Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

These homemade air fryer jalapeño poppers are an incredibly delicious party appetizer and could not be simpler to make. These perfect poppers have a tasty bacon cream cheese filling with a crunchy panko breadcrumbs topping that becomes super crispy crunchy thanks to the hands off time in the air fryer. They’re a great option to serve at your next game day celebration or Super Bowl party!

These easy, healthier air fryer jalapeno poppers are the perfect game day snack and taste even better than the restaurant version, no deep frying required! If you’re looking for more healthy game day snacks & appetizers for your next party, you might love to try these Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip, or these incredibly delicious Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos. I’m also adding some more great game day options at the end of this post!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s fast. With just a few minutes of hands on prep and cook time thanks to the air fryer, these jalapeño poppers are about as fast & easy as appetizers come!
• It’s healthier. Since there is no deep frying required, it’s a healthier choice because these perfect poppers aren’t fried in lots of oil! Instead, they’re crispy crunchy thanks to oil free air frying.
• It’s delicious! Jalapeño peppers are stuffed with a cheddar and cream cheese mixture, bacon, and topped with panko breadcrumbs & a savory spice mixture.

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese filling is what makes these jalapeño poppers so delicious! Make sure you use room temperature cream cheese so the filling is easier to mix. Full fat or fat free cream cheese will both work.
• Greek Yogurt: Many jalapeño popper recipes call for mayo in the filling mixture, but I prefer to use greek yogurt for a healthier option that adds a bit of protein.
• Cheddar Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar cheese but you could also use blue cheese crumbles or a combination of both if you like.
• Bacon: I prefer using nitrate free bacon. I fry it up in a pan and crumble it once its cool ahead of time. To make this a vegetarian friendly recipe you can omit the bacon or use these plant based bacon bits.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Because I am gluten free, I used gluten free panko breadcrumbs but you can also use regular panko breadcrumbs if you don’t want gluten free jalapeño poppers, as they will yield the same result.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Look for the largest peppers you can find. This may mean opting against buying organic jalapeños as I find those to be very small and not as easy to stuff with the cream cheese mixture.
• Spices: I used a blend of paprika, taco seasoning, salt & pepper.
• Garlic Oil: I use garlic infused olive oil in all of my recipes anytime I want garlic flavor as I do not tolerate garlic or garlic powder. You are welcome to use regular olive oil instead and add garlic powder to the spice blend if it is something you tolerate.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Step By Step Instructions

1. Make the panko breadcrumb topping. In a small mixing bowl, add panko breadcrumbs & half of the spices (the spice mixture should be divided, see recipe card for full instructions below), mixing to combine. Then add the olive oil mixing again until a crumbly textured topping forms. Set aside.

2. Mix the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl add room temperature cream cheese, greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, bacon and remaining spice mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If you’re a fan of spice, add a little hot sauce in here to kick up the heat!

3. Prepare jalapeño peppers. Slice jalapeno peppers lengthwise. Using a small spoon, remove the seeds & insides and discard. Alternatively if you enjoy spicy jalapenos, you can leave a few of the seeds in tact.

4. Stuff the jalapeños. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. Once all jalapeños are stuffed, then sprinkle with the panko breadcrumb mixture and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet before adding to the air fryer basket.

5. Air fry. Preheat air fryer if necessary, depending on the type of air fryer, 380F for 5 minutes. Add jalapeño halves to your air fryer basket and air fry at 380 degrees F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket you may have to do this in batches. Serve alone or with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers FAQs

Are air fryer jalapeño poppers healthy?

Making homemade jalapeno poppers in the air fryer is definitely a healthier option than the deep fried restaurant version or even the premade frozen versions you’ll find in the grocery store.

Are jalapeño poppers low carb?

If you’re looking to make a low carb version, you can omit the panko breadcrumbs and simply sprinkle the tops of the stuffed jalapenos with the remaining spice blend.

How do I store jalapeño poppers?

You can store leftover jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I do recommend making and consuming the poppers in the same day however as the jalapenos can get mushy in the fridge.

How do I reheat jalapeño poppers?

If you do have leftovers you need to reheat, simply place in a single layer in the air fryer at 350 degrees F and heat up for 5-8 minutes for best results.

If you liked this recipe you might also enjoy:

• Jalapeño Peach Salsa
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
• Healthy Homemade Soft Pretzels
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Banana Walnut Brownies
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Grilled Panzanella Salad
• No Bean Roasted Carrot Hummus

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!