Crispy, golden-brown Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect party appetizer that’s ready in just 13 minutes. These irresistible bites combine the kick of fresh jalapeños with creamy, rich filling – all without the mess of deep-frying.
Whether you’re hosting game day or simply craving a spicy snack, these lighter poppers deliver restaurant-quality results with just 250 calories per serving. The air fryer creates that satisfying crunch while keeping the inside perfectly melty and delicious.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Jalapeño Peppers: 10 fresh peppers, halved lengthwise for perfect boats
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for easy mixing
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, adds beautiful color and fresh flavor
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup, ensures a delightful crispy coating (use gluten-free if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pepper Prep: Slice jalapeños lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes for milder heat
- Filling Creation: Blend half of the panko crumbs with cream cheese until smooth, then fold in fresh parsley
- Stuffing Time: Fill each pepper half generously with the creamy mixture
- Coating Magic: Press the filled peppers into remaining panko crumbs for that perfect crispy top
- Air Frying: Place in air fryer basket at 370°F for 6-8 minutes until golden (or conventional oven at 375°F for 20 minutes)
- Final Touch: For extra crispiness, lightly spray with olive oil if needed
- Serving: Let cool slightly before enjoying these crispy, creamy delights
Cooking Techniques
Working with jalapeños can be fun and easy! When cutting your peppers, wear food-safe gloves if you have sensitive skin. A handy tip: use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes – it’s quicker and safer than using a knife. For the crispiest results in your air fryer, arrange the poppers in a single layer with a bit of space between each one. If you’re using the oven method, line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Heat Level Tips
Want to control the spiciness? The heat mainly lives in the pepper’s white membranes and seeds – removing them completely will give you milder poppers. For extra-mild poppers, soak your cleaned jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing. If you love heat, leave some membrane intact. Remember that jalapeños can vary in spiciness, so taste a tiny bit before preparing if you’re sensitive to heat.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep these poppers up to 24 hours ahead! Just stuff them, coat with crumbs, and store covered in the fridge until ready to cook. Already cooked? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until warm and crispy. The microwave works too, but the crumbs won’t stay as crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
These poppers shine as party appetizers! Set out a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a fun game day spread, serve them alongside wings, chips, and veggie sticks. They’re also great as a snack with cold beverages – the creamy filling helps cool down the pepper’s kick. Add a sprinkle of extra parsley on top for a pop of color just before serving.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 10 jalapeno peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese softened a little, let sit out for 10-15 minutes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup panko crumbs If GF, use gluten-free
Instructions
- Carefully cut the jalapenos in half. Remove seeds and insides of peppers.
- Mix together 1/2 of crumbs and cream cheese. Once combined add in the parsley.
- Stuff each pepper half with mixture.
- Put the remaining crumbs into a bowl Gently press the tops of the peppers into the remaining 1/4 c of crumbs to create the top coating.
- Place the poppers into the air fryer basket or tray. Cook in an air fryer at 370 degrees F for 6-8 minutes OR in a conventional oven at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes.
- Let cool and ENJOY!
