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Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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These crispy air fryer jalapeño poppers feature a creamy cheese filling with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, delivering a perfect balance of heat and creaminess with a crunchy exterior. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10–12 medium fresh jalapeños, washed and halved lengthwise
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (110 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (about 60 g) panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry 10-12 jalapeños. Slice each in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes using a spoon or small knife.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, leaving a little room at the edges to prevent spilling during cooking.
  4. Lightly press each stuffed jalapeño into 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the cheese is covered in a thin breadcrumb layer.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese is bubbly and the coating is golden and crisp.
  8. Let the poppers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid hot molten cheese burns.

Notes

Pat jalapeños dry after deseeding to help panko stick better and prevent sogginess. Do not overstuff the jalapeños to avoid filling leakage. Flip halfway through air frying for even browning. Let poppers cool slightly before eating to avoid burns. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour. Bacon-wrapped and herb cheese variations are great alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, air fryer, appetizer, cheesy, spicy snack, easy recipe, party food, crispy

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-air-fryer-jalape-n-o-poppers-recipe-perfect-for-easy-appetizers/