Description
Crispy air fryer bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a hint of honey. This easy appetizer packs a spicy, savory punch—perfect for game day or parties with minimal prep and quick cooking in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Main
- 6 large jalapeños, deveined, deseeded, and halved
- 12 ounces (12 slices) standard bacon (not thick cut)
Finish
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, creamy filling.
- Stuff the jalapeños: Evenly scoop the cream cheese mixture into each halved jalapeño, filling the cavity created by deseeding and deveining them.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with one slice of standard, non-thick cut bacon, securing the cheese filling and covering the jalapeño completely.
- Prepare the air fryer: Using a pastry brush, lightly oil the bottom of the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Place and baste poppers: Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, then brush or baste the tops with additional avocado oil.
- Air fry: Cook the poppers at 400°F (204°C) for 14 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Timing may vary depending on air fryer model.
- Garnish and serve: Remove poppers from air fryer, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Be sure to use standard bacon slices, not thick cut, to ensure proper cooking within the air fryer time.
- If you prefer more heat, keep some of the jalapeño seeds or add extra red pepper flakes to the filling.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking can result in more even crisping.
- Use tongs to handle hot poppers safely when removing them from the air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 poppers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
