If you are looking for a quick and easy classic appetizer, look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers! These peppers are stuffed with a creamy cheese and onion mix and wrapped in bacon.
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Why I Love Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Well, first of all, they have bacon. And they have cheese. That's really all I need. And the jalapeno carrier of the bacon and cheese makes this appetizer irresistible, just like my Chile Relleno Cheese Dip and my Tequila Queso Fundido.
I used to shy away from jalapeno poppers because I am not a tough girl when it comes to spicy food. But then I realized you can get rid of the seeds and the spicy white flesh and have a delicious and not-very-spicy-for-people-like-me jalapeno appetizer.
This appetizer is also perfect for gatherings with friends and family, and can sit out for a while. Did I mention there is bacon and cheese? 😂
Ingredients Needed to Make This Recipe
All you need to make this air fryer appetizer is fresh jalapenos, bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and green onions. You also need toothpicks for this recipe, so you might as well add it to the list and make sure you have them.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Cut off the stems and slice jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pith to reduce heat. Wash hands well after handling or wear gloves if sensitive.
Step 2: Place the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onion into a medium mixing bowl. Mix to combine with a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Wrap each jalapeño with half a bacon slice and secure with 1–2 toothpicks. The bacon shrinks as it cooks, so toothpicks keep it in place.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and spray the basket. Add jalapeño poppers with space between, air fry 10–13 minutes until bacon is crisp. Cool before serving.
Expert Tips For This Recipe
- Choose the Right Peppers. Make sure you select fresh jalapeno peppers that are similar in size for even cooking. Look for peppers that are firm and free from wrinkles or blemishes.
- Make sure you clean and rinse your hands very well after handling the jalapenos. You may want to use rubber gloves if you are sensitive or worried about residual heat. If, for some crazy reason, you have any jalapeno poppers left over, you can store them covered in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- To control the spiciness of the poppers, you can leave some of the seeds and membranes intact in the jalapeno peppers or remove it completely for a more mild pepper.
- Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer or the microwave. The air fryer will make them crispier.
- Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place around the jalapeno poppers. This keeps the bacon in place while cooking.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can freeze these for future use, just don't cook them until you are ready to eat them. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to cook the poppers, you can air fry them from frozen, but it may take a bit longer than cooking them when fresh.
Yes, you can make these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers vegetarian without bacon. Check the cooking time after 8 minutes, since the jalapenos will cook faster without the bacon.
It's a good idea to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to around 350°F (177°C) before placing the poppers inside. This helps ensure even cooking.
You can season the cream cheese filling with herbs or spices before mixing it with the cheese and onions.
If you get a chance to make these Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
- toothpicks
- metal spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (green only)
- 8 large jalapenos, halved and de-seeded
- 8 pieces bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Clean the jalapenos and cut off the top stem. Cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds (a regular metal teaspoon works perfectly). If you want the jalapenos to be less spicy, also use the spoon to remove the white pith from the inside of the jalapeno, this is where the rest of the heat is.
- Place the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onion into a medium mixing bowl. Mix to combine with a spoon or spatula. Place the cheese mixture into each jalapeno middle with a spoon.
- Take a half piece of bacon and wrap it around each jalapeno. Use 1-2 toothpicks to secure the bacon in place. As the bacon cooks it will shrink up so if you do not use a toothpick, the bacon will fall off the jalapeno and be much harder to eat.
- Preheat the air fryer at 350°F then spray the basket with non-stick spray. Place the jalapeno poppers into the basket, leaving room around each one for airflow.
- Air fry for 10-13 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bacon is crisp. Remove from the air fryer with tongs and allow the jalapeno poppers to cool before serving.
- Remove from the air fryer with tongs and allow the jalapeno poppers to cool before serving.
Notes
- If you have any jalapeno poppers left over, you can store them covered in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave.
- You can make these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers vegetarian without bacon. Check the cooking time earlier at 8 minutes as the jalapenos will cook faster without the bacon.
- Make sure you clean and rinse your hands very well after handling the jalapenos. You may want to use rubber gloves if you are sensitive or worried about residual heat.
- Remember to always read the instruction manual and follow what your manufacturer recommends.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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