Description

These Air Fryer Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers are a crispy, cheesy, and spicy delight! Made with a creamy filling of cheddar, cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños, then topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, these poppers are the perfect snack or appetizer. Healthier than the deep-fried version, they’re quick to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

12 jalapeños

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp paprika

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F.
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Set aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Cheese Filling: Mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, half of the garlic salt, and paprika in a bowl.
- Make the Panko Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with the remaining garlic salt and paprika in a separate bowl.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon cheese mixture into each jalapeño half and pack tightly.
- Coat with Panko: Sprinkle panko mixture over each stuffed jalapeño, pressing gently.
- Air Fry the Poppers: Cook in batches for 6-7 minutes at 380°F, or until golden and crispy.
- Keep Warm: Place finished poppers in a preheated 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches.
- Serve: Serve hot with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for variety.

Add crumbled bacon to the filling for extra flavor.

For a spicier version, add fresh chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 minutes per batch
Category: Appetizer / Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American