Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 22

Servings: people

Calories: 105kcal

Author: Quynh Nguyen

Fresh jalapeños are filled with a creamy cream cheese and cheddar mixture, topped with crispy panko, and air fried until golden. An easy appetizer ready in about 20 minutes.

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Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

6-8 jalapeños
6 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer. Preheat to 375°F.
Make the filling. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, and garlic powder in a bowl until combined.
Prep the jalapeños. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and white membranes. Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to chili oils.
Fill the peppers. Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half without overfilling.
Add the topping. Sprinkle panko over the filling and press it down gently. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
Air fry. Arrange the poppers in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
Serve. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving warm.

Notes

Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder popper.
Don’t overfill the jalapeños or the cheese may spill over.
Press the panko gently into the filling so it stays in place.
Cook in batches if needed so the poppers stay in a single layer.
Start checking around 8 minutes since smaller peppers cook faster.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Nutrition