Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers prove you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy this classic appetizer!
When I think of jalapeño poppers, my mind goes back to my college days when I had an iron stomach. I’d go out with my friends at 10 pm to the local University bar. We’d enjoy a handful of these spicy treats in between gulps of Coors Light. Needless to say, I’m not that person anymore, but I still crave my bar food faves. But do you know what I don’t crave? All that grease.
Luckily, I have my trusty air fryer. This gift from the appliance gods manages to mimic the fried taste of traditional jalapeño poppers but without the excess oil. All this to say, if you don’t own one of these bad boys, it’s time to change that!
So, how do these poppers taste compared to their fried counterparts? Pretty darn good, if you ask me. They’re every bit as crunchy and gooey as you’d hoped they’d be. The sharp cheddar cheese contrasts beautifully with the tangy mildness of the cream cheese, and the green onions add a pleasantly pungent flavor.
Are Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Healthy?
Jalapeños themselves are quite healthy and are a source of vitamins A and C. There’s also a decent amount of potassium, folate, and beta-carotene. And compared to the standard deep-fried variety, these poppers are definitely healthier. The reduction in oil makes a big difference in fat content and calories. You can also use light cream cheese to knock down more fat if you prefer. If you absolutely have to, you could shave off a quarter-cup of cheddar cheese as well.
Picking The Right Jalapeño
Your poppers will taste only as good as your jalapeños. I’m picky with my produce and only buy organic when it comes to porous veggies like peppers. Pesticides absorb into their skin like a sponge. Greenhouse vegetables are also a solid option. But whether you buy conventional jalapeños or not, make sure to give them a good look-over before tossing them in your cart. You want your peppers to be glossy and devoid of soft spots and nasty wrinkles. I’m all about buying misshapen vegetables, but a wrinkled or spotted jalapeño tastes bitter. Fresh is best!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
After making these poppers, refrigerate them in a resealable plastic bag or container for 4 to 5 days. They also reheat well in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Jalapeño poppers pair well with other fun appetizers and finger foods. Try serving these poppers with Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets and Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks. Or for a refreshing contrast, Healthy California Roll Sushi Bites are a great addition. And we can’t forget about the sauces. I have several savory favorites, like this Perfect Chipotle Sauce Recipe or even a Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix. Prefer something sweet? A Keto BBQ Sauce or this Easy Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce are worthy picks.
Ingredients
- 5 medium jalapeños fresh
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Carefully slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise while wearing gloves. Remove seeds and membranes with a spoon to hollow out each half.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fill each jalapeño half with about 1 tablespoon of the mixture.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate dish. Dip the filled side of each jalapeño into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
- Arrange the jalapeño halves in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 5 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment