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–+ servings
plateful of jalapeno poppers arranged around a dish of sour cream
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack, Tapas
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 270kcal

Equipment

  • food prep gloves

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces (optional)
  • 8 each jalapeno peppers
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, other herbs, to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour, seasoned to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup fine bread crumbs
  • cooking spray or oil spritzer

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on kitchen paper, set aside.
  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the jalapenos and continue to boil for 3 minutes or longer. The idea is to soften the flesh, but not so much it collapses. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Wear gloves while preparing the jalapenos. When cool enough to handle, cut a small veritcal slit in the side of the pepper and use your finger or a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and the white membrane. Turn slit side down and allow to drain while making the filling.
  • Stir the cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a medium bowl. Add the bacon and season to taste.
  • Portion the cheese mix and fill each jalapeno. Give each a gentle squeeze to close the pepper around the filling. This will help repair any torn jalapenos as well.
  • Set up a breading station with the eggs, flour and bread crumbs. Dip the jalapenos in the egg, allow the excess to drip off then cover with flour. Dip in the egg once more then follow with the bread crumbs.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C and prepare the air fryer rack with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded jalapeno poppers on the rack. Spray each popper with cooking spray.
  • Air fry for 10 - 12 minutes, turning halfway through. If necessary remove the tray from the air fryer oven and spray with more cooking spray. The poppers are ready when the breading is golden brown and the cheese has melted and softened.
  • Serve with sour cream and your favorite salsa.

Notes

To make a lime crema, mix a cup of sour cream with the zest of one lime and the juice of half a lime. Garnish with cilantro as desired.
Try substituting fried mushrooms for the bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 2poppers | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g