Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

The first time I made these jalapeño poppers, my brother-in-law accidentally ate three before dinner was even ready, insisting he was just taste testing. They disappeared from the platter so fast that I barely got to try one myself, which is how I knew this recipe was a keeper. Now whenever we have people over, someone always asks if I'm making those spicy cheese boats. There's something about that crispy breadcrumb topping against the cool cream filling that makes them completely addictive.

I made these for a Super Bowl party last winter, and my friend who claims she hates spicy food kept sneaking back to the kitchen. She said the cream cheese filling balanced everything perfectly, and by halftime she was asking for the recipe. That's when I realized these poppers work even for people who usually shy away from heat.

Ingredients

• Jalapeños: Large peppers hold more filling and are easier to halve without tearing
• Cream cheese: Let it soften completely at room temperature for the smoothest filling
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the mild cream cheese
• Fresh chives: Their mild onion flavor complements without overpowering the peppers
• Garlic powder: This subtle background note ties all the flavors together
• Breadcrumbs: Mix with olive oil just before using so they get beautifully crispy
• Bacon: Optional but adds a smoky crunch that takes these over the top

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F and let it warm up for about 5 minutes while you prep the peppers

Prep the jalapeños:

Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white membranes unless you want extra heat

Mix the filling:

Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, chives, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until completely smooth

Fill the peppers:

Pack the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly on top

Add the crispy topping:

Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and press them onto the filled peppers

Air fry until golden:

Cook in a single layer for 8-10 minutes until the tops are browned and peppers are tender

Add the finishing touch:

Sprinkle with crumbled bacon right out of the air fryer while they're hot

Save

These poppers have become my go-to for every gathering now. My neighbor actually texted me the day after our last party saying her husband couldn't stop talking about them.

Making Them Your Own

Sometimes I swap in pepper jack cheese for extra kick, or add a tablespoon of diced pimientos for color. The recipe is forgiving enough that you can play with different cheeses or herbs and still end up with something delicious.

What To Serve With Them

A cool ranch dip or sour cream on the side helps tame the heat for sensitive palates. They also pair beautifully with cold beer or a crisp white wine for a casual appetizer spread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can stuff the peppers up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before air frying so they stay crisp.

• Let the filling come to room temperature before stuffing cold peppers
• The poppers reheat surprisingly well at 350°F for 3-4 minutes
• Extra filling makes a great spread on crackers the next day

Save

These poppers always disappear fast, so I usually make a double batch if we're feeding a crowd.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I reduce the spiciness of the jalapeños?

To significantly reduce the heat, make sure to thoroughly remove all seeds and white membranes from the inside of each jalapeño half. These parts contain most of the capsaicin, which is responsible for the spice. Wearing gloves during this process is also recommended.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can prepare the jalapeño halves and the cheese filling a day in advance. Store the filling in an airtight container and the jalapeño halves in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. Assemble and air-fry just before serving to ensure maximum crispness.

→ What are some variations for the cheese filling?

While cheddar and cream cheese offer a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra kick, or even a smoked gouda can add unique flavors. A small amount of crumbled cooked bacon can also be mixed into the filling for a savory twist.

→ I don't have an air fryer. Can I bake these?

Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the prepared poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Baking might result in a slightly less crispy exterior than air-frying.

→ How do I ensure the breadcrumbs get crispy?

Mixing the breadcrumbs with a small amount of olive oil before sprinkling helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can steam the poppers instead of crisping them. Work in batches if necessary.

→ Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the core dish is vegetarian. The ingredients list specifies omitting bacon if catering to vegetarians. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.