Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers That Bring the Heat and Crunch

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These crispy air fryer jalapeño poppers are cheesy, spicy, and ready in 15 minutes — perfect for parties or a crave-worthy snack!

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer jalapeño poppers, jalapeño popper snacks, jalapeño poppers in air fryer

Servings:

Calories: 180kcal

Get Recipe Ingredients

Cut jalapenos in half and remove seeds. It is best to wear latex gloves for this.
8-10 jalapeños
Combine all filling ingredients except panko in a bowl.
4 tbsp bacon crumbles, 2 tbsp mayo, 1/3 tsp salt, 1/3 tsp granulated garlic, 4 tbsp cream cheese
Mix thoroughly.
Fill each jalapeno half with cheese filling.
Preheat the air fryer to 360° F. Roll panko on top of jalapenos. Place halves in an air fryer basket in a single layer.
4 tbsp panko
Air fry for 7 minutes. If needed, increase air frying time by 1-2 minutes.

- Use Gloves When Prepping: Jalapeños can leave a lasting burn on your hands. Wearing gloves is the easiest way to avoid the sting.

- Remove All Seeds: If you want a milder popper, scrape out every bit of the seeds and membrane.

- Customize the Cheese: Not a fan of cheddar? Swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a little blue cheese for a bolder twist.

- Go Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for a meatless option.
- Add Heat: Like it spicier? Leave in a few seeds or add hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Serve Immediately: These jalapeño poppers are best served hot while the filling is still very soft.