Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy, cheese-stuffed jalapeño halves air-fried to perfection with a golden panko coating. These poppers deliver the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures in every bite without deep-frying.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized fresh jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray olive oil or avocado oil preferred
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the jalapeños by slicing them lengthwise and carefully removing the seeds and membranes with a small spoon. For milder poppers, make sure to remove all white pith. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin!
- Make the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a spoon, making sure not to overfill – leave a little room at the top to prevent melting cheese from escaping.
- Prepare your dredging station by placing the beaten egg in one shallow dish and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Dip each filled jalapeño first into the egg wash, ensuring the cheese side gets coated, then press into the panko, ensuring good coverage on the cheese filling.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, then arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer, cheese side up.
- Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray to help them become golden brown.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the poppers are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. No need to flip them!
- Allow to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Notes
- If you prefer extra crispy poppers, spray with a bit more cooking oil halfway through the cooking time.
- For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese filling.
- Adjust the spice level by leaving some seeds in the jalapeños for more heat.
- You can prepare these ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches for best results.