and crispy.
Cream cheese: Don’t forget to let your cream cheese come up to room temperature first to make it easier to mix into the filling! You can also use whipped cream cheese if you’re like me and always forget to take the block out of the fridge.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder, super melty filling.
No cream cheese? Use softened goat cheese or Boursin for a tangier, herby flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon or replace it with finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for a savory bite.
Breadcrumb alternatives: Use crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly topping or omit breadcrumbs entirely for a low-carb option.
Add a kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced pickled jalapeños into the filling for extra spice.

Hollowed out jalapenos on a cutting board.

Step 1: Prepare peppers. Cut each pepper in half and scrape out all of the seeds to make a hollow.

Making jalapeno popper filling in a gray mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, green onions, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper as needed.

Uncooked prepared jalapeno poppers on a wooden cutting board.

Step 3: Stuff peppers. Spoon a dollop of the cheese filling into each pepper. Top with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs.

Jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air fry. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 375. Spritz with some olive oil before cooking for an extra crispy and golden brown top.

A plate of jalapeno poppers arranged around a small bowl of dipping sauce.

If you tried this Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Recipe FAQs

Are jalapeño poppers spicy?

This depends on how you prepare the peppers! All the heat is in the seeds and the “ribs” of the peppers, so if you scoop all of that out you’ll be left with a mild but flavorful pepper.

What sauce should I serve with jalapeño poppers?

You can easily make a delicious sauce with some sour cream, mayo, and your seasonings of choice. Other good options are ranch dressing, buffalo sauce for more heat, or a nice creamy queso.

How do you store jalapeño poppers?

Allow the peppers to cool and transfer to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze jalapeño poppers?

Yes, preparing ahead of time and freezing is a great way to make this recipe even more convenient! I would wait to add the panko bread crumbs until you’re ready to air fry them. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet or on a plate in a single layer. Once. they’re frozen you can transfer them to a storage container.

How to reheat leftover jalapeño poppers?

Pop them back in the air fryer at 350 until the filling is melty and bubbly again, or you can even toss them in the oven for a bit.

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