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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

Name: Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, plus more for topping); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 10 oz cream cheese; 4 strips bacon (cooked and chopped); 4 jalapeñoes (seeded, diced, plus 24 sliced for topping)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 10, 2025

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Hello, food lovers! Are you ready to add a zesty twist to your snack repertoire? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that will spice up your taste buds and become an instant favorite: Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites.

These little bites of heaven combine the fiery kick of jalapeños with a creamy, cheesy filling, all wrapped up in a crispy coating, thanks to the magic of air frying. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or just as a treat to yourself, these popper bites are delicious and a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version.

The Perfect Jalapeño Popper Bite

A classic jalapeño popper is a jalapeño pepper that’s been halved, seeded, stuffed with a cheese mixture, possibly breaded, and then baked or fried. In this bite-sized variant, we’re keeping all the flavors intact but transforming them into a more convenient and party-friendly form.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

Embrace the heat and flavor with these Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites, a delicious twist on a classic appetizer that combines the spiciness of jalapeños with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for any gathering or a fun snack at home, these popper bites are easy to make and sure to be a hit. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this fiery, cheesy treat so irresistible:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Jalapeños: The core of this dish, jalapeños, offers a spicy kick that is both flavorful and exciting, perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their snacks.
Cream Cheese: This provides a creamy and smooth base for the filling, balancing the heat of the jalapeños with its rich and tangy flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and savory depth to the filling, melting beautifully inside the jalapeño bites.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts wonderfully and complements the cheddar, adding a mild buttery taste.
Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic warmth to the cheese filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Onion Powder: Offers a slight oniony sweetness, which pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese and the spice of the jalapeños.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs, ensuring a crisp, golden coating on the outside of each popper bite.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are key for achieving that perfect crispy, crunchy exterior that makes popper bites so delightful.
Cooking Spray: A light spray helps to get that golden-brown finish in the air fryer, making the poppers crispy without being greasy.

How To Cook Jalapeño Popper Bites In Air Fryer

Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined, creating a cohesive mixture.

Form the Bases: Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Place a heaping tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture into each muffin cup. Firmly press the mixture into the pan to create a well in the center of each cup. This will form the base of your jalapeño bites.

Mix the Filling: In another large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a consistent flavor throughout.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 340 degrees. Let it preheat, ensuring that your jalapeño bites cook evenly and achieve a nice texture.

Assemble the Jalapeño Bites: Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each breadcrumb-lined cup in your muffin tin. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle more shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled cup, and add a slice of jalapeño to the top for an extra kick.

Cook in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the muffin tin in the air fryer. Bake the jalapeño bites for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let the jalapeño bites cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.

Pro Tips

Creating delicious Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when armed with helpful tips. Here’s a list of tips to ensure your jalapeño popper bites turn out perfectly every time:

Choosing the Right Jalapeños: Select fresh jalapeños that are firm to the touch. Smaller ones are typically hotter, while larger ones tend to be milder.
Handling Jalapeños Safely: When cutting and deseeding jalapeños, consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation, and be careful not to touch your eyes.
Deseeding Jalapeños: Removing seeds and membranes reduces the heat. Use a small spoon or knife for this task, and adjust according to your heat preference.
Cream Cheese Consistency: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to combine with other ingredients and fill the jalapeños.
Balanced Filling: Ensure the cream cheese, bacon, and spices are well mixed for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Filling the Jalapeños: Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the jalapeños neatly. Overfilling can cause the mixture to ooze out during cooking.
Breadcrumb Coating: Coat the stuffed jalapeños thoroughly with breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior. Press lightly to adhere the breadcrumbs to the cream cheese.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures a crispy texture and even cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy popper bites.
Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the popper bites as they cook, as air fryer temperatures vary. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Suggestions: Serve the popper bites with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the crispiness.
Experiment with Flavors: Add different cheeses or spices to the cream cheese mixture for variety.
Let Them Cool: Allow the popper bites to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.

Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses. Cream cheese is a good base, but adding cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan can add different flavors.

How spicy are these popper bites?

The spiciness largely depends on the jalapeños and whether you leave them in the seeds and membranes. Removing them reduces the heat significantly.

Can I make these popper bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapeños with the filling and even bread them in advance. Keep refrigerated, then pop them in the air fryer when you cook.

What dipping sauces pair well with these popper bites?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, or a sweet and spicy sauce like a raspberry chipotle can complement the flavors nicely.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking?

Avoid overfilling the jalapeños, and make sure they are well-coated with breadcrumbs. Also, cooking at the right temperature helps.

Can I make these poppers gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour mix for the coating to make them gluten-free.

How long do I cook them in the air fryer?

Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but 8-10 minutes at a medium-high setting (around 375°F) should be sufficient.

What’s the best way to fill the jalapeños?

A piping bag can be very handy for filling the jalapeños neatly and efficiently. If you don’t have one, a small spoon will work.

Can I freeze the popper bites?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after cooking. If frozen uncooked, you don’t need to thaw them before air frying; add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.