Air-Fried Jalapeño Poppers are a spicy, cheesy snack that delivers bold flavor with a crispy coating. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a quick appetizer, these poppers balance the heat of jalapeños with the creaminess of a cheese filling and a satisfying crunch from the air fryer.
Recipe
Servings: 6 (2 poppers per serving)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare Jalapeños: Slice jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Be cautious to avoid touching your eyes.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
- Coat the Poppers:
- Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
Key Notes:
- Adjust Heat: Remove all seeds for a milder popper or leave some for extra heat.
- Bread Crumbs: For added flavor, use seasoned breadcrumbs or mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prep the jalapeños ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to air fry.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
These Air-Fried Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and crunch!