Craving a great spicy appetizer? These air fryer jalapeno poppers are fantastic and perfect for game day snacking too. So quick and easy to cook up, you’ll be making these air fried poppers all the time, not just on game day!

cooked jalapeño poppers in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon

It’s hard to resist air fryer jalapeno poppers especially when they’re wrapped with crispy bacon. This classic appetizer and easy game day recipe is a game changer. Whether it’s for the big game or any year round gathering, these poppers never get old. The hot circulating air cooks these stuffed peppers with cream cheese quick and easy. That’s the vegetarian version. But our favorite is of course, wrapping them with bacon and the air fryer is perfect for crispy bacon.

Cooked bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers on a plate

Video: How to Make Stuffed Jalapeños

Tips for Jalapeño Poppers in Air Fryer

  • How spicy are your jalapeños? Some jalapeños varieties are spicier than others. The seeds make the jalapeños extra spicy, so keeping the seeds if you want that extra heat. So proceed with caution with the first bite!
  • Cheese: Add what ever cheese you want to the cream cheese filling mix for extra flavor. Flavorful cheeses that take these poppers over the top are smoked cheddar, but parmesan, pecorino, jalapeño jack and other cheese can work great as well.
  • Vegetarian: to make these vegetarian you don’t need the bacon (duh!) but they will cook quicker because you don’t have to wait for the bacon to crisp. So cook them for a few minutes less. Keep checking to make sure they’re not burnt.
  • Bacon types: There’s different thicknesses of bacon. If you’re using thick cut bacon, then these poppers definitely need a few more minutes in the air fryer.
  • Cooking times will vary so test a few first in your model of air fryer and then you’ll know what the exact time is best for your preferred texture.
  • Follow our easy air fried poppers step by step photos and the full recipe is below. You can also print the recipe too.
Cooked bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers on a plate

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Yield: 12 Poppers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How big your jalapeños are will determine how much filling you need. You may have some leftover. You can use for a future batch or to stuff mushrooms or other delicious uses. If desired, you can use just a half slice of bacon per popper, but we prefer a whole slice. If using a half slice, you may need to stretch the bacon it get it to wrap around the popper nicely. All air fryers are different and some cook much hotter than others. Once you cook your first batch, you’ll know more of what works for your model of air fryer and size of food.
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Ingredients

  • 6 jalapeños
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese , softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) grated cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt , or to taste
  • 6-12 slices bacon , depending on how much bacon you prefer
  • black pepper , to taste
  • cooking spray

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Cut the jalapeños in half, lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and white ribs. Set aside.
    Jalapeños cut in half and seeded
  • In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder and salt until smooth & evenly combined.
    Cream cheese filling mixed together
  • Fill the jalapeño halves with the cream cheese mix. If using 6 slices of bacon, cut them in half lengthwise. Wrap the bacon around the filled jalapeño poppers.
    Wrapping a popper in bacon
  • Sprinkle black pepper over the top of the wrapped jalapeño poppers. Lay in air fryer basket/tray in a single layer.
    Poppers in air fryer
  • Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender, or cook to your preferred doneness.
    Serve warm or at room temperature.
    Air fried jalapeno poppers

If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 91kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 168mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 229IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fair Foods, Keto, Low Carb, Party
Calories: 91

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