Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

I recently whipped up an irresistible version of jalapeno poppers featuring fresh jalapenos filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, with garlic and onion powders adding a subtle kick and bacon for extra indulgence. Among Keto Jalepeno Recipes Air Fryer options, this dish truly intrigues me.

I’ve been experimenting with an air fryer lately and stumbled upon a version of jalapeno poppers that totally exceeded my expectations. Imagine fresh jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise and scooped out, filled with a rich blend of softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, with a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for that extra kick.

This recipe also lets you wrap each stuffed pepper with half a slice of bacon if you’re in the mood for it, though it’s optional so you can keep it keto friendly if that’s your thing. I love how easy it is to make in the air fryer, and it’s quickly become a favorite go-to for any dinner that calls for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food.

Trust me, once you try these, you’ll see why they’re perfect for any casual meal night.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that perfect spicy kick along with a creamy, cheesy center that just melts in my mouth. I also appreciate how quick and easy it is to make in my air fryer, which means I can whip up a tasty snack anytime I want. The crispy bacon wrapped around the poppers adds a fun crunch that really satisfies my cravings. Lastly, I enjoy experimenting with the mix of flavors and seasonings, so every batch feels a bit personalized and exciting.

These air fryer jalapeno poppers are super easy to make and taste awesome. First, you mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of salt until it comes out smooth. Then, you carefully slice your fresh jalapenos lengthwise and scoop out their seeds. Next, spoon plenty of the cheesy mixture into each pepper and, if you want, wrap them with bacon pieces. Once they are all lined up in your air fryer basket, let them cook until the bacon gets crispy and the cheese is all melty. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a quick snack that’s both spicy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Fresh jalapeno peppers bring vitamins and fiber with a spicy kick for taste buds.
• Rich cream cheese adds creamy tang and irresistible richness though high in fat, tastes incredible.
• Sharp cheddar cheese delivers protein and bold flavor though containing saturated fats.
• Mild Monterey Jack contributes a smooth, milky flavor that adds subtle protein.
• Crispy bacon wrap adds umami saltiness and satisfying crunch, upping calories and fats.
• Garlic and onion powders add aromatic, savory depth with virtually no extra carbohydrates.
• A pinch of salt enhances all flavors, though moderation remains key for healthy eating.
• Each ingredient contributes distinct textures and flavors making these poppers irresistably tasty.

Ingredient Quantities

• 10 fresh jalapeno peppers (halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 10 slices of bacon (cut in half, optional for wrapping)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F before you start.

2. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until it looks smooth.

3. Carefully halve the jalapeno peppers lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds.

4. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into each jalapeno half.

5. If you want, wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much as possible.

6. Place the jalapeno poppers in one layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece.

7. Air fry them for around 8 to 10 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy and the cheese is melted.

8. Check them at the 8 minute mark and add a couple more minutes if needed, because every air fryer runs a bit different.

9. Let the poppers cool for a couple minutes after taking them out of the air fryer.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty air fryer jalapeno poppers!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons and cups
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spoon for mixing and stuffing the peppers
7. Tongs or spatula for handling the poppers in the air fryer

FAQ

Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find fresh jalapeno peppers, you could use red bell peppers or banana peppers instead
• You can swap out cream cheese with goat cheese or even ricotta if you want a different creamy texture
• If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using smoked cheddar in place of regular cheddar
• For a little extra kick, you could use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack cheese
• If bacon isnt your thing, consider using prosciutto or simply leave it out for a vegetarian option

Pro Tips

1. One trick is to use a piping bag or a zip lock bag with a corner cut so you can fill the jalapeno halves more evenly instead of using a spoon which can be messy sometimes.
2. If you choose to wrap with bacon, make sure it fully covers the cheese filling. Sometimes the bacon curls up and leaves some spots unwrapped which can affect the flavor.
3. Keep a close eye on your air fryer. Every machine is a bit different so checking a minute earlier or later may save your poppers from overcooking or undercooking.
4. Let the poppers cool for a couple minutes before biting into them. This not only makes it safer but also allows the cheese to firm up a bit so you dont lose all the filling when you bite in.