This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of spicy jalapeño into a rich, hearty dish. Made easily in the air fryer, it’s a quick, low-carb comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With bold flavors and melty goodness in every bite, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
If you’re craving bold, cheesy comfort food with a spicy kick, this Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice!
Tender chunks of chicken are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, loaded with crispy bacon, and topped with just the right amount of jalapeño heat. It’s everything you love about jalapeño poppers but transformed into a hearty, low-carb casserole that’s easy to make right in your air fryer.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game day parties, or whenever you want a meal that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to impress!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Packed with Flavor – Creamy cheese, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a spicy jalapeño kick in every bite.
- Quick and Easy – Made fast in the air fryer with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly – Perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing comfort food cravings.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Great for family dinners, parties, or game days — everyone loves the bold flavors!
- Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust the spice by using more or fewer jalapeños to fit your taste.
Ingredients Needed
- Cream cheese – Softens and adds rich creaminess to the casserole.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts into the casserole for bold cheesy flavor.
- Jalapeño – Brings a fresh, mild heat to the dish.
- Green Onion – Adds a pop of color and light onion flavor.
- Sour cream – Makes the casserole extra creamy and tangy.
- Garlic salt – Seasons the casserole with a savory garlic blend.
- Black pepper – Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
- Garlic – Boosts the casserole with robust garlic flavor.
- Chicken breasts – Tender, juicy base for the hearty casserole.
- Bacon – Adds smoky, crispy flavor throughout the dish.
How To Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Step One: In a large bowl, place the cream cheese. Heat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. This softens the cream cheese, making mixing with the other ingredients easier.
Step Two: Once the cream cheese is softened, add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, diced green onion, sour cream, garlic salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Three: Take an oven-safe dish (or tin) that can fit into your air fryer and place the chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Step Four: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly over the top of each breast.
Step Five: Sprinkle the diced bacon pieces over the cream cheese mixture. The bacon will add a nice smoky flavor and a bit of crunch.
Step Six: Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees F set cook time for 20-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer.
Step Seven: Depending on your air fryer and how close the burner is to the food, you may need to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning or burning of the topping.
Step Eight: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the chicken to reabsorb its juices, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Soften the cream cheese first to make mixing much easier and create a smoother filling.
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeños based on your preference.
- Use an oven-safe dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket or tray.
- Top with extra cheese and bacon for an even richer, crispier finish.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer — it should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Let it rest a few minutes after cooking so the cheese sets slightly before serving.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before sealing to preserve its creamy texture.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled portions by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality and flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 5–8 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, but air frying keeps the top crispy.
What To Serve Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is rich and flavorful, so it pairs best with lighter, refreshing sides to balance the meal.
Serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad.
For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower makes a perfect base to soak up the cheesy sauce. If you’re not following low-carb, it also goes great with garlic bread or buttery cornbread for a comforting, hearty plate!
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe Faqs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble it a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and air fry when ready to serve.
How spicy is this casserole? It’s moderately spicy with one jalapeño; you can adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or leaving some seeds in.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts? Absolutely! Using cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken will cut down on cooking time and make it even easier.
What’s the best cheese to use besides cheddar? Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack cheeses all melt beautifully and pair well with the jalapeño flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the casserole should be bubbly and golden.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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- EASY AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY COBBLER FOR TWO
- AIR FRYER FROZEN HASH BROWN PATTIES
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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Description
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large jalapeno, deseeded and diced
- ¼ cup green onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 2 slices thick cut bacon, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, place the cream cheese. Heat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. This softens the cream cheese, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Mix the Filling: Once the cream cheese is softened, add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, diced green onion, sour cream, garlic salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Take an oven-safe dish (or tin) that can fit into your air fryer, and place the chicken breasts in it. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly over the top of each breast.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the diced bacon pieces over the cream cheese mixture. The bacon will add a nice smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 20-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer.
- Cover with Foil if Necessary: Depending on your air fryer and how close the burner is to the food, you may need to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning or burning of the topping.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the chicken to reabsorb its juices, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful.
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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