If you're looking for the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer, these air fryer bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers deliver big flavor in just 25 minutes. Fresh jalapenos are halved, stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and air-fried to golden perfection.
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Recipe Highlights
Inspiration: One of my favorite appetizers of all time are jalapeno poppers. When football season comes around, if my husband and I aren't ordering them at a restaurant, we're whipping them up in the air fryer at home while we watch the game.
My twist: I double the bacon flavor by adding bacon bits to the cream cheese mixture as well as wrapping the whole pepper with a slice of bacon. To include my love of easy air fryer recipes, I cook jalapeno poppers with bacon in the air fryer to get that extra crispy crunch!
Taste: Spicy, creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon? Yes, please. These will disappear fast!
My love of this bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe runs deep! I even created a jalapeno popper roasted potato salad that has all the same flavors.
Key Ingredients
You can see the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe, but these are my notes on the main ingredients:
Jalapeno peppers: Choose firm, medium-sized peppers that are easy to slice and stuff.
Cream cheese: Softening the cream cheese ahead of time will help make it easier to mix. Take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about one hour before making these.
Bacon bits: I use crunchy bacon bits to give the filling a salty, smoky bite and add texture.
Dipping sauce: Cool things down by dipping these air fryer jalapeno poppers in ranch dressing or add extra heat with a drizzle of creamy jalapeno dip.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Stir the cream cheese mixture until its smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise.
Step 4: Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and membrane from each jalapeno.
Step 5: Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture.
Take care not to overstuff the peppers as too much filling can cause overflow in the air fryer.
Step 6: Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed jalapeño. If your bacon is too long, cut it in half to avoid soggy overlapping.
Step 7: Place bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leaving space between each popper allows the air to circulate, which helps the bacon get extra crispy.
Step 8: Air fry bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers for 12-14 minutes or until bacon is cooked through and crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
Tips for Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
If you don't have time to soften the cream cheese, use a hand mixer to get a smooth filling-it saves time and your wrist.
Wear gloves when prepping jalapenos, or wash hands thoroughly after. And take it from my personal experience, avoid touching your eyes.
Hosting a party? You can stuff and wrap jalapeno poppers with bacon ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking in the air fryer.
Tuck the bacon ends under each popper before air frying to keep them snug. No toothpicks required.
More Air Fryer Appetizers
- If you can't get enough tangy buffalo sauce, air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls will be your new favorite snack.
- Transform pork into mouthwatering air fryer pork belly bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Perfectly crispy and flavorful, cheez-it chicken tenders are coated with crushed Cheez-It crackers. Loved by kids and adults alike!
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (Air Fryer Recipe)
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 jalapeno peppers
- 12 slices bacon
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 Tablespoon bacon bits
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ranch dressing optional dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉.
- On a cutting board, slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and remove the ribs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. For a smoother mixture, use an electric mixer.
- Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half with about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture.
- Take one slice of bacon per jalapeno and wrap it securely around the stuffed pepper.
- Place bacon wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer in a single layer. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook two batches. Air fry jalapenos for 12-14 minutes until bacon is crispy and cooked through. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about one hour to soften before making these. You can also use a hand mixer to get a smoother filling.
- Storage and reheating: Let the jalapeno poppers cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you're stacking them, add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To bring back that crispy bacon texture, skip the microwave and reheat in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
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