Easy Air Fryer Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
This recipe creates delicious Air Fryer Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. Fresh jalapenos are halved, filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon, then air-fried until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, offering a delightful balance of heat, creaminess, and savory crunch.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Knife For halving jalapenos
- 1 Small spoon For deseeding and stuffing
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 10 fresh jalapenos
- 6 oz cream cheese I used reduced-fat
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Carefully wash and dry the fresh jalapenos. Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to remove the seeds and membranes, discarding them.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked, crumbled bacon until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Generously spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into each hollowed-out jalapeno half, ensuring they are adequately filled but not overstuffed.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reach the optimal cooking temperature for even results.
- Lightly spray the stuffed jalapeno poppers with cooking oil spray to aid in browning and crisping.
- Arrange the poppers in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender-crisp, and the cheese filling is bubbly and exhibits a light golden-brown color.
- Carefully remove the cooked poppers from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set.
Notes
For optimal flavor and safety, always wear gloves when handling and deseeding jalapenos to prevent capsaicin irritation. To enhance the filling, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture before stuffing. Ensure your bacon is extra crispy when crumbled for textural contrast. When air frying, arrange poppers in a single layer to allow even cooking and crisping; overcrowding will steam them. A light spray of cooking oil before frying promotes a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Monitor closely to avoid burning, as air fryer times can vary. For a touch of sophistication, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or cilantro makes an excellent garnish.