These air fryer jalapeño poppers are so easy to make! They're stuffed with a mix of cheeses and wrapped in bacon. They crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and are always a party favorite!
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are the ultimate stuffed pepper finger food, perfect for parties and game day. They're super easy to make and always disappear quickly. You might want to make a double batch.
This particular recipe uses the air fryer, which I've been using a lot lately. It really works wonders! These bacon wrapped air fryer jalapeño poppers are so crispy and gooey with a cream cheese filling, and they whip up fast!
You'll be done cooking in under 15 minutes once they're stuffed, wrapped and ready to go. I love that! Bring these to a party and everyone will love you. Guaranteed!
Recipe Ingredients
- Jalapeño Peppers - You gotta have jalapeños to make jalapeño poppers, right?
- Cheeses - I'm using a mix of full fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, though you can use other cheeses to your preference. Use good melty cheeses.
- Seasonings - I'm using a mixture of cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, though you can vary it up. Try it with taco seasonings.
- Bacon - Yes! I love bacon, though you can skip the bacon if desired.
How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Prep. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Core the peppers. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and insides with a spoon. Remove all the seeds and membranes to core out the jalapeño poppers.
TIP: Wear gloves to protect your hands from burning from the oils.
Make the cheesy stuffing. Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and seasonings to a bowl and mix well.
Stuff the jalapeños. Fill each jalapeno pepper half with the spicy cream cheese mixture. You might have some leftover, depending on the size of your peppers. Just distribute evenly.
Wrap with bacon. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno boat with a slice of bacon. Pierce with toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, if needed.
Air Fry the jalapeño poppers. Working in batches, set them into the air fryer basket and air fry the poppers for 10-12 minutes, or until bacon crisps up to your preference.
You may need to do this in batches, depending on your air fryer brand. Cook time can vary, so check them after 10 minutes, and up to 15 minutes or longer.
Serve! Remove from heat, cool slightly, and serve.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- The bacon. You can cut back on calories and save ingredients by using only 1/2 a bacon slice per popper. You may need toothpicks to hold them in place, but it is an option.
- The cheeses. Cream cheese and cheddar are an ideal combo for stuffing, as the mixture gets nice and melty soft inside without oozing too much. You can definitely use other cheeses to completely change the recipe. Try goat cheese or feta cheese, which are creamier, along with your favorite melty cheese, like pepper jack or colby.
- Seasonings. You can use whatever seasonings you prefer when making jalapeno poppers. I love to keep it simple with cayenne, paprika and garlic, plus salt and pepper, but use your favorites. Consider taco seasonings, Cajun seasonings, Creole seasonings, sazon, or others.
Storage and Reheating
Once cooled to room temperature, you can store your air fryer jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
I recommend popping them right back in the air fryer to reheat! That way, you maintain that awesome crispy consistency on the bacon.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers FAQs
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Some models don’t require it, but I find preheating for 2-3 minutes at cooking temperature helps with even results.
How long do I cook jalapeño poppers in the air fryer? Most poppers cook in 10-12 minutes at 350°F. Bacon-wrapped poppers might need closer to 12 minutes to crisp, while breadcrumb-topped versions (non bacon-wrapped) can be done in about 8-10. Keep an eye on them. Look for softened peppers, bubbling cheese, and a crisp topping.
How do I know when they’re done? The peppers should be tender but not collapsed, the cheese nice and melty, and any bacon or coating browned and crisp. That’s when they’re ready to pull.
Can I make them ahead of time? Yes! You can slice and stuff the jalapeños up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then cook when you’re ready to serve. I like to wrap with bacon just before air frying for best texture.
Can I freeze jalapeño poppers? Absolutely. Assemble them, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I make them without bacon? Yes. Try sprinkling the tops with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a little oil or parmesan for crunch. They’ll still come out delicious.
How can I control the spice level? For milder poppers, scoop out the seeds and white inner membrane. Want more heat? Mix extra chili flakes or the chopped membrane into the filling.
What dips go well with jalapeño poppers? Ranch and sour cream are classics, but they’re also great with chipotle sauce, creamy avocado salsa verde, BBQ sauce, or a classic guacamole.
More Popular Jalapeño Popper Recipes
- Classic Jalapeno Poppers
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
- Four Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
- Pimento Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- Check Out More Jalapeno Poppers Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 jalapeno peppers
- 5 ounces cream cheese softened
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon preferred seasonings I use a mix of cayenne, paprika and garlic - try taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 20 slices bacon thin cut
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides with a spoon.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and seasonings to a bowl and mix well.
- Fill each jalapeno pepper half with the spicy cheese mixture. You might have some leftover, depending on the size of your peppers. Just distribute evenly.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeno boat with a slice of bacon. Pierce with toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, if needed.
- Air fry the jalapeno poppers for 10-12 minutes, or until bacon crisps up to your preference. You may need to do this in batches, depending on your air fryer brand.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and serve.
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/29/25 to include new information. It was originally published on 1/31/22.
Karen K says
I don't have an air fryer. Can I bake these in the oven?
Mike Hultquist says
You sure can, Karen. Bake 20-30 at 350F, or until the bacon is crispy. See this recipe here: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers/
Elliot Fisch says
As always, Mike, a winner. I use crumbled bacon in the cheese mixture. It saves the greasy mess in the air fryer.
Mike Hultquist says
Yes!! Great call, Elliot! Thanks for sharing your tip!!