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Home » Recipes » Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Holiday Treat

Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Holiday Treat

Filed Under: Appetizers, Christmas November 26, 2024

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air fried jalapeno poppers on a plate

Looking for an appetizer that’s full of flavor and sure to impress your guests? These Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect choice! With their crispy, slightly spicy exterior and creamy, cheesy filling, these poppers are a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. Plus, making them in the air fryer means you get all the crunch without the extra oil, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers:

  1. Bold and Flavorful: The heat from the jalapenos pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, creating a satisfying bite in every popper.
  2. Air Fryer Magic: Air frying helps get that crispy texture without deep-frying, which means you can indulge without the extra grease.
  3. Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand, and the recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences (like adding more cheese or bacon!).
  4. Perfect for Parties: Whether it’s Christmas, a New Year’s celebration, or a casual get-together, these poppers make the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer.

How to Make Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers:

These air fried jalapeno poppers come together in just a few easy steps. First, you slice and deseed the jalapenos before tossing them in olive oil. Then, you air fry them for a few minutes to get them tender and slightly crispy. While the jalapenos are cooling, you mix up a creamy filling made with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Once the jalapenos have cooled down, stuff them with the cheesy mixture, then air fry them for a second round to get everything nice and melty.

The result? A perfectly cooked popper that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll get that perfect balance of spicy heat from the jalapenos, savory bacon, and creamy cheese that makes these poppers so irresistible.

Serving Tips:

Serve these air fried jalapeno poppers with a dollop of sour cream or a cool ranch dip on the side to balance out the spice. They’re great as a standalone appetizer, but also pair wonderfully with other finger foods like sliders or crispy fries.

These air fried jalapeno poppers are a great way to spice up your party menu this season. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday gathering or a casual night with friends, this easy and delicious snack will be a hit! Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time.seasoning makes it a simple but standout appetizer. Your guests will love it – and so will you!

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air fried jalapeno poppers on a plate

Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Holiday Treat


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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 poppers 1x
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Description

Looking for a bold and flavorful appetizer for your holiday spread? These Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect choice! With a crispy exterior, creamy filling, and a touch of smokiness from bacon, they make a delicious and irresistible snack that’s sure to impress your guests. Easy to make and air fried for a lighter, crunchy bite, these poppers are a great addition to any Christmas celebration or party.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 jalapenos, sliced in half and deseeded
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jalapenos: Slice the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds. Add them to a bowl with olive oil and toss to coat.
  2. Air Fry: Air fry the jalapenos at 400°F for 5 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
  3. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, milk, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon until smooth.
  4. Stuff the Jalapenos: Once the jalapenos are cooled, fill each one with the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Final Air Fry: Air fry the stuffed jalapenos at 400°F for another 5 minutes, then top with sliced scallions.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10

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Tagged With: air fried, air fryer, app, bacon, cream cheese, jalapeno, spicy, under $10

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Hi, I’m Maria — a wife and mom of three boys, lifelong food lover, and self-proclaimed “hostess-in-training” following in my grandmother’s footsteps (she's 87 and still hosts us for elegant dinners).

Around here, you’ll find recipes, hosting tips, and inspiration to make every gathering — from Thanksgiving to game day — feel special without stress.

After cooking more than 50 turkeys and planning hundreds of dinners, I’ve learned that entertaining doesn’t have to be perfect — just intentional. Read More…

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