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- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Olive oil spray Selecting fresh jalapeños is key for great poppers. Look for peppers that feel firm and bright. They should not have wrinkles or soft spots. Choose medium-sized jalapeños for a good balance of heat and flavor. The heat can vary by size, so be mindful of your spice level. If you want to switch things up, consider these substitutions: - Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist. - Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese experience. These simple swaps can change the flavor and make your dish unique. Now, get ready to make the crunchiest, most flavorful jalapeño poppers ever! First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step helps cook the poppers evenly. While it heats up, check the basket. Make sure it is clean and dry. A clean basket ensures good air circulation. To prepare the jalapeños, start by slicing each pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and white membranes. This helps reduce the heat. If you love spice, leave some seeds in for a kick. Now, let’s make the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Then, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Take a jalapeño half and fill it with the cheese mixture. Press it in well so the filling stays inside. In another bowl, place 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the tops of the stuffed peppers with olive oil. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Dip the oiled side into the breadcrumbs, covering it evenly. Now, it's time to air fry! Place the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once they are ready, use tongs to take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes on a plate. This waiting time helps the flavors develop. For a lovely presentation, serve them on a bright platter. Add some chopped herbs on top for color. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip for a refreshing contrast. To get that perfect crunch, use olive oil spray. This spray helps the breadcrumbs get golden and crispy. Just a light spritz on top of the poppers makes a big difference. For even coating, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on after spraying. Dip each oiled jalapeño half in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to cover all the tops. This step ensures that every bite is crunchy. To boost flavor, add spices or herbs to the cheese filling. Garlic powder and onion powder are great choices. You can also try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Experiment with cheese blends too. Sharp cheddar is tasty, but mixing it with pepper jack adds spice. Go ahead and play around with flavors to find your favorite. Avoid overstuffing the jalapeños. If you pack them too tightly, the filling can spill out while cooking. Keep the filling generous, but not overflowing. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each jalapeño space to cook evenly. If they are too close, they won’t crisp up right. Cook them in batches if needed for the best results. {{image_4}} Want more heat? Keep some jalapeño seeds in the mix. The seeds add an extra kick. You can also try spicy cheese options. Pepper jack or habanero cheddar both work great. These choices will spice up your poppers nicely. If you're vegan, swap in vegan cream cheese. This keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can find these at many grocery stores. These simple changes let everyone enjoy the dish. Try a Southwest twist by adding black beans to the filling. This gives your poppers a hearty feel. You can also make Mediterranean-style poppers. Just add crumbled feta for a tangy touch. These variations keep things fun and exciting in the kitchen. To store leftover jalapeño poppers, let them cool down completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap each popper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. Reheating in the air fryer is the best method. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the poppers on a tray for about 10-15 minutes. Jalapeño poppers last about three days in the fridge. If frozen, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look discolored, it’s best to toss them. Trust your senses; they guide you well! You should air fry jalapeño poppers for about 10-12 minutes. This time works for most air fryer models. Some models may cook faster, so check them after 8 minutes. If you want a crispier finish, you can add an extra 2-3 minutes. Always ensure they turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles. Yes, you can prep jalapeño poppers ahead of time. Stuff the jalapeños and coat them with breadcrumbs. Place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just air fry them as needed. If you want to freeze them, wrap them well in plastic wrap. They will last for about three months in the freezer. You can serve jalapeño poppers with many tasty sides. Some great options are: - Ranch dressing - Blue cheese dip - Salsa - Guacamole - Fresh veggies like carrot and cucumber sticks These sides add more flavor and coolness to balance the heat. Jalapeño poppers can be a fun snack, but they have some calories. Each popper has cream cheese and cheddar cheese, which adds fat. However, they can fit into a balanced diet if you enjoy them in moderation. You can make them healthier by using low-fat cheese or adding more veggies. To make jalapeño poppers milder, here are some tips: - Remove all seeds and membranes from the peppers, as they hold most heat. - Use mild cheese instead of sharp cheddar. - Mix in some sour cream or yogurt into the cheese filling to cool it down. - Choose larger jalapeños, which tend to be less spicy than smaller ones. You now have all the details to make tasty air fryer jalapeño poppers. We covered key ingredients, from jalapeños to seasonings. I shared tips for picking fresh peppers and suggestions for substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, stuff, and air fry these snacks. Remember the tricks for crunch and flavor, and explore variations to suit your taste. Store leftovers wisely and reheat for best results. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious poppers!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Looking for a tasty appetizer? Try these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers that pack a flavorful punch! Made with fresh jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy panko topping, they are perfect for parties or movie nights. Follow our simple recipe to whip up this crowd-pleaser in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore these delicious recipes and impress your guests with this irresistible snack!
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Ingredients
  

12 fresh jalapeño peppers

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray (for coating)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for even cooking.

    Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or knife, remove the seeds and membranes inside the peppers. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave some seeds intact.

      In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a creamy, cohesive filling.

        Take each jalapeño half and generously stuff it with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling in tightly to avoid it spilling out during cooking.

          In a separate bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the tops of each stuffed jalapeño with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs stick, then gently dip the oiled side into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Ensure all the tops are nicely covered for that perfect crunch.

            Arrange the coated jalapeños in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal cooking.

              Air fry the jalapeño poppers for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese filling begins to bubble enticingly.

                Once cooked, carefully remove the jalapeño poppers from the air fryer using tongs. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on a plate before serving; this will enhance the flavor and texture.

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 20 min | Serves 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your jalapeño poppers on a vibrant platter, garnished with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added pop of color. Provide a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip for a delightful contrast to the heat!