Fiery Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

$- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken sausage (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - Olive oil spray - Salt and pepper to taste Choosing fresh jalapeños When picking jalapeños, look for firm, shiny peppers. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh peppers give the best flavor and crunch in your dish. Options for cheese varieties While I love cream cheese and cheddar, feel free to try other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy bite. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Mix and match to find your favorite! Alternative proteins If you want a meat-free option, skip the turkey or chicken sausage. You can use black beans or corn for a filling texture. These swaps keep it tasty and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the air fryer Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Preparing jalapeños Next, take 12 fresh jalapeño peppers. Slice them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Use gloves for this part. The seeds are spicy, and you don’t want that heat on your hands! - Mixing the cheese filling In a bowl, mix together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you want extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken sausage. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is blended well. - Filling techniques Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to pack it in. You want each bite to be creamy and cheesy! - Arranging in the air fryer Take 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and place them in a shallow dish. Dip each filled jalapeño in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer. Don’t crowd them; give them space to cook well. - Cooking times and temperature Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with olive oil. Cook in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should be tender and the tops should turn golden brown. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen! To make the best jalapeño poppers, focus on filling them well. Use a spoon to pack the cheese mixture into each half. This keeps them creamy and rich. For extra flavor, mix in herbs or spices you like. Achieving crispiness is key. After filling the peppers, coat them in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. A light spray of olive oil on top helps them brown nicely. Serve your jalapeño poppers with tasty dips. Ranch dressing is a classic choice. Salsa adds a nice kick, too. You can also try guacamole for a creamy touch. Garnishing can elevate your dish. Top them with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. This adds color and brightness, making your poppers look even more delicious. Sometimes, poppers may not cook evenly. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer. This helps hot air circulate and ensures even cooking. If your poppers come out soggy, check the oil spray. Too much oil can make them greasy. A light touch is all you need for crispness. If they are too spicy, serve them with a cooling dip to balance the heat. Pro Tips Use Gloves: When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat. The oils can linger and irritate your skin. Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add ingredients like cooked bacon, diced onions, or different types of cheese for extra flavor. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer milder poppers, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, leave some of the seeds in. Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the jalapeño poppers in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent them from getting crispy. {{image_2}} You can spice up your jalapeño poppers in many ways. First, try adding extra jalapeño slices or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mix. This will give your poppers a fiery kick. For a milder option, consider mixing black beans or corn into your filling. These additions keep it tasty and add a nice texture. If you need gluten-free options, swap out panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers. This keeps the crunch without the gluten. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese. Both options allow everyone to enjoy these poppers without missing out. You can choose between air frying or oven baking your poppers. Air frying gives you a nice crisp in less time. It also uses less oil, which is great for health. Baking in the oven takes longer but can cook more at once. Just remember to adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes at 375°F. Both methods result in delicious, cheesy goodness! To keep your jalapeño poppers fresh, store them in a proper container. Use an airtight container to lock in flavor. It helps to keep them at room temperature for no more than two hours. After that, move them to the fridge. Your poppers will last for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. This keeps them crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the poppers in a single layer and heat for about five to seven minutes. Check them often to avoid burning. You can also use an oven, but it may not get them as crispy. Just ensure they don't get soggy after storage. If they feel soft, spray a light mist of oil before heating to revive their crunch. Yes, you can make jalapeño poppers ahead of time. First, prepare them as usual. After filling the jalapeños, store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to cook, remove them from the fridge. Cook them in the air fryer straight from the fridge. Add a minute or two to the cooking time if they are cold. To make milder poppers, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. You can also use sweet bell peppers instead. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. Adjust the garlic powder and onion powder to boost flavor without heat. Taste the filling before stuffing the peppers to get the right balance. If you want a different filling, try ricotta or goat cheese. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or a vegan cheese spread. These alternatives still make creamy and tasty poppers. You can also mix in herbs for added flavor, like chives or parsley. Yes, jalapeño poppers can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Always check labels on your cheese and fillings to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks! You now know how to make delicious air fryer jalapeño poppers. We covered ingredients, prep, and cooking steps. You learned tips for making them crispy and delicious. We also explored variations for diets and flavors. Finally, you have storage and reheating advice to keep your poppers fresh. Enjoy making these tasty snacks for any occasion! Feel free to get creative with fillings and spices. Happy cooking!$

Fiery Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Spicy jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and air-fried to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

12 pieces fresh jalapeño peppers
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup cooked and crumbled turkey or chicken sausage (optional)
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
to taste olive oil spray
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. (Use gloves to protect your hands from the heat!)
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, turkey or chicken sausage (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip the filled jalapeños in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Spray the tops of the poppers lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
Cook in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender and the tops are golden brown.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. Pair with ranch or salsa for dipping!

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, jalapeño poppers, spicy