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To make air fryer jalapeño poppers, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 fresh jalapeño peppers - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray (for coating) These ingredients create a creamy, spicy filling that packs a punch. The sharp cheddar cheese adds richness, while the spices bring extra flavor. Choosing fresh jalapeños gives your dish the best taste. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch. They help the poppers get crispy in the air fryer. If you want a milder taste, scoop out more seeds from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave some seeds in! Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make a tasty snack. Let’s get cooking! - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. - Remove seeds and membranes for a milder taste, or leave some seeds for heat. - In a medium bowl, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined. - Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Pack it in tightly for the best flavor. - In another bowl, place 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. - Lightly spray each stuffed jalapeño with olive oil. - Dip the top into the breadcrumbs to coat well. - Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. - Air fry the poppers for about 10-12 minutes. Cook until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. - Carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these easy and tasty air fryer jalapeño poppers! Using an air fryer for jalapeño poppers gives you a crispy outside and soft inside. Air frying cooks them faster than baking. You can also use less oil, which makes them healthier. For the best texture, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before cooking. This helps the poppers cook evenly and get that golden brown color. To change the spice level, remove all seeds and membranes for milder poppers. If you want more heat, leave some seeds in. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cheese mixture for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices can create a unique taste that suits your palate. For dips, ranch dressing or sour cream pairs well with jalapeño poppers. You can also try guacamole or a spicy salsa. For drinks, cold beer or a crisp white wine balances the heat. These pairings enhance the overall flavor and make your poppers even more enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese to fit your taste. Try using different kinds like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Cream cheese is a must for that creamy texture, but mixing in some goat cheese can add a great tang. You might want to add meat too. Cooked bacon or sausage crumbles can make these poppers even more filling. For a veggie option, you can mix in some chopped spinach or artichokes. If you're looking for gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Panko works well if you want that extra crunch. For those who follow a vegan diet, use a plant-based cream cheese and a vegan cheese blend. Just make sure to check the labels. These swaps can make the dish fit into many diets while keeping it tasty. To amp up the flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. Fresh cilantro or chives can brighten the poppers. You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne for heat. For a sweet and spicy combo, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top before serving. This mix of sweet and heat makes for a surprising twist that everyone will love. To keep your cooked jalapeño poppers fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag to save space. To reheat your jalapeño poppers, the air fryer works best. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the poppers crunchy and warm. You can also use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Just bake them at the same temperature until hot. You can freeze jalapeño poppers before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, stuff the jalapeños and place them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. Cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you freeze them after cooking, let them cool first, then store them in a bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This will give you the best taste and texture. Yes, you can prepare jalapeño poppers in advance. Stuff the peppers, then cover them. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just air fry them. This saves time and makes hosting easy! Jalapeño poppers are done when they turn golden brown. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly melted. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Always check them to make sure they don’t overcook. Absolutely! You can use mini sweet peppers or banana peppers. These options provide different flavors and heat levels. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pepper size. Enjoy experimenting with different peppers! Get creative with toppings! Try adding crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top before air frying. These additions make your poppers even more fun and tasty. To prevent sogginess, use panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Also, spray the poppers lightly with olive oil. Air frying helps keep them crispy. Avoid overstuffing, as this can lead to moisture buildup. Enjoy every crunchy bite! This blog post walked you through making tasty jalapeño poppers. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, cooking methods, and tips for the best results. Whether you choose to bake or air fry, these poppers are sure to impress. Experiment with different flavors and adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. Don't forget to pair these snacks with your favorite dips or drinks. Enjoy every crispy bite and get creative with your variations!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Discover the ultimate party snack with these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers! Packed with creamy cheese and topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, they bring the perfect balance of heat and flavor. This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, making it ideal for gatherings or a tasty treat at home. Want to impress your guests? Click through and learn how to whip up these delicious spicy bites today!
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Ingredients
  

12 fresh jalapeño peppers

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray (for coating)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

    Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor, or leave some seeds if you prefer extra heat.

      In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, packing it in tightly.

          In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Lightly spray each stuffed jalapeño with olive oil, then dip the top into the breadcrumbs to coat.

            Arrange the stuffed and breadcrumbed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

              Air fry the poppers for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

                Carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 20 min | Serves 4-6