These jalapeno poppers are loaded with rich and flavorful cream cheese mixture, the right amount of seasonings, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Made in an air fryer, these peppers will take you just 6 minutes per batch and are healthier (and better quality) than deep frying.
Air fryer is the best thing in cooking, honestly! I use my Cosori for anything from reheating food, baking, and making dinners that take only half time to make.
Serve this appetizer and other similar recipes such as Buffalo Chicken Dip, Crispy Pan Fried Tofu, and Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at your next party. Your guest will love these, and it's easy to make.
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Ingredients
- Jalapeños - Use fresh, larger jalapeños of similar size for even cooking. For guests sensitive to heat, try using baby bell peppers or make a mix of both.
- Cream Cheese Filling - Cream cheese makes the ideal base for the filling, but thick crème fraîche or mascarpone works too (though slightly sweeter). Customize with extras like crumbled bacon, sausage, ground meat, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, chives, scallions, or nuts. I used cheddar, but any favorite cheese will work well.
- Corn Tortilla Chips - These are a great gluten-free option for a crunchy topping. You can also use panko, regular breadcrumbs, or make homemade gluten free crumbs.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make It
- Prepare the peppers by cutting them in half and removing the seeds from the membranes.
- Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer. Arrange the stuffed peppers in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 minutes.
- While the peppers are frying, place the tortilla chips in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Right after the jalapeno is cooked sprinkle the corn chips on top of each pepper. Serve with scallions and/or Ranch Dressing.
Tips
- For more flavor, add cooked crumbly bacon to the filling.
- To make these peppers spicy, leave all or just some of the seeds i the jalapenos.
- Instead of tortilla chips, you can use breadcrumbs, or panko.
- Use common sense and a couple of gloves when handling these jalapenos. The best way to prep these is to use gloves cut them in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. That's it. The main source of ''heat'' in these peppers comes from seeds, so after removing those these peppers do not taste as spicy as they would with them.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- The filling itself once mixed will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days just fine. Make sure to cover it.
- If you want to store the leftovers, don't add the tortilla chips as they will get soggy fast.
- Reheat in the air fryer the same way as described above but for little fewer minutes, right until the peppers are warmed through.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
More Appetizer Recipes
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the peppers by cutting them in half and removing the seeds from the membranes.5 medium fresh jalapeño peppers
- Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each pepper.4 ounce cream cheese, ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons green onions, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Preheat the air fryer. I used Cosori 5.8 quart. Arrange the stuffed peppers in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 minutes.5 medium fresh jalapeño peppers
- While the peppers are frying, place the tortilla chips in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Right after the jalapeno is cooked sprinkle the tortilla chips on top of each pepper. Serve with scallions and/or Ranch Dressing.crushed corn tortilla chips
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Nutrition is calculated without the tortilla chips.
- This recipe makes 10 peppers, for about 5 people with 2 servings.
- For more flavor, add cooked crumbly bacon to the filling.
- To make these peppers spicy, leave all or just some of the seeds in the jalapenos.
- Instead of chips, you can use panko or regular breadcrumbs.
- Use common sense and a couple of gloves when handling these jalapenos. The best way to prep these is to use gloves cut them in half, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. That's it. The main source of ''heat'' in these peppers comes from seeds, so after removing those these peppers do not taste as spicy as they would with them.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
This recipe has been adapted from here.
Favorite Cream Cheese Recipes
I got you covered. Try our party favorite Stuffed Mushrooms perfect every time French Toast, the best Mashed potatoes next.
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vicki ann price
The most infuriating thing is when an ingredient isn't accounted for in the instructions. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE BREAD CRUMBS??!
Julia
I just went through the post 3 times and did not see breadcrumbs written in instructions nor in the ingredient list. You can use tortilla chips, breadcrumbs or panko for breading, it is written in the post as well. Please read the recipe card one more time.
RitaVee
totally love finding new ways to enjoy veggies, and jalapeno poppers sound amazing. wondering if anyone’s tried a vegan cream cheese that melts well for this?
Leon C.
While I agree air frying is fantastic, it's hard to beat the depth of flavor you get from traditional frying. Anyone else feel like some foods just taste better the old-fashioned way?
Julia
true, but this version is a little healthier )
Jenna M.
I love how you can prep these a day in advance! It's such a lifesaver for busy days. Thanks for sharing, Julia; your recipes never disappoint!
Julia
thank you Jenna!
GaryD
An air fryer for veggies, really? Guess my frying pan is going obsolete now, according to this. Might as well give it a shot before it collects dust.
Julia
haha, enjoy Gary!
Alexis
Air frying has changed the game for me too! I gotta say, veggies do come out amazing in it. Never tried jalapeno poppers in it though, gotta change that this weekend.
Michelle P.
do you guys think it's ok to use a different air fryer brand, or does it have to be cosori?
Julia
enjoy and let me know what you think!
Katherine R.
Could you suggest a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese for the jalapeno poppers? Looking for ways to make this friendly for all my guests. Love your recipes, by the way!
Julia
I'm not sure, perhaps you could try vegan cream cheese?
Sam T.
just tried the air fryer jalapeno poppers and man, they were a hit at my game night! never thought of using my cosori for veggies like this. thx for the great idea, julia!
Julia
thank you Sam!
ik
The most infuriating thing is when an ingredient isn't accounted for in the instructions. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE BUTTER??!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
there is no butter!
Margaret
Love this recipe.Followed the recipe step for step and it was absolutely delicious.Thanks!
Julia
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!
Julia
Delicious air fryer jalapeno poppers to host your next party!