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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Air Fryer Recipe Easy Snack

bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers air fryer - featured image

These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a quick, flavorful snack made in the air fryer, combining spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese filling, and smoky bacon for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium-sized fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 slices bacon (thin to medium thickness)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled cooked sausage or diced cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the jalapeños thoroughly with paper towels. Cut each in half lengthwise, then use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. If using cooked sausage or chicken, fold it into the mixture.
  3. Spoon the cheese filling into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly but keeping it neat.
  4. Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then use tongs to flip them carefully. Continue cooking another 6-8 minutes until bacon is crispy and filling is bubbly.
  7. Remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If your air fryer tends to smoke from bacon grease, add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the drawer beneath the basket to reduce smoke. Do not overfill the jalapeños to prevent leaking. Use thin to medium bacon for best crisping. Flip poppers gently halfway through cooking to avoid breaking bacon. Rest poppers for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, bacon-wrapped, air fryer, snack, appetizer, spicy, creamy, crispy