Ingredients
Scale
- 10 fresh jalapenos, halved and seeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you’re looking for a twist, consider swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. This recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity, which is what I love most about cooking in my kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. This ensures the poppers cook evenly and develop that irresistible crispiness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. This is where you can let your creativity shine with spices.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Don’t be afraid to pile it high; the more filling, the better!
- Wrap each filled jalapeno half with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. This step reminds me of my father’s seafood boils, where wrapping ingredients in bacon was a surefire way to add flavor.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the poppers in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Air fry the jalapeno poppers for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, recalling those lessons learned from my kitchen disasters.
- Carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
