Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with these Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers! Elevating the classic appetizer, this recipe combines the irresistible flavors of bacon, creamy cheese, and the perfect hint of heat. Join me as we transform this cozy classic into a visually stunning, yet approachable delight that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy, flavorful bacon wrapped around a creamy, cheesy jalapeño filling – what’s not to love? This recipe takes the beloved jalapeño popper and puts a delightfully elegant spin on it. The air fryer method ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the interior deliciously gooey. Plus, the hands-off cooking process allows you to effortlessly entertain or enjoy a decadent snack. Whether you’re craving a cozy comfort classic or looking to impress with a visually stunning appetizer, these Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are sure to become a new household favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and thick-cut bacon. The combination of the cool, creamy cheese filling and the spicy, crunchy jalapeño creates a heavenly balance of flavors and textures.
- 8 fresh jalapeños – halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: Anaheim or bell peppers — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Dairy: Plant-based cream cheese and cheddar — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
This recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers is easy to prepare and yields perfectly crisp, gooey-centered poppers every time.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Start by carefully slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Carefully spoon the creamy filling into each jalapeño half, being mindful not to overstuff them.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Next, wrap each filled jalapeño half with a slice of thick-cut bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is heated through.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the poppers are perfectly cooked, remove the toothpicks and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or chives for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the warm poppers just before serving. The sweet glaze will perfectly complement the savory, spicy flavors.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Crispy Exterior: Roll the filled jalapeño halves in crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs before wrapping them in bacon for an extra crispy exterior.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack, or swap the cheddar for blue cheese for a tangy, gourmet flavor.
- Mild Heat: Use Anaheim or bell peppers in place of the jalapeños for a more mild heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the toothpicks and serve the bacon-wrapped poppers on a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Storage: Allow the poppers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Place the poppers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just add a few minutes to the air frying time to ensure they’re heated through.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a satisfying, yet indulgent treat. Each serving (2 poppers) provides a good source of protein from the bacon and cheese, as well as a touch of fiber and vitamins from the jalapeños. While they do contain some fat and calories from the bacon and cheese, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 616 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the poppers less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can use Anaheim or bell peppers in place of the jalapeños. You can also remove more of the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before filling them.
Can I prepare the poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the poppers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just add a few minutes to the air frying time to ensure they’re heated through.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
The bacon should be crispy and the filling should be heated through when the poppers are done. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the poppers in the oven at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
What should I serve with the poppers?
These Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers make a delicious appetizer on their own, but they also pair well with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re also a fantastic addition to game day spreads or cocktail parties.
Try These Next
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a delicious appetizer featuring spicy jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
12 large jalapeños
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
12 slices of bacon
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add diced green onions or spices to the cheese mixture.
Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer & Oven-Baked
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg