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
- cutting board
- chefs knife
- spoon
- air fryer
- medium-sized mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- toothpicks
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.


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.


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.


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

Frequently Asked Questions
Cooked poppers will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Store in the fridge or freezer once the poppers have cooled completely.
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.
Yes! Assemble the poppers up to a day in advance to store in the fridge then air fry right before serving.

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
- Frozen Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
- How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Wings
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.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
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 ✅
Instructions
- ⭐️Prep the jalapeños. 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.5 large jalapeno peppers
- Blend the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to a bowl. Blend well.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
- Assemble to poppers. Add the cream cheese mixture to inside of the jalapeño peppers, dividing equally. Wrap each pepper half with bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.1 pound bacon
- ⭐️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.
Notes
- Store up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat by placing back into a preheated air fryer and cooking until warm.
- When freezing, wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Assemble poppers up to a day in advance then air fryer when ready to serve.
- Serve for an appetizer or dinner side dish.
Nutrition
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