Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers have an irresistible and super flavorful creamy filling that is encased in a crunchy and buttery panko topping. Assemble ahead and air fry just before serving for the ultimate game day snack. No bacon!
Servings 10 bites
Calories 77kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 jalapeños peppers medium
Cream cheese filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato remove seeds before chopping
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes use less or skip, if needed
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt
Bread crumb topping
- ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
- Prepare jalapeños - Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and veins.Pro tip: The heat in jalapeños are found in the seeds and inner membranes. Reduce heat by removing seeds and inner membranes from jalapenos. For extra spiciness, leave some membrane intact.
- Make filling - Stir together, cream cheese, cheese, 1 tablespoon panko, chopped onion, tomato, cilantro and salt in a bowl.Tip: Replace the onion and tomato mixture with approximately 2 tablespoons of salsa. Ensure you drain any excess water from the salsa to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- Make topping - Mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and paprika together in a plate, until thoroughly combined.
Fill and Cook
- Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly in the jalapeños and top with bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes. When hot, place place stuffed jalapeños in the basket, spacing evenly. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until topping is golden brown.
Video
Notes
Buy medium to large sized jalapeno peppers that are fairly of uniform size.
Use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey jack instead of Mexican cheese blend.
Use salsa in place of onion, tomato and cilantro. Drain salsa, to remove excess liquid and then measure about 2 tablespoons to use in the filling.
Use gluten free panko to make gluten free air fryer jalapeno poppers.
Air fry in batches if doubling the air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe.
I used Instant Vortex 6 quart air fryer and was able to place all the peppers in single batch without over crowding.
If you think that you are sensitive to spicy peppers, then I recommend wearing gloves when cutting.
Nutrition
Serving: 1popper | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.2mg