Whether you’re hosting game night, throwing a party, or just craving something spicy and cheesy, these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat. They’re creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and come with a satisfying kick—without being overwhelmingly spicy. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crispiness without deep frying or extra oil.
At the heart of each popper is a creamy, savory filling made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and crispy crumbled bacon. The filling is packed into fresh jalapeño halves, then coated in seasoned breadcrumbs for a golden finish. The contrast of flavors—spicy, cheesy, smoky, and crunchy—is what makes these poppers completely addictive.
To make them, slice fresh jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice). In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and cooked, crumbled bacon. Fill each jalapeño half with the creamy mixture, then press the tops into a bowl of seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy top layer.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the poppers in a single layer in the basket—no overlapping. Air fry for about 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the jalapeños are tender but still slightly firm.
Serve warm with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping. They’re crowd-pleasing, quick to prepare, and dangerously easy to devour. These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers bring the heat and the comfort—and they might just steal the show at your next gathering.