These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a lighter twist on a classic appetizer that’s both bold and satisfying.
Made with creamy cheese, crisp smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeños, they deliver a perfect mix of flavor and texture without deep frying.
Naturally low in carbs, rich in protein, and filled with good fats, they’re a guilt-free snack that works well for parties, game nights, or even quick meal-prep appetizers.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 paper towel
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons green onions sliced
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded (divided)
- ½ pound bacon cooked and chopped (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Begin by washing the jalapeños under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. With the tip of a spoon, gently scrape out the seeds and white membranes inside. Removing these parts not only reduces the heat but also creates a perfect hollow space for the filling. If you prefer extra spice, you can leave a small amount of the membrane intact. Always remember to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers to avoid irritation.
- Coat the Jalapeños with Oil: Place the jalapeño halves into a large bowl or directly onto a tray. Drizzle them with olive oil and use your hands (or a pastry brush if you prefer) to coat the outer skin lightly and evenly. This step helps the jalapeños roast more evenly in the air fryer, prevents them from drying out, and enhances their natural flavor.
- Air Fry the Jalapeños: Spray the basket of your air fryer lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the oiled jalapeño halves in a single layer, cut side up, making sure they are not stacked or overcrowded. Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes. This brief pre-cooking step softens the peppers slightly, making them easier to bite into and ensuring they are tender once filled. After cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes, then place them cut side down on a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture or oil.
- Make the Creamy Filling: While the jalapeños cool, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth, fluffy, and well blended. Stir in half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, most of the chopped bacon (reserving about 2 tablespoons for topping later), and the sliced green onions. The result should be a rich, savory filling with creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy flavors that perfectly complement the spicy jalapeños.
- Fill the Jalapeños Generously: Once the jalapeños have cooled enough to handle, flip them back over so the hollow side is facing up. Using a spoon, carefully scoop the prepared cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling it all the way to the edges. Don’t be afraid to slightly overfill — the creamy mixture will hold its shape well during cooking. Smooth the tops gently so the filling is evenly distributed.
- Add the Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed jalapeños. Then, scatter the reserved chopped bacon across the tops. This creates a golden, melty layer with delicious smoky crunch in every bite. For extra presentation, you can press the toppings lightly into the filling to help them stick better while cooking.
- Air Fry Until Golden: Return the stuffed jalapeños to the air fryer basket, again arranging them in a single layer without overlap. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and the tops are golden and bubbly. The jalapeños should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the jalapeño poppers from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, as they will be very hot. Allow them to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving; this prevents the filling from being too runny and gives the flavors a chance to settle. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy these irresistible bites as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Notes
- Always wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after handling raw jalapeños to avoid skin and eye irritation.
- For convenience, packaged bacon crumbles can be used instead of frying bacon from scratch.
- To adjust spice level, keep a small portion of seeds or membranes intact, or remove them completely for a milder popper.
- Colby Jack cheese can be swapped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella based on your taste preference.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the poppers in batches to ensure even crisping.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Poppers
The secret to irresistible jalapeño poppers is balancing texture and flavor.
Pre-air-frying the peppers for a few minutes softens them slightly so they don’t stay overly crisp after filling.
This step also helps release excess liquid, keeping the filling creamy instead of watery.
Using softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that spreads easily into the peppers.
For the best flavor, cook your bacon until it’s very crisp—this prevents sogginess and adds a smoky crunch to every bite.
Lastly, always let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving; this allows the filling to firm up and prevents accidental burns.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
These jalapeño poppers shine as an appetizer for game nights, holiday parties, or backyard barbecues.
They pair wonderfully with cooling dips such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or a creamy avocado sauce that balances their mild spice.
For a heartier spread, serve them alongside sliders, grilled chicken wings, or nachos.
If you want to create a Tex-Mex inspired platter, add guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips for a colorful and inviting presentation.
Since the poppers are naturally low in carbs, they’re also a great fit for keto-friendly gatherings.
Best Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, allow the jalapeño poppers to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, then refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For reheating, the air fryer is your best option—it restores the crispy texture in just 3–4 minutes at 350°F.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the peppers soggy.
If you’d like to make these ahead, you can prepare and stuff the jalapeños, refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours, and cook them fresh right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon bits. The filling is rich and flavorful enough that you won’t miss the meat.
2. How spicy are these poppers?
When the seeds and membranes are removed, the jalapeños become surprisingly mild. If you want extra heat, keep some seeds intact or mix a dash of cayenne pepper into the filling.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack all work well. Each cheese brings a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
4. Can I freeze jalapeño poppers?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before cooking. Arrange stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Not for this recipe. Starting with a cold air fryer helps prevent the peppers from shrinking too quickly. However, if your model recommends preheating, you can preheat for 2–3 minutes before adding the jalapeños.
