Crispy, Creamy & Spicy Jalapeno Poppers – Air-Fried To Perfection!

I’m a huge fan of jalapeno poppers and have been making them for years. Recently I discovered a new way to make them that is healthier and easier than ever before – air-frying! I’m excited to share this delicious recipe with you, as it has become one of my favorites. The air-frying method helps to keep the poppers crispy on the outside while still keeping the inside nice and creamy.

Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Ingredients

• 1. 6 medium jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded
• 2. 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3. 6 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise
• 4. 3 slices skin-on wild salmon, cut into 4 pieces
• 5. 1 ounce shredded Cheddar cheese, or to taste

Instructions

• Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, then remove and discard the seeds.
• In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, bacon, and salmon until combined.
• Stuff each jalapeno half with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture.
• Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed jalapeno half.
• Place the jalapeno poppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Carefully remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 119
• Fat: 8.9 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
• Protein: 8.3 g

Creative variations on the classic jalapeno popper recipe

If you’re looking to switch up your jalapeno popper game, there are plenty of creative ways to make air-fried jalapeno poppers. From adding a variety of fillings to experimenting with different coatings, you can easily create delicious and unique poppers in your air-fryer. Try one of these variations on the classic jalapeno popper recipe for a tasty twist on the appetizer.

• Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Poppers: This variation on the classic jalapeno popper takes things up a notch with the addition of bacon and cheese. To make, cut bacon into small pieces and mix with shredded cheese. Stuff each jalapeno with the cheese and bacon mixture and wrap with a slice of bacon. Coat with breadcrumbs and air-fry until crispy.
• Baked Potato Poppers: For this variation, replace the cream cheese stuffing with a classic baked potato mixture. Mix together cooked mashed potatoes, shredded cheese and bacon bits. Stuff each jalapeno with the potato mixture and coat with breadcrumbs. Air-fry until golden brown.
• Southwest Poppers: For a southwestern take on the jalapeno popper, mix together cooked black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, shredded cheese and jalapenos. Stuff each jalapeno with the mixture and coat with breadcrumbs. Air-fry until golden brown.
• Parmesan-Crusted Poppers: For an Italian-inspired popper, coat each jalapeno with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Air-fry until golden brown and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pizza Poppers: Turn your jalapeno poppers into a mini pizza with this variation. Mix together cooked sausage, pepperoni, shredded cheese and chopped jalapenos. Stuff each jalapeno with the mixture and coat with breadcrumbs. Air-fry until golden brown and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

These creative variations on the classic jalapeno popper recipe are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and your air-fryer, you can easily create delicious and unique poppers in no time.

Suggested accompaniments for air-fried jalapeno poppers

Air-fried jalapeno poppers are a delicious and healthy snack. To make them even more enjoyable, you should consider some suggested accompaniments that will add flavor and texture to the dish.

The first suggested accompaniment is a cream cheese dip. Cream cheese is a great way to cool down the jalapeno poppers and add a creamy texture. It also pairs nicely with the crunchy texture of the air-fried jalapenos. It can be as simple as adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese to a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper, or you can get creative and experiment with various flavor combinations such as garlic, herbs, and spices.

The second suggested accompaniment is a salsa. Salsa comes in many varieties and can be either mild or spicy. It adds a tangy flavor to the jalapeno poppers and helps to balance out the heat. You can make your own salsa from scratch or buy a store-bought variety to save time.

The third suggested accompaniment is a guacamole. Guacamole is a great way to add a creamy texture to the dish. It also helps to cool down the dish and adds a balanced flavor. You can make your own guacamole from scratch or buy a store-bought variety to save time.

Finally, if you want to add a bit of sweetness to the dish, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar. This helps to cut through the heat of the jalapeno poppers and adds a hint of sweetness.

These suggested accompaniments for air-fried jalapeno poppers are sure to make your snack even tastier and more enjoyable.

Benefits of air-frying jalapeno poppers and the difference between air-frying and deep-frying

Benefits of air-frying jalapeno poppers and the difference between air-frying and deep-frying:

• Air-frying jalapeno poppers can provide a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses drastically less oil and does not require submerging the food in boiling oil.
• Air-frying helps to preserve the flavor of the poppers and is often faster than deep-frying, resulting in a crunchier texture.
• Air-frying also helps to reduce the amount of smoke and odor generated in the kitchen compared to deep-frying.
• The main difference between air-frying and deep-frying is that the former uses hot air to cook the food, while the latter uses hot oil. This results in a much lower calorie meal when air-frying.

Tips for selecting the best jalapeno peppers for air-frying

When selecting jalapeno peppers for air-frying, it’s important to choose peppers that are the right size, maturity and freshness. Here are a few tips to help you select the best peppers for air-frying jalapeno poppers:

• Look for peppers that are medium-sized and of uniform size, as this will help ensure even cooking.
• Choose peppers that are firm, unblemished and bright green in color, as this indicates that they are fresh.
• Avoid peppers that are wrinkled, as this indicates that they are past their prime.
• If possible, buy organic jalapeno peppers, as this ensures that they have not been exposed to pesticides.
• If you have access to a farmer’s market, take the opportunity to chat with the grower about the best jalapeno peppers for your recipe.
• Finally, if you’re picking your own peppers, make sure to wear gloves, as jalapenos can be quite spicy.

Safety and storage tips for air-fried jalapeno poppers

Always store air-fried jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.

• Handle the poppers with care when reheating them in the microwave or oven. The heat can cause the cheese to melt and drip, which can cause burns or a fire hazard.
• When cooking air-fried jalapeno poppers, always use oven mitts to handle the hot container.
• Be sure to supervise children when using the air fryer to cook the poppers. The appliance can get very hot, and the hot oil can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin.
• Make sure to clean and dry the air fryer after each use to prevent any build up of grease or food residue.