Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

My friend Sarah brought these to a Super Bowl party years ago and I literally couldn't stop eating them. She laughed watching me hover by the serving bowl, popping one after another like they were candy. Now they're my go-to whenever I need something that disappears faster than I can explain the recipe.

Last summer I made these for a backyard barbecue and my brother-in-law, who claims he hates spicy food, ate seven. He kept saying 'just one more' while reaching for another. Now he specifically requests them every time we grill together.

Ingredients

• 8 large fresh jalapeños: Look for peppers with smooth, shiny skin and no wrinkles—they'll hold their shape better during cooking
• 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for the smoothest filling texture
• 115 g (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but medium works too
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Or green onions for a milder onion flavor that complements the cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Don't use fresh garlic here—it can burn in the air fryer and taste bitter
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference in depth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust based on how salty your cheese blend is
• 1/2 cup (60 g) plain breadcrumbs: Panko creates an extra crispy crust but regular works perfectly fine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crunchy
• 2 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon: Optional but adds a smoky, salty layer that guests always love

Instructions

Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes while you prep the peppers

Prep the jalapeños:

Wash them, slice in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to scoop out seeds and membranes—wear gloves if your skin is sensitive

Mix the filling:

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

Stuff the peppers:

Mound the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, slightly overfilling them

Add the crispy topping:

Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, then press onto the tops of each stuffed pepper

Arrange and cook:

Place poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed

Air fry to perfection:

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and peppers are tender

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle with crumbled bacon right after cooking if using, and serve them while still warm and melty

Pin It

These became a Thanksgiving tradition in my house after the year I forgot to make a vegetable side. Nobody noticed the missing green beans because they were too busy reaching for seconds of the poppers. Sometimes the best traditions start from happy accidents.

Making Them Ahead

I've learned through experience that you can stuff the peppers and coat them with breadcrumbs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them uncovered on a baking sheet in the refrigerator—the coating actually gets even better after chilling. Just air fry them straight from the fridge, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Heat Level Hacks

The spice lives almost entirely in those white membranes and seeds. If you're feeding a mixed crowd, leave half the peppers with seeds for the heat seekers and remove all membranes from the other half. My sister-in-law now requests the mild version by name every single gathering.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of cool ranch or sour cream makes these feel complete, but they're also fantastic alongside a charcuterie board. I've served them as game day food, cocktail hour appetizers, and even as part of a Tex-Mex dinner spread. They're versatile enough to work anywhere you need something handheld and irresistible.

• Pair with an IPA or crisp lager to cut through the richness
• Set out small forks if you want to keep fingers clean during cocktail hour
• Double the recipe for larger groups—they disappear faster than you'd expect

Pin It

There's something uniquely satisfying about pulling a batch of these out of the air fryer, all bubbly and golden, while everyone gathers around the kitchen waiting. Food that brings people together is always worth making.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I adjust the spice level of these poppers?

Absolutely. For less heat, ensure all seeds and membranes are thoroughly removed from the jalapeños. For extra spice, you can intentionally leave a few seeds in or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese filling.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the poppers up to 24 hours in advance. Stuff the jalapeño halves and coat them with breadcrumbs, then arrange them on a plate or in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to air fry. This helps when entertaining.

→ Are these poppers suitable for a gluten-free diet?

They can be easily adapted! Simply use a certified gluten-free breadcrumb brand for the coating. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making them a versatile option for dietary needs.

→ What other cheese types work well in the filling?

While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses. Monterey Jack or pepper jack will add a different flavor profile and melt beautifully. A blend of cream cheese with another firm cheese works best for texture.

→ What's the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

→ Why use an air fryer instead of baking or deep frying?

The air fryer offers the perfect balance. It achieves a wonderful crispy exterior similar to deep frying but uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier choice. It’s also much quicker and more efficient than a traditional oven for small batches, ensuring a golden, tender result.