Popper-style jalapenos! They’re a tried-and-true appetizer and never last more than a few minutes. How about some quick and easy jalapeno poppers? The air fryer makes quick work of cooking them. Let me demonstrate how to create this simple yet impressive appetizer for your next get-together. These air fryer jalapeño poppers will become your new favorite snack when you need a quick and easy appetizer to serve guests.
They’re stuffed to the brim with savory cheddar, bacon, and cream cheese before being air-fried to a golden crisp.
For the game day (viewing basketball or football in particular), game night, or pretty much any time, I want the perfect snack everyone will adore (gotta love jalapenos, of course). I love to prepare these air fryer jalapeno poppers.
What Are Jalapeno Poppers
These spicy appetizers, also known as jalapeño bites, are created by cutting the top off a green pepper and stuffing it with a mixture of cheese, spices, and sometimes ground beef before coating it in breadcrumbs and deep frying it. Because they resemble armadillo shells wrapped in bacon, they go by armadillo eggs. Many think it evolved from chile relleno in Texas in the ‘1970.
Why We Use Air Fryer For This Recipe
I resisted getting an air fryer for some time since I didn’t need yet another kitchen equipment. When I first heard about air fryers, I wondered what they could accomplish that my oven couldn’t. In all honesty, I had my doubts.
The air fryer is a convenient and healthful way to cook meals since it requires almost no oil.
Air fryers make it easier and healthier to prepare fried foods. In contrast to deep frying, which may waste a lot of oil and take a long time, air fryers just need a light misting of oil to get the job done.
To use an air fryer, just place the desired ingredients in the appliance, spray with a non-aerosol cooking spray (or your preferred cooking oil), and turn on the device. In only a few minutes, your jalapeno poppers will be cooked to perfection. Crunchy breading, tender pepper and melty cheese filling make for a wonderful bite.
How to use fresh jalapenos
Ever had jalapeno juice in your eye? It’s a fire hazard! Don’t worry; rubber gloves will keep your hands safe. Cutting up a jalapeno reveals the fiery seeds and ribs that source the pepper’s spiciness. Take a spoon and remove them before proceeding. No protection? Not. Hold a pepper half in your palm, sliced side facing up. Carefully avoid touching the seeds and ribs as you scrape them away with a spoon into a basin. Rub your hands with olive oil and then wash them with warm, soapy water if any juices get on them.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
The air fryer has become a popular preparation method for jalapenos, and many people enjoy eating them hot and fresh from the appliance. Add the rest of the easy-to-find ingredients, and you’ll see why these air-fried snacks are so popular.
You’ll have to agree that jalapenos and cream cheese are a fantastic combination since the peppers’ spiciness and the cheese’s richness will make you want more with every bite.
Ingredient That You’ll Need
- Jalapenos popper
- Bacon
- Cream cheese
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Seasoned panko crumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
Let’s discuss making these tasty jalapeño poppers in an air fryer to have a quick and straightforward snack whenever you want!
First, you’ll need to remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise (I recommend using gloves for this process).
I use a sharp knife to cut the rib section carefully and a spoon to scoop out the contents. Be aware that the poppers will be significantly less hot if the seeds are removed. To increase the level of heat, you can leave some of the pepper seeds in.
Then, combine crumbled bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese in a separate small bowl. A word of warning: this substance is highly addictive. The jalapeno popper halves will be stuffed with the cream cheese mixture.
Finally, coat the packed jalapenos with melted butter and seasoned panko bread crumbs. The key to achieving that perfect golden brown crunch is to use as much as you like but not too little!
You may buy plain panko or breadcrumbs instead of pre-seasoned panko breadcrumbs and season them with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, or any other seasonings you choose.
Prepared jalapeno poppers should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Because I don’t want the bread crumbs to burn before the peppers and filling are ready, I don’t preheat the air fryer before preparing them.
After I put them in the basket, I give them a quick spray with avocado oil. Those two come to me when I think about spray oils: avocado oil and olive oil. The use of cooking spray is optional but will yield crispier results, in my opinion.
In an air fryer preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, bake the fries for 7 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. In the end, it can pick up speed! About every two or three minutes, I’ll open my basket to have a glance.
Perfectly crisp and golden brown! These jalapeño poppers made in the air fryer are the best I’ve ever had. When done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.
How to Make Bacon Wrap Jalapeno Popper in the Air Fryer
Cutting the poppers in half lengthwise yields 12 pieces; remove the stems, seeds, and membranes with a spoon and throw them away.
Whisk the cream cheese, cheddar, and onions in a medium bowl. The jalapenos should be filled with the cream cheese mixture using a tiny spoon or spatula. Then, use a toothpick to fasten a strip of bacon around each pepper.
Activate the air fryer and adjust the temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stuffed poppers should be arranged in a single layer in the air drier basket as they are prepared in batches.. Time it for 12 minutes or until the peppers are soft, the bacon is fried and crisp, and the cheese is melted. (If using an air fryer similar to a toaster oven, set the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit; cooking time will stay the same.)
Get things rolling with something brief and tasty, like an appetizer. An excellent method for expanding one’s social circle!
How to Store Left Over Jalapeno Pepper
Be sure to give the poppers plenty of time to cool down. If you try to keep them while they’re hot, the condensation will turn the breading soggy.
Store them in a shallow, airtight container when the poppers have cooled to room temperature. When stored properly in the fridge, they can last for up to three days..
How can I Freeze Jalapeno Popper?
Jalapeno poppers may be frozen successfully, but only if done so before they are cooked. The filled, bacon-wrapped meatballs should be stored in a container or bag to keep out air. They have a shelf life of around three months in the freezer.
As many as you wish to prepare at once from the freezer, that might be a small serving for a snack or a whole tray for a gathering. The only change you’ll need to make if you’re cooking them from frozen is a one- or two-minute increase in the cooking time.
How To Cook Frozen Jalapeno Popper in the Air Fryer
Have your air fryer ready at 380 degrees F.
Spread out your poppers inside the basket to allow for airflow.
Put it in for 5 minutes, turn it, and give it four more. The ideal state for poppers is a golden brown with cheese just beginning to flow out.
Before removing the poppers from the air fryer, I use an Instant-Read thermometer to check their internal temperature and ensure they are well-cooked.
Wait for the jalapeño poppers to get golden brown and the cheese to melt before serving.
You should wait for the inside to cool down before eating.
FAQs
How Long Do You Cook Poppers In An Air Fryer?
Using a large air fryer, you may need to work in batches to fit all the stuffed peppers in the basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping in the basket. Bacon may be cooked to a crispiness of your choosing in a preheated oven at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes.
Is Bacon Messy In An Air Fryer?
However, the biggest issue with using an air fryer to prepare bacon is the high probability that it would turn out fried and smokey. The reason is that bacon has so much natural fat that it can be cooked with water and a pan.
Conclusion
Various methods were proposed for preparing jalapeño poppers in an air fryer. The jalapeño popper, a stuffed pepper with a sour cream and cheese filling, is available at the store. Air-frying frozen jalapenos work just as well as any other method.
Due to the parchment paper, they may be preserved for months in the fridge.. The jalapeño poppers may be kept unthawed and ready to cook for months.