Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Name: Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 5 large jalapeno peppers; 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (✅ ); 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (✅ ); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (✅ ); 1 pound bacon (✅ )

Our air fryer jalapeno poppers are simply the best poppers around. Cream cheese is blended with sharp cheddar cheese and crushed red pepper then wrapped with bacon and air fried for 12 minutes. A quick and easy appetizer for game day, holidays, and parties. Gluten-free.

Making the change from jalapeno poppers in oven to the air fryer is a game changer! It speeds up the cooking time while creating crispy yet creamy poppers. Our recipe for jalapeno poppers does not disappoint.

For more savory recipes like these jalapeno bites, check out our Mashed Potato Bites, Biscuit Pretzel Bites and Chicken Pinwheels. All gluten-free.

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

These cheddar jalapeno poppers are made with fresh jalapenos and stuffed with celiac safe ingredients. It is yet another recipe that will blow people away it is gluten-free.

Air fry jalapeno poppers can be made with or without bacon and even made in advance (see directions below!).

While this recipe is a go-to appetizer, you can bet these poppers will be featured on the dinner table during the week too. Paired with Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, Baked Pork Chops or Broiled Burgers, we look forward to adding these to the menu rotation soon.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

Equipment

Ingredients

5 large jalapeno peppers
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature ✅
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ✅
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ✅
1 pound bacon ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

halved jalapeno peppers on air fryer tray

How To Cut a Jalapeno

Rinse the jalapeños under running water. Place onto the cutting board.

Cut the stem off then slice in half lengthwise.

Using a spoon carefully remove the seeds and pith inside the peppers. Set aside.

ingredients for stuffed jalapeno poppers in mixing bowl

How To Make

Add the room-temperature cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to a bowl. Blend well.

Assemble to poppers

Add the cream cheese mixture to the inside of the jalapeño peppers, dividing equally.

Wrap each pepper half with bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.

Air fry

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.

air fryer jalapeno poppers on an air fryer tray

Serving Suggestions

These cream cheese jalapeno poppers are the ultimate appetizer for Superbowl parties, family gatherings or any occasion with friends. If served alongside a large spread of appetizers, you are set to impress!

We know planning for an event can be overwhelming, which is why we have narrowed down a list of our most popular appetizers. Pick a variety of these recipes that are both kid and adult-approved.

Savory Dips – Taco Dip with Ground Beef, Sour Cream and Onion Dip, Dairy Free Chicken Buffalo Dip, Spinach Dip with Greek Yogurt
Sweet Dips – Cherry Cheesecake Dip, Yogurt Fruit Dip, Fruit Dip with Cool Whip
Meatballs – Gluten Free Chicken Meatballs, Gluten Free Meatballs, Easy Swedish Meatballs with Frozen Meatballs, Meatball Foil Packets
Finger foods – Pulled Pork Sliders, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, Gluten Free Chicken Wings, Dairy Free Deviled Eggs, Gluten Free Crab Cakes
Desserts – Frozen Cheesecake Bites, No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, No Bake Peanut Butter Balls, Gluten Free Edible Cookie Dough

air fryer jalapeno poppers stacked on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do poppers last?

Cooked poppers will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Where to store?

Store in the fridge or freezer once the poppers have cooled completely.

How to freeze jalapeno poppers?

Let the poppers cool then wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Frozen poppers will last up to 3 months in the freezer so making a double batch to freeze extras is always a great meal prep idea. When ready to eat, simply add back to the preheated air fryer to cook until warm.

Can you make in advance?

Yes! Assemble the poppers up to a day in advance to store in the fridge then air fry right before serving.

hand holding bacon wrapped jalapeno pepper

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

The pith (the white part of a jalapeno) and seeds contains the heat – be careful not to touch your face or eyes after slicing. Wearing gloves is a great option when working with jalapenos.
The pork bacon can be swapped with turkey bacon or you can make the poppers without any bacon.
Use a small spoon to add the cream cheese mixture or place the mixture into a Ziploc bag, snip the end of the bag and squeeze into the pepper.

More Air Fryer Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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