These Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms bring two beloved appetizers together in one irresistible bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, these creamy, spicy, and cheesy stuffed mushrooms deliver the perfect balance of heat and richness.
They’re packed with protein and fiber while keeping the carbs low, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious entertainers. The air fryer creates that perfectly golden top while maintaining the mushrooms’ juicy tenderness.
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
- Portobello Mushrooms: 8 large caps, cleaned and stems removed
- Cheese Blend: 12 oz softened cream cheese + 1 cup sharp cheddar, creates rich filling
- Peppers: ½ cup each red and yellow bell peppers + 3 medium jalapeños, adds color and heat
- Seasonings: 2 tsp chili lime seasoning, 1½ tsp minced garlic, pinch of salt
- Mix-ins: ⅓ cup crumbled bacon, 1 tbsp finely chopped onion for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Mushroom Prep: Clean mushrooms thoroughly, pat dry, and remove stems carefully
- Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese, cheddar, seasonings until smooth and creamy
- Veggie Integration: Fold in chopped peppers, bacon, and onions into cheese mixture
- Stuffing: Fill each mushroom cap generously with prepared mixture
- Air Frying: Cook at 370°F/187°C for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Final Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, serve while hot
Cooking Techniques
Air frying these stuffed mushrooms creates an amazing crispy outer coating while keeping the filling creamy and delicious! For best results, make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a little space between each mushroom so the hot air can circulate freely. If you’re new to air frying, you’ll love how this method gives you that perfect golden-brown crunch without deep frying.
Make-Ahead Tips
Save time by prepping these tasty bites in advance! You can stuff the mushrooms up to 24 hours before cooking – just keep them covered in the fridge. Wait to add the breading until right before cooking to keep it nice and crispy. Already cooked some? Pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to restore that lovely crunch!
Variations
Love playing with flavors? Try these simple swaps:
– Switch the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra kick
– Use poblano peppers instead of jalapeños for milder heat
– Replace the bacon with chorizo for a Mexican twist
– Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding extra peppers
Want it spicier? Keep some jalapeño seeds in the mix!
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed mushrooms make fantastic party appetizers! Serve them hot from the air fryer with a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce. They’re perfect for game day spreads, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to wow your guests. For a full meal, pair them with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
For Mushrooms
- 8 whole Portobello Mushrooms large
- 12 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons Chili Lime Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup Yellow Bell Pepper chopped
- 3 whole Jalapenos chopped and deveined, medium
- 1/3 cup Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Onion finely chopped
Instructions
- Wash mushrooms, pat dry and remove stems. Set aside.
- In large mixing bowl, combine cream and cheddar cheeses, chili lime seasoning, garlic and salt until well mixed.
- Stir bell and jalapeño peppers, bacon and onions into the mixture.
- Generously stuff the inside of the mushroom caps with the cheese mixture.
- Cook stuffed mushrooms in air fryer at 370°F/187°C for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.