Crispy, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon, these air fryer jalapeno poppers will disappear in a hurry! Whether you're watching the big game or satisfying a craving, this easy recipe offers bold flavors in minutes.
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
I absolutely love using our air fryer! It's a game changer in the kitchen because it cooks food fast and makes everything crispy without the greasy mess from deep frying. The two foods we make the most are canned chicken nuggets and air-fried Oreos.
Since my husband loves bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, I made a batch in the air fryer for a movie night. I stuffed the peppers with a cream cheese mixture before wrapping them in bacon.
They are easy to make, and I love the cheesy center that spills out when taking a bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing on the couch, or want to use your new air fryer, this popper recipe is a winner!
Why Make This Recipe
These little bites of cheesy, bacon-wrapped goodness are so easy to love. Whether making them for game day or just because you need a good snack, you can’t go wrong!
- Fast and easy. Just a few ingredients and the air fryer does the work. Whether you're hosting a party or need a quick snack, these poppers are ready in minutes.
- Creamy, cheesy filling. Bacon-wrapped cheese is always a hit – It’s just a fact!
- Prep ahead of time. Make the jalapeño peppers in advance and air fry when you’re ready.
- Great for any event. Jalapeño poppers are a favorite for the Super Bowl. They are also great for BBQs, potlucks, and any party that needs finger foods.
If you're prepping for a big game, check out these game day recipes.
Ingredient Notes
You need a handful of simple ingredients for this spicy appetizer! The hardest part is getting the jalapeños ready; everything else is just a quick mix.
- Fresh Jalapeños: Look for large green peppers with firm skins. For less spice, choose smooth ones and remove all the seeds. For more heat, choose slightly wrinkled peppers with some red coloring. Also, leaving in some of the seeds and membranes will increase the heat.
- Cream Cheese: Let the block of cheese soften to room temperature before mixing so it mixes easily.
- Spices: Garlic powder and black pepper add a delicious flavor that pairs well with the bacon and cheddar. We have also used dry Ranch powder.
- Green Onions: Use bright green onions with small stems so you do not have large chunks.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We usually use pre-shredded cheddar cheese in the filling, but you can use any cheese. We've tried pepper jack and gouda with good results.
- Sliced Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon is easy to wrap and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. If you prefer thicker bacon, you may need to cook it for a few minutes before wrapping it around the peppers.
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
There are just a few simple steps to follow. The recipe card below provides specific measurements and full instructions.
Prep the peppers. Cut the jalapeno peppers in half. Use a paring knife or spoon to remove the seeds and veins. Rinse and dry the peppers on a paper towel, then set aside.
Make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and seasonings until creamy. Stir in the shredded cheese and onions.
Assemble the poppers. Fill the peppers with the cream cheese filling. Wrap a slice of bacon around each one, covering the cheese.
Air fry and serve. Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes or until the cheese starts to explode from the bacon. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Most of the time, we eat these poppers right out of the air fryer. But other times, we enjoy them with dipping sauces. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Ranch Dressing
- Blue Cheese Sauce
- Sriracha Mayonnaise
- BBQ Sauce
Storage Recommendations
For best results, serve these poppers hot from the air fryer. Once the leftovers are cool, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat, microwave for 1 minute or pop them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
Tips and Variations
Here are some easy tips and ways to change the recipe based on our experience in the kitchen.
- Halving the jalapenos by cutting through the stem creates a fun presentation and provides a little “handle” for eating.
- Do NOT touch your eyes or face when removing the seeds of the peppers because the oils can irritate your skin. I wear gloves to keep the jalapeno oil off my skin.
- Adjust the flavor of the cream cheese mixture by using your favorite spices and cheese.
- Refrigerate or freeze the filled peppers for a few minutes before air frying. This will help prevent the cheese from spilling out as they cook.
- Cook times can vary depending on how big the peppers are and what brand of air fryer you have. Cook a few as a test batch to determine the best timing for your fryer.
- Don't have an air fryer? Bake the wrapped peppers in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the bacon slightly more.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the bacon jalapeño poppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just cover them well so the bacon doesn’t dry out.
Once the peppers are filled, wrap them in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw them before wrapping them in bacon and cooking.
More Cheesy Appetizers
- Chicken Queso Dip
- Homemade Pizza Bites
- Hot Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
- Garlic Herb Cheese Bombs
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Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
- 12 medium sized jalapeno peppers (about 3" long)
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 24 slices thin cut bacon
Instructions
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and veins with a small spoon. Line them on a baking tray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cheese and green onions and gently mix until incorporated.
- Using a teaspoon, fill the halves of the peppers with the cream cheese mixture, mounding slightly.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around a pepper, tucking the loose ends underneath the pepper. Repeat until all the peppers have been wrapped in bacon.
- Preheat an air fryer to 375°F. Place the poppers in the basket in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bacon is cooked.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the poppers in batches. Transfer the cooked poppers to a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven preheated to 175°F.
Notes
- Halving the jalapenos by cutting through the stem creates a fun presentation and provides a little “handle” for eating.
- Do NOT touch your eyes or face when removing the seeds of the peppers because the oils can irritate your skin. I wear gloves to keep the jalapeno oil off my skin.
- Adjust the flavor of the cream cheese mixture by using your favorite spices and cheese.
- Refrigerate or freeze the filled peppers for a few minutes before air frying. This will help prevent the cheese from spilling out as they cook.
- Cook times can vary depending on how big the peppers are and what brand of air fryer you have. Cook a few as a test batch to determine the best timing for your fryer.
- Don't have an air fryer? Bake the wrapped peppers in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the bacon slightly more.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 409mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 9g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
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