When it comes to appetizers, air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers reign supreme. They’re crunchy, they’re creamy, and they’re downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy movie night in, or simply craving a spicy snack, these poppers are sure to hit the spot.
The first time I had jalapeño poppers was at a friend’s barbecue. And I have to confess, I hesitated because I thought it might be to spicy. But after one bite, I was hooked. The combination of cream cheese and crispy bacon makes them absolutely irresistable!
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and prepare to be wowed at how easy bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are to make in an air fryer.
The Ingredients:
Let’s break it down. I know this list might look long, but truly it’s the seasonings that make these jalapeno poppers taste as good as what you’d get in a restaurant. Exact amounts and measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Jalapenos: Choose firm, plump peppers for the best results. Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling them to protect your hands from the fiery oils.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy filling that balances out the heat of the jalapenos.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, tangy flavor and a rich, cheesy texture to the filling. And because extra cheese makes everything better, am I right?
- Bacon Slices: Bacon adds a crispy, smoky exterior to the poppers, elevating them to irresistible heights. As it cooks in the air fryer, the bacon becomes golden brown and perfectly crisp. Choose a standard bacon size, not thick-cut.
- Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from the jalapenos and the savory flavors of the bacon and cheese. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the poppers, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatic spices add depth of flavor and complexity to the filling. The garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor, while the onion powder adds a hint of sweetness and depth.
- Paprika: Paprika contributes a warm, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to the filling. It complements the savory ingredients and adds visual appeal to the poppers.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes bring a fiery kick to the filling, adding heat and intensity to each bite. They amplify the spiciness of the jalapenos, creating a tantalizing flavor experience for those who enjoy a bit of heat. You can choose to omit this, if you wish.
- Coarse Salt and Black Pepper: These seasoning staples enhance the overall flavor of the filling, balancing the sweetness, spiciness, and richness of the other ingredients.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is best for air frying. I like to get it as an oil spray to make it easy to use and coat the poppers. It is used to coat the jalapenos before cooking, helping them to crisp up and develop a golden brown exterior on the jalapeno poppers.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add color and freshness to the finished poppers. It provides a vibrant contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the filling and bacon. You can choose to omit this, but if you’re making these air fried jalapeno poppers as an appetizer for a gathering, parsley is the best kept food styling secret.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers In An Air Fryer
Start by gathering together the ingredients listed above. Slice the jalapenos in half, lengthwise. And use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. (Tip: Wear gloves if you scoop out the seeds with your fingers because the oil with burn)
Then, in a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Mix all the ingredients for the filling together until well combined.
Scoop the cream cheese mixture evenly into each half of the jalapeños.
Then, wrap a slice of bacon around each jalapeño.
Spray, or brush, the avocado oil on the bottom of the air fryer. Then place the poppers inside, being sure to not crowd them in the air fryer basket. You want some space in-between each bacon wrapped jalapeno popper for the hot air to circuate around them in the air fryer.
Air fry the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers at at 400° F for 14-20 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
Don’t these look amazing? They’re just as delicious as they seem.
Gently remove the poppers from the air fryer with a set of tongs and plate them on your serving tray or board. Sprinkle the poppers with parsley and enjoy!
How Do I Store The Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in the air fryer at 400° for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
An easy crispy and delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 large jalapeños, deveined, deseeded, and halved
- 12 ounces (12 slices) slices standard bacon (not thick cut)
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Scoop the cream cheese mixture evenly into each half of the jalapeños.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around the jalapeños.
- With a pastry brush oil the bottom of the air fryer.
- Place the poppers in the air fryer.
Baste the tops of the poppers with oil. - Air Fry at 400° F for 14-20 minutes or until the bacon is fully cooked.
Remove the poppers from the air fryer. - Sprinkle the poppers with parsley and serve.
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