This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is a spicy, cheesy, and crispy weeknight dinner that’s ready in minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, then air fried to golden perfection.
Spice up your dinner routine with this Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken!
Juicy chicken breasts are loaded with a creamy, cheesy filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and zesty jalapeños, then air fried to golden perfection.
Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Get ready for a crispy, gooey, and spicy chicken dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Creamy, cheesy filling – Each bite is rich and indulgent.
- Perfectly juicy chicken – Air fryer keeps it tender and flavorful.
- Quick and easy prep – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Customizable heat – Adjust the jalapeños to your spice preference.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender, juicy chicken breasts ready for stuffing.
- Cream cheese – Smooth, rich cheese for creamy jalapeño filling.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – Sharp cheddar adds gooey, flavorful cheesy goodness.
- Jalapeños, fresh – Spicy peppers for heat and bold flavor.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled – Smoky bacon for extra savory, crunchy flavor.
- Garlic powder – Adds warm, aromatic garlic flavor throughout chicken.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances seasoning.
- Black pepper – Light heat with subtle, earthy spice.
- Paprika – Adds mild smoky flavor and vibrant color
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and crumbled cooked bacon. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, leaving about ½ inch on the side so it can hold the filling. This creates a pocket for the cheese and jalapeño mixture.
Step 3: Spoon the prepared cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Fold or secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside. Sprinkle the outside of each chicken breast with paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavor and a nice color.
Step 4:Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray and place the stuffed chicken inside, seam side down. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the toothpicks, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve immediately. Perfect with a side salad or roasted veggies!
Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips
- Choose the right chicken breasts: Use evenly sized, boneless, skinless breasts so they cook consistently in the air fryer.
- Don’t overstuff: Fill the chicken just enough to hold the cheese mixture without bursting. Too much can leak and create a mess.
- Secure with toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the chicken closed while cooking; remove them before serving.
- Pat dry before seasoning: Drying the chicken surface ensures the seasoning sticks and the coating crisps nicely.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Air fryer basket prep: Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Rest before slicing: Let the chicken rest 3–5 minutes after cooking to keep the juices locked in.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerating: Place cooled stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each cooked chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Or Air Fryer: Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, checking to make sure the cheese doesn’t overcook.
Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Recipe Faqs
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Do not overstuff the chicken breasts. After filling the pocket, you can seal the opening by using one or two toothpicks inserted across the seam before air frying. Remember to remove them before eating!
How do I cut the pocket for the filling? Lay the chicken breast flat and use a sharp knife to slice horizontally into the thickest part of the side, creating a deep pocket. Stop about 1/2 inch short of the opposite edge to keep the bottom and back intact.
Should I use fresh or pickled jalapeños? Fresh jalapeños provide a better texture and robust flavor, but they must be completely seeded and deveined to control the heat. Pickled jalapeños can be used but drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know the chicken is safe to eat? Always use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the filling) to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why is the bacon not crispy? If your recipe uses bacon wrapped around the chicken, pre-cooking the bacon slightly (about half done) before wrapping and air frying will help ensure it gets crisp without overcooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
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Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cheddar cheese , shredded
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 3 slices bacon, cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder , to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper , to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and crumbled cooked bacon. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, leaving about ½ inch on the side so it can hold the filling. This creates a pocket for the cheese and jalapeño mixture.
- Spoon the prepared cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Fold or secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
- Sprinkle the outside of each chicken breast with paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavor and a nice color.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray and place the stuffed chicken inside, seam side down. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the toothpicks, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve immediately. Perfect with a side salad or roasted veggies!
Equipment
- Toothpicks, optional, if you do use them soak them for 20 minutes.
Nutrition
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Marisel
Sooo good congratulations