Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapenos come together in these irresistible air fryer jalapeno poppers. They are quick to prepare, easy to cook, and perfect for game day, movie night, parties, or anytime you want a bold and savory snack without turning on the deep fryer.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Bacon wrapped jalapenos are one of those appetizers that always disappear fast. The combination of smoky bacon, softened peppers, and a rich cheese filling makes every bite satisfying. Cooking them in the air fryer makes the process even easier because the bacon crisps beautifully while the peppers become tender.
These poppers are made by slicing fresh jalapeno peppers in half, filling them with a seasoned cream cheese and cheddar mixture, and wrapping each one in thin slices of bacon. The air fryer does the rest, giving you a hot, crispy appetizer in just a few minutes.
This is a great recipe when you want something that feels like party food but does not require a lot of effort. Serve them for a big game, a casual get-together, a backyard meal, or a relaxed night at home. They are simple, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite cheese or seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer jalapeno poppers are easy to make and packed with flavor. They have the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy.
- Fast and easy. You only need a few ingredients, and the air fryer cooks the poppers quickly with very little cleanup.
- Creamy, cheesy filling. The softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar create a rich filling that pairs perfectly with the heat of the jalapenos.
- Crispy bacon coating. Thin slices of bacon wrap around the peppers and become crisp as they cook.
- Prep ahead of time. You can assemble the peppers in advance and air fry them right before serving.
- Great for any event. These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are ideal for game day, BBQs, potlucks, holidays, and party snack trays.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this spicy appetizer. Preparing the peppers takes the most time, but the rest of the recipe comes together quickly.
- Fresh Jalapenos: Choose medium to large green jalapenos with firm skins. For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave a little of the membrane inside or use peppers with a bit of red coloring.
- Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the seasonings and shredded cheese.
- Spices: Garlic powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper add savory flavor to the filling. Dry ranch seasoning can also be used if you enjoy that flavor.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Choose bright green onions with smaller stems for the best texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the filling a bold, cheesy taste. Pepper jack or gouda can also be used if you want a different flavor.
- Sliced Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is best because it wraps easily around the peppers and crisps faster in the air fryer. If you use thick-cut bacon, it may need a few extra minutes of cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Making bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in the air fryer is simple. The key is to prepare the peppers carefully, fill them evenly, and arrange them in a single layer so the bacon can cook properly.
Prep the peppers. Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or paring knife to remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers if needed, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
Assemble the poppers. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeno half. Fill them generously, but do not overfill them too much or the cheese may spill out as it melts. Wrap one slice of bacon around each stuffed pepper, tucking the ends underneath.
Air fry and serve. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the poppers in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and the cheese is melted. Serve the poppers hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer jalapeno poppers taste great straight from the basket, but a dipping sauce makes them even better. Serve them on a platter while they are still hot so the bacon stays crisp and the cheese filling remains creamy.
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese sauce
- Sriracha mayonnaise
- BBQ sauce
Storage Recommendations
For the best texture, serve these poppers as soon as they come out of the air fryer. The bacon will be crisp, the peppers will be tender, and the cheese filling will be warm and melty.
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat, microwave them for about 1 minute or place them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until heated through. The air fryer is the best reheating option if you want the bacon to crisp up again.
Tips and Variations
Use these simple tips to make the best bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers every time.
- Cut the jalapenos through the stem for a nice presentation and a small handle that makes them easier to pick up.
- Do not touch your eyes or face while working with jalapenos. The oils can irritate your skin. Wearing gloves is a good way to protect your hands.
- Adjust the filling with your favorite cheese or seasonings. Pepper jack adds more heat, while gouda gives the filling a smooth, smoky flavor.
- Chill the filled peppers for a few minutes before air frying to help reduce cheese overflow during cooking.
- Cook times can vary based on the size of the peppers, the thickness of the bacon, and the brand of air fryer. Test a small batch if needed.
- If you do not have an air fryer, bake the wrapped peppers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the bacon a little more.
FAQs
Yes. You can assemble the bacon jalapeno poppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover them well so the bacon does not dry out.
Yes. After filling the peppers, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw them before wrapping with bacon and cooking.
More Cheesy Appetizers
- Chicken Queso Dip
- Homemade Pizza Bites
- Hot Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
- Garlic Herb Cheese Bombs
If you enjoy this recipe, save it for your next party, game day menu, or family snack night.
These easy air fryer jalapeno poppers are sure to become a favorite appetizer.
Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
24 jalapeno poppers
25 minutes
8 minutes
33 minutes
These air fryer jalapeno poppers are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in bacon, and cooked until hot and crispy. They are a quick and flavorful appetizer for parties, game day, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 12 medium sized jalapeno peppers, about 3 inches long
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 24 slices thin-cut bacon
Instructions
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and veins with a small spoon. Place the pepper halves on a baking tray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
- Use a teaspoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture. Mound the filling slightly, but avoid overfilling.
- Wrap one slice of bacon around each stuffed pepper, tucking the loose ends underneath. Repeat until all peppers are wrapped.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Cook in batches if needed. To keep finished poppers warm, place them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 175°F.
Notes
- Cutting the jalapenos through the stem creates a neat presentation and gives each popper a small handle.
- Wear gloves when removing jalapeno seeds and membranes, and avoid touching your eyes or face.
- Change the flavor by using different cheeses or seasonings in the cream cheese filling.
- Chilling the stuffed peppers briefly before cooking can help keep the cheese from spilling out.
- Air fryer times may vary depending on pepper size, bacon thickness, and the model of air fryer.
- To bake instead, place the wrapped peppers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want the bacon slightly crispier.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 167
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 409mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 9g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.