Jalapeño Poppers in the Air Fryer With Bacon
These stuffed jalapeño poppers in the air fryer are a healthier twist on the classic appetizer. Made with Greek yogurt and cooked in the air fryer, they are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect game day snack.
Jalapeño Poppers in the Air Fryer With Bacon
I love jalapeno poppers! But my love for them came from my mom. She really LOVES jalapeño peppers. Whenever we go out to eat, she asks the staff to bring extra jalapenos so she can add them to her food. On Christmas Eve, we always go to our family friends' house, and everyone brings delicious appetizers for dinner. For years, my mom has been making her famous jalapeno poppers! Everyone loves them.
Traditionally, jalapeno poppers are deep-fried and made with a cream cheese filling. But I wanted to make a healthier version. My goal was to remove the deep-frying with the air fryer and make them super crispy! I also wanted to swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt, a really thick variety. This gives these perfect poppers a little tang but such high protein!!
The shredded cheese makes them bubbly and gooey, and the olive oil on top makes them brown. I am sure you will love this air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe! My taste testers said they loved the flavor and they would 10/10 rather have these than the real deal. Plus, it didn't make them feel groggy or hurt their stomach afterward!
Why My Version is Healthier!
Way less oil - The air fryer uses hot air to circulate, requiring less oil than a deep fryer! It's a game changer.
Fewer calories - By air frying these stuffed jalapenos, we have way less oil and, therefore, fewer calories!
Less saturated fat - By swapping the cream cheese mixture and deep frying cooking methods, these jalapeno poppers are lower in saturated fat!
Nutrient-dense - Greek yogurt increases the protein, and the air fryer maintains nutritional integrity!
Tips!
Use a really thick yogurt. I like to use an Icelandic or Greek-style yogurt. The thicker, the better! The thinner yogurts will not work for this, you want a thick yogurt that can keep inside the jalapeño. Make sure it’s plain, too!
Use a fine cheese box grater to grate the cheese. I like to use the smallest holes in the box grater.
Jalapeños are spicy peppers! Using your bare hands to cut the jalapeños is really risky. I like to wear gloves and then discard the gloves right after. Trust me, if you have never gotten spicy jalapenos in your eyes, consider yourself lucky!!
Drizzle the jalapeños with olive oil. This helps them get golden brown. This makes them light & refreshing compared to the traditional deep-fried ones!
Jalapeño Poppers in the Air Fryer Ingredients
8 large fresh jalapeños, cut in half, seeds removed
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
¼ cup chopped green onion, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons cooked crumbled bacon
How to Make Jalapeño Poppers in the Air Fryer
To prepare the jalapeno peppers, wash the whole jalapenos, then cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Make sure to wash your hands if you are not using gloves. I prefer to use food-grade gloves & discard the gloves as the seeds are really spicy, and whatever you touch with your hands afterward can be really irritating.
To make the filling, grate the sharp cheddar cheese on the box grater. Make sure to use the really small holes.
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely grated cheddar cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
Scoop the mixture into each jalapeno half in the empty pocket. I like to make sure they are pretty full. 4
Preheat the air fryer to 380F.
Place the jalapeno halves, filling side up in the air fryer. Drizzle with olive oil.
Air fry at 380 F for 10 minutes until the filling is golden brown.
Sprinkle the top of each pepper with the crumbled crispy bacon, cilantro, and green onions. Serve as a snack!
FAQ
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When making jalapeno poppers in an air fryer, it's important to set the temperature to 400°F. This is the best way to ensure the high heat will help the poppers cook evenly and develop that deliciously crispy exterior.
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One of the best advantages of using an air fryer to make jalapeno poppers is achieving a crispy and golden outside without the need for excessive oil. The air fryer utilizes hot air circulation to cook the poppers evenly, resulting in a crunchy texture similar to deep-fried versions. This cooking method greatly reduces the amount of oil required, making it a healthier alternative. The air fryer also allows for quick and efficient cooking, saving you time in the kitchen.
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Yes, you can freeze leftover air fryer jalapeno poppers made in an air fryer. For best results, allow them to cool completely after cooking, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the air fryer until heated through.
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• Ranch dressing
• Chipotle mayo
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
These air fryer jalapeño poppers with bacon are the best delicious snacks to serve on game day! Their golden brown outside and flavorful inside, made with Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese, make them an easy, healthier alternative to deep-fried poppers. Whether hosting a Super Bowl party or a family gathering, these fast and crispy jalapeño poppers will be a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Jalapeño Poppers in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 large jalapeños, cut in half, seeds removed
- 3/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped green onion, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
- To prepare the jalapeños, wash the whole jalapeños, then cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Make sure to wash your hands if you are not using gloves. I prefer to use food grade gloves & discard the gloves as the seeds are really spicy and whatever you touch with your hands afterwards can be really irritating.
- To make the filling, grate the sharp cheddar cheese on the box grater. Make sure to use the really small holes.
- In a large bowl, combine the greek yogurt, finely grated cheddar cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Scoop the mixture into each jalapeño half, in the empty pocket. I like to make sure they are pretty full. 4
- Preheat the air fryer to 380F.
- Place the jalapeños, filling side up in the air fryer. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Air fry at 380 F for 10 minutes, until the filling is golden brown.
- Sprinkle it with the crumbled bacon, cilantro and green onion. Serve as a snack!
Vegan or not, this stuffing will be a hit for all at your Thanksgiving table this year! This recipe is dairy-free and devoid of allergens, making it a safe choice for everyone at the table.