Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining smoky bacon with creamy cheese and fresh jalapenos makes for an irresistible bite-sized treat. Plus, using the air fryer keeps them extra crispy without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

• 12 medium fresh jalapenos, washed and halved lengthwise
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slices thin-cut bacon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Fill each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop.
4. Step 4: Wrap one slice of bacon snugly around each stuffed jalapeno half, overlapping slightly to keep it secure.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Step 6: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching each other.
7. Step 7: Cook for about 7 minutes, then carefully flip each popper using tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
8. Step 8: Check for doneness; bacon should be golden and crisp, and jalapenos should be tender while holding their shape.
9. Step 9: Let the poppers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle.

Tips & Variations

• For milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, or use mini sweet peppers instead.
• Try adding cooked and crumbled sausage or chopped green onions to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier twist.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness or microwave briefly if short on time, though the bacon may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers?

Yes, you can freeze them uncooked. Wrap each popper individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?

Wrapping the bacon snugly and slightly overlapping it helps keep it secure. You can also use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed, just remember to remove them before serving.

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings (one popper per serving) 1x

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Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a perfect blend of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapenos. Quick to prepare and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, they make an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Jalapenos

• 12 medium fresh jalapenos, washed and halved lengthwise

Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bacon

• 12 slices thin-cut bacon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapenos: Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to reduce heat and create space for the filling.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until it forms a smooth, evenly blended cheese filling.
3. Stuff the Jalapenos: Using a spoon or small scoop, generously fill each jalapeno half with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-filled but not overflowing.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take one slice of thin-cut bacon and wrap it snugly around each stuffed jalapeno half, overlapping slightly to secure the bacon tightly around the filling.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching for proper air circulation.
7. First Cook: Cook them for about 7 minutes, allowing the bacon to start crisping and the cheese mixture to heat through.
8. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each popper carefully using tongs and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until the bacon is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is bubbling.
9. Check Doneness: Ensure the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender but still holding their shape before removing them from the air fryer.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the poppers rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For less heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
• Thin-cut bacon crisps better and wraps easier around jalapenos.
• Use tongs carefully when flipping to avoid tearing the bacon wrap.
• Serve immediately after resting to enjoy maximum crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeno poppers, bacon wrapped jalapenos, air fryer appetizer, cheesy jalapenos, party snack