Go Back
- 10 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. If you don’t have green onions, regular onions work too. For gluten-free bites, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also change smoked paprika to regular paprika for less flavor. When choosing jalapeños, look for firm ones with smooth skin. They should be bright green and free of blemishes. Check the stems; they should be fresh and green, not brown. A little shine means they are fresh. If you want more heat, pick smaller ones, as they tend to be spicier. First, grab ten fresh jalapeños. Cut each one in half and remove the seeds. This step reduces the heat. If you like spice, leave a few seeds. Rinse the jalapeños under cold water to clean them. Pat them dry with a towel. Set them aside on a plate while you make the filling. In a mixing bowl, add one cup of softened cream cheese. Then, mix in half a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add a quarter cup of finely chopped green onions to give it a fresh taste. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to blend everything until smooth. It should look creamy and well mixed. Next, take each jalapeño half and fill it with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon to pack the filling in well. In a separate bowl, pour one cup of panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the breadcrumbs. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. Now, dip each filled jalapeño half into the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick. Arrange the poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid crowding them; it’s best to cook them in batches. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once done, carefully take them out. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your tasty jalapeño popper bites! To get a nice crunch on your jalapeño popper bites, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat them well with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps them brown nicely. Spread the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer. If you overcrowd, they won’t crisp up as much. Cook in batches if needed for best results. If you want your poppers milder, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. This part holds most of the heat. For extra spice, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cheese mix. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for more kick. Tailor the heat to fit your taste! These crispy bites pair well with a variety of dips. Creamy ranch or cool sour cream works great. You can also serve them with a zesty salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. A dash of lime juice can brighten up the dish. Arrange your poppers on a platter for sharing. They make a fun snack for parties or game days! {{image_2}} Do you love bacon? Wrapping bacon around each jalapeño bite adds flavor and crunch. Start by cutting your bacon strips in half. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a piece of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick if needed. Air fry them as usual. The bacon will get crispy, and the flavors will mix beautifully. Want a meat-free version? Use black beans instead of bacon for texture. You can also add corn for sweetness. Replace the cream cheese with a plant-based version. This keeps the creamy feel while being vegetarian. These options are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the poppers without meat. Experimenting with cheese can change the whole taste! Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Or, go for mozzarella for a milder flavor. Mixing different cheeses, like gouda and cheddar, can create a unique taste. Just make sure to keep the cheese creamy for that perfect popper experience. After you enjoy your Air Fryer Crispy Jalapeño Popper Bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure the bites are completely cool before you store them. This helps prevent sogginess. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the jalapeño popper bites in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use an oven for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the poppers. First, let them cool completely. Then, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, no need to thaw. Just air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can prepare jalapeño popper bites ahead of time. Just fill the jalapeños with the cheese mixture and coat them with breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, air fry them straight from the fridge. This saves time when you have guests or want a quick snack. You can make these bites healthier with a few easy swaps. Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also replace sharp cheddar with a lighter cheese. Instead of panko, try whole wheat breadcrumbs. For a lower-calorie option, use less oil when coating the breadcrumbs. This way, you still enjoy the flavor but cut back on extra calories. Many dipping sauces pair well with jalapeño popper bites. Here are some great options: - Ranch dressing - Sour cream - Creamy avocado dip - Spicy salsa - Honey mustard Each sauce adds a different flavor. Try a few to see which one you like best! In this article, we explored tasty jalapeño poppers. You learned about key ingredients, substitutions, and how to choose fresh jalapeños. We covered step-by-step instructions to prepare, fill, and air fry your poppers. You also discovered tips for crispiness and adjusting spice levels. We shared fun variations and storage tips to keep your snacks fresh. Jalapeño poppers are versatile and easy to make. Now, you can enjoy or share them anytime!

Air Fryer Crispy Jalapeño Popper Bites

Spice up your snack game with these Air Fryer Crispy Jalapeño Popper Bites! Packed with creamy cheese and topped with crunchy panko, these bites are the perfect blend of flavor and texture. Easy to make in just 25 minutes, they're ideal for parties or movie nights. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends with this delicious appetizer that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

10 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

      Take each jalapeño half and spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into the center. Press lightly to pack it in.

        In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

          Dip each filled jalapeño half into the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

            Arrange the jalapeño popper bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you may need to cook in batches.

              Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the poppers are golden brown and crispy.

                Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 20 bites