Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect appetizer or snack, combining spicy jalapenos stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and cheddar, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, they come out perfectly crispy and cheesy using an air fryer, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Stuff the Jalapenos: Generously fill each jalapeno half with the prepared cheese mixture using a spoon or small scoop, ensuring even distribution.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap one slice of thin-cut bacon tightly around each stuffed jalapeno half, slightly overlapping the edges to secure the bacon in place.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even air circulation and crisping.
- Cook the Jalapeno Poppers: Air fry for approximately 7 minutes, then carefully flip each popper using tongs to ensure even cooking. Continue air frying for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
- Check for Doneness: Confirm that the bacon is golden brown and crisp, and the jalapenos are tender but still holding their shape to prevent sogginess.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly for easier handling.
Notes
- Wearing gloves while handling jalapenos is recommended to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin.
- For extra smoky flavor, do not omit the smoked paprika.
- If you prefer milder poppers, ensure you remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, though cooking time may vary slightly.
- Consume immediately for best texture, as the bacon tends to lose crispness upon standing.
Keywords: bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, air fryer jalapeno poppers, crispy jalapeno poppers, bacon appetizers, spicy snacks
