By Becky Hardin
Published Dec 28, 2021
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate easy appetizer! If you love jalapeno poppers , you have to try this air fryer recipe! Ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes, jalapenos are stuffed with cream and cheddar cheese and topped with bacon bits for one delicious appetizer.
What’s in Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers?
These jalapeno poppers are super easy to make, extra cheesy, and because they are cooked in the air fryer, they come out super juicy and flavorful.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the filling soft and creamy.
- Cheddar Cheese: We like sharp cheddar for its contrasting flavor.
- Bacon Bits : These are optional, but we definitely recommend them!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a bit of earthiness to the filling.
- Ground Paprika: Adds a touch of spice and color to the filling.
- Jalapeno Peppers: You’ll need 6 whole jalapeno peppers for this recipe.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthways and remove the seeds with a spoon before stuffing them. This will reduce how spicy they are. You may want to wear gloves to do this if you have sensitive skin.
- If you like things crispy, add some panko breadcrumbs on top.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake these in the oven. Place the stuffed jalapeno halves on a foil-lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 400°F for around 20 minutes, or until soft and the cheese has melted.
Variations on Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
Jalapeno Poppers have tons of variation– feel free to add anything you like to the filling! White cheddar, caramelized onions , or green onions would all be delicious! Or, why not wrap them in bacon ?
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature (½ brick)
- ▢ ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ▢ ¼ cup bacon bits optional
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ▢ 6 jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed
Instructions
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in bacon bits if using. 4 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ cup bacon bits
- Divide the mixture between the jalapeños (about 1 tablespoon per jalapeño half, depending on their size). 6 jalapeno peppers
- Place the peppers in the basket and cook at 375F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the peppers are blistered on the outside.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Becky’s Tips
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthways and remove the seeds with a spoon before stuffing them. You may want to wear gloves to do this if you have sensitive skin.
- If you like things crispy, add some panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Place the stuffed jalapeno halves on a foil-lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tasty air fryer jalapeno poppers with ranch dressing , Buffalo sauce , or yum yum sauce for dipping. They’re the perfect game day finger food !
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Step by Step
Make the Filling: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and set it aside. In a large bowl, combine 4 ounces (½ brick) of cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Stir in ¼ cup of bacon bits if using.
Cook the Jalapenos: Divide the mixture between the 6 halved jalapenos (about 1 tablespoon per jalapeno half, depending on their size). Place the peppers in the basket and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the peppers are blistered on the outside.
Serve the Jalapenos: Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for a couple of minutes to warm through.
How to Freeze
Freeze air fryer jalapeno poppers in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Appetizers To Try
- Baked Chicken Wings
- White Queso
- Tortilla Roll Ups
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Street Corn Dip
- Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature (½ brick)
- ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup bacon bits optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 6 jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed
Instructions
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in bacon bits if using. 4 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ cup bacon bits
- Divide the mixture between the jalapeños (about 1 tablespoon per jalapeño half, depending on their size). 6 jalapeno peppers
- Place the peppers in the basket and cook at 375F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the peppers are blistered on the outside.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Notes
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthways and remove the seeds with a spoon before stuffing them. You may want to wear gloves to do this if you have sensitive skin.
- If you like things crispy, add some panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Place the stuffed jalapeno halves on a foil-lined baking tray and bake in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
