Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy filling and spicy heat, all made healthier with the magic of the air fryer. The creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños creates a rich filling, while the crispy, golden panko breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. These poppers are quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor—ideal as a party appetizer, game day snack, or even a fun side dish. Plus, they’re a lighter alternative to the traditionally deep-fried version!

Ingredients

12 jalapeños
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
¼ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp paprika
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Air Fryer Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Directions

Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Prepare the Jalapeños:
Using gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set them aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, half of the garlic salt, and half of the paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Make the Panko Topping:
In a separate small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining garlic salt and paprika. Stir to combine and set aside.
Stuff the Jalapeños:
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Press the filling into the pepper to make sure it’s packed tightly.
Coat with Panko Mixture:
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture over the stuffed jalapeños, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Air Fry the Poppers:
Place 6-8 stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s at least an inch of space between each one. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook at 380°F for 6-7 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and crispy.
Keep Warm:
Remove the jalapeños from the air fryer and place them on the prepared baking sheet. To keep them warm, place the sheet in a preheated oven set to 200°F while you finish cooking the remaining poppers.
Serve:
Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy these spicy, cheesy bites!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 minutes per batch
Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add Bacon: For a smoky touch, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the cheese filling before air frying.
Make Them Extra Spicy: Add fresh chopped jalapeños into the cheese mixture for an extra heat boost.
Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise for a lighter filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the stuffed jalapeños and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze these poppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed jalapeños before air frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 380°F for 8-10 minutes.

What dipping sauces go well with these poppers?

These jalapeño poppers pair perfectly with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy chipotle mayo for an added kick.

How do I make sure the poppers aren’t too spicy?

If you want to reduce the heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or substitute them with milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano peppers.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier texture, which is ideal for these poppers.

Can I bake these poppers instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate bite-sized snack—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with just the right amount of heat. Whether for game day, a party, or a cozy snack at home, these poppers are sure to be a hit. With easy prep, quick cooking, and endless ways to customize, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again!