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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is an amazing grilled cheese sandwich made with a few ingredients and plenty of diced jalapenos. It is the perfect lunch or dinner made in the air fryer.

Everyone loves Jalapeno Poppers, so I replicated the same ingredients today and created this tasty air-fried sandwich. It’s the ultimate comfort food stuffed with cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, cheese, and minced garlic. If you love Jalapeno Poppers and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you will love these.

Today, I added some bacon, which makes for a great sandwich; along with the other ingredients, you have a great sandwich in minutes!

Best yet, this recipe is so simple. The kids completely went nuts over it; they loved it better than my Air Fryer Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich (and they love that)!!

Why You Will Love Grilled Cheese With Jalapenos

Bold and Spicy Flavor: Adding jalapeno peppers gives the grilled cheese a delightful spicy kick.
Versatility: You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeno peppers you use.
Melty and Cheesy Goodness: Grilled cheese is known for its gooey, melted cheese.
Easy to Make: Jalapeno pepper grilled cheese is simple and quick to prepare.
Customizable: While jalapeno peppers and cheese are the main ingredients, you can get creative and add additional toppings or fillings to enhance the sandwich.
Great for Spice Lovers: Jalapeno pepper grilled cheese is a fantastic choice if you enjoy spicy food. The heat from the jalapeno peppers releases endorphins and can provide a pleasurable, spicy sensation.
Pairing Possibilities: Jalapeno pepper grilled cheese pairs well with various accompaniments.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Grilled cheese sandwiches are known for their comforting nature, and adding jalapeno peppers takes it up a notch. It brings a zesty and exciting twist to a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Here are the simple ingredients to make a jalapeno popper grilled cheese in air fryer.

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.

Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese or low-fat cream cheese
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
Bacon: Cooked, cooled, and finely diced.
Jalapeño: Finely diced
Cheese: Use shredded Cheddar Cheese or shredded Mexican Cheese
Butter: Use unsalted butter
Bread: For best results, use white bread, whole wheat, or your favorite Artisan bread.

How To Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

Here are the step-by-step directions for making a homemade Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese in the air fryer.

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese: Prepare the cream cheese mixture in a bowl.

Mix the cream cheese until smooth, add the garlic powder and onion powder, and mix again until combined.

Add the bacon and jalapeño and stir to combine, then stir in the cheddar cheese.

Spread the butter evenly on all of the bread slices, spread the filling on 6 of the slices on the sides that don’t have butter, and place the top slice of the bread on the sandwich. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the sandwiches in the basket one at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side or until light and golden.

Serve with your favorite sides, such as chips or pickles.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Pro Tips

For the perfect Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese, consider these pro tips:

Choose the Right Bread: Opt for sturdy bread like sourdough or thick-cut white bread that can withstand the fillings and crisping process in the air fryer.
Prep Ingredients Properly: Ensure your jalapeño popper filling is well-drained and chopped finely to prevent excess moisture from making the sandwich soggy.
Layering: Layer the ingredients thoughtfully to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite. Consider placing the cheese slices closest to the bread to act as a barrier against moisture.
Butter Both Sides: Butter both the outer and inner sides of the bread slices for a crispy and golden-brown exterior and a flavorful, toasted interior.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer before adding the sandwiches to ensure they start cooking immediately, resulting in even browning and a shorter cook time.
Use Parchment Paper: Place the sandwiches on a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Flip Halfway Through: Flip the sandwiches halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly browned and crispy.
Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the sandwiches towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the sandwich.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly before cutting and serving to prevent the cheese from oozing out excessively.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair your Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Jalapeno cheese Sandwich Recipe Faq’s

Can I use any type of bread? While you can use various types of bread, it’s best to choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or thick-cut white bread that can hold up well to the fillings and crisping process in the air fryer.

Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños you use in the filling. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping them.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time? While it’s best to enjoy these sandwiches fresh, you can prepare the filling and assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, then air fry them just before serving for the best results.

How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy? To prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy, ensure that the jalapeño popper filling is well-drained and chopped finely. Additionally, layer the ingredients thoughtfully and consider placing the cheese slices closest to the bread to act as a barrier against moisture.

Can I freeze the sandwiches? While you can freeze the assembled sandwiches, they may lose some of their texture and flavor upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture.

Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are great options for Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese.

How do I clean the air fryer basket afterward? Allow the air fryer basket to cool completely before cleaning it. You can wash it with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher safe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon or using a vegetarian bacon substitute.

What should I serve with these sandwiches? These sandwiches pair well with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

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Equipment Used

INSTANT VORTEX PLUS AIR FRYER 6 IN 1, BEST FRIES EVER, DEHYDRATOR, 6 QT, 1500W

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