Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Craving a snack that’s equal parts crispy, cheesy, and deliciously spicy? These air fryer jalapeno poppers are here to steal the show! Wrapped in perfectly crisp bacon and stuffed with gooey cheese, they’re a keto-friendly, low-carb treat that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these poppers are the perfect addition to your table.

You are not going to believe how addicting these air fryer jalapeno poppers are! The air fryer is magical – they come out crispy on the outside and full of gooey, melted cheese on the inside. Even better? They are completely keto-friendly!

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

I can’t get enough of this air fryer jalapeno poppers! After you make your first batch, you’ll be saying the same thing. What’s not to love about jalapenos that are wrapped in crispy bacon and air fried to perfection?

This is a perfect keto appetizer to make when you are in a time crunch.

I love finding new things I can make in my air fryer. I probably say this a lot, but this is my new favorite party food that I can make in my air fryer! I found a way to make jalapeno poppers crispy and low-carb at the same time.

The secret is the bacon!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 13 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute snacks or appetizers. The air fryer takes all the guesswork out of cooking!
• Keto-Friendly: With low carbs and high flavor, these poppers are a guilt-free indulgence for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives the bacon a satisfying crunch while keeping the cheese melty and gooey on the inside.
• Customizable Heat: Love it spicy or prefer mild? Adjust the jalapeno seeds to control the heat level exactly to your liking.
• Party Favorite: These poppers are always a hit at gatherings. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to serve – no utensils required!

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Make a similar version that’s also low-carb – these oven-baked jalapeno poppers are packed with cream cheese and topped with bacon.

If you don’t own an air fryer, click here for the model I recommend.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

• Jalapeno Peppers – The star of the dish! These provide the perfect balance of spice and crunch.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy and tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the jalapeno heat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a rich cheesy flavor to every bite.
• Bacon – Wraps the jalapenos, providing a savory, crispy exterior that’s irresistible.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

• Air Fryer – The key to achieving crispy bacon and perfectly cooked jalapenos without frying in oil.
• Knife – For slicing the jalapenos in half with precision.
• Spoon – Handy for scooping out the seeds and preparing the jalapenos for stuffing.
• Measuring Cups – To ensure the perfect amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese for the filling.

How To Make Jalapeno Poppers In The Air Fryer

Before you start cooking or place the jalapenos in the air fryer, spray it down with non-stick cooking spray.

Start out by cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Be very careful not to touch the seeds with your hands. The seeds are what makes the jalapeno its fire. 

Stuff the jalapeno halves with cream cheese and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use any type of shredded cheese that you have on hand. Cheddar just melts the best. 

Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap bacon around each stuffed jalapeno half.

Put the bacon-wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry on 390 degrees for 8 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a digital temperature setting, check on the poppers after about 5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• Always check on food that you make in the air fryer to make sure it doesn’t burn. This is especially important if your air fryer doesn’t have a digital thermostat.
• If you don’t have traditional bacon, you can use turkey bacon in its place. I prefer pork bacon because it’s so crispy and gives the poppers the most amazing texture!
• If you want to make these jalapeno poppers spicy, leave a couple of the seeds in.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

I love to serve my jalapeno poppers with a variety of other low-carb snacks and appetizers, like air fryer chicken wings and a veggie tray piled high with fresh broccoli and carrots.

These make a delicious lunch side – just make a low-carb salad, like my shrimp egg avocado salad, to go along with it!

Variations And Substitutions

• Spicy Poppers: Leave some seeds in the jalapenos for an extra kick of heat. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a slice of spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for creamier options like brie or experiment with bold flavors like blue cheese or gouda. A Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully too!
• Turkey Bacon Alternative: Use turkey bacon instead of pork for a leaner option. It won’t crisp up as much but still provides a delicious wrap.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and top the cream cheese filling with crushed crispy onions or breadcrumbs for a crunchy, satisfying bite.
• Stuffing Additions: Mix herbs like chives or parsley into the cream cheese for an aromatic filling. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika for enhanced flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle the finished poppers with a bit of honey or maple syrup for a contrasting sweetness.
• Extra Meaty: Wrap the jalapenos in a second layer of bacon for an extra indulgent snack.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow the jalapeno poppers to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For refrigerated poppers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy. For frozen poppers, cook directly from frozen at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Microwave Option: While not as crispy, you can reheat poppers in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these jalapeno poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the poppers by stuffing them with cream cheese and wrapping them in bacon. Store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, air fry them fresh for the best results.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the poppers in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 15–20 minutes. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure even crispiness.

Are these poppers spicy?

The spice level depends on the seeds. Removing all the seeds makes them mild, while leaving some in adds more heat. If you’re very sensitive to spice, consider using mini bell peppers instead of jalapenos.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

It’s best to use raw bacon so it cooks and crisps up in the air fryer along with the jalapenos. Pre-cooked bacon may not adhere as well or achieve the same crispy texture.

What’s the best cheese for jalapeno poppers?

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice because it melts well and has a rich flavor. However, feel free to use other cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites for variety.

Can I make these poppers dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives. The bacon will still provide a deliciously crispy wrap, making this a great option for those avoiding dairy.

More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved this air fryer recipe for jalapeno poppers, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!

These are my favorites:

• Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Roasted Cornish Hens In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Meatballs
• Juicy Hamburgers In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Roasted Snow Peas

See also:

• Air Fryer Crispy Bacon Strips
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Air Fryer