Craving a cheesy, spicy twist on a classic? This Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a kick! Packed with gooey cheese, crispy bread, and the perfect pop of heat from jalapeños, it’s a mouthwatering combination you won’t want to miss. Whether for lunch or dinner, this grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings in a snap!
Looking for a twist on the classic grilled cheese? The Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese takes your favorite comfort food to the next level! With creamy cheese, a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños, and a crispy, golden-brown exterior, this sandwich is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or something to wow your guests, this easy-to-make recipe is a must-try!
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 This Recipe!
- Spicy Kick – The addition of jalapeños gives this grilled cheese a bold and spicy twist, perfect for heat lovers.
- Crispy Perfection – Made in the air fryer, you get a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream – With gooey melted cheese, this sandwich satisfies all your cheesy cravings in every bite.
- Quick & Easy – This recipe is ready in just minutes, making it a great option for a fast and flavorful meal.
- Customizable – You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, making it perfect for all tastes.
Ingredients Needed
- 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
Step One: Mix the cream cheese until smooth, add the garlic powder and onion powder, and mix again until combined.
Step Two: Add the bacon and jalapeño and stir to combine, then stir in the cheddar cheese.
Step Three: 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. Set cook time for 2-3 minutes, set air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, remove when golden brown.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as chips or pickles.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove some of the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them to the sandwich. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add extra jalapeños.
- Use Fresh Bread: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh bread that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Sourdough, brioche, or hearty white bread work wonderfully.
- Evenly Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Make sure the cream cheese mixture is spread evenly across the bread. This will ensure every bite has a creamy, cheesy kick.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking the sandwich. This ensures that your sandwich will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy crust.
- Check Halfway Through Cooking: Since air fryer models vary, check the sandwich halfway through cooking to make sure it’s not getting too brown. If it is, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking until golden brown and melted.
Storing
- Storing: To store leftovers, wrap the grilled cheese in foil or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled sandwich before cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwich in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, checking for crispness. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, flipping until golden brown.
What To Serve With Jalapeno Popper Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Pair your Jalapeño Popper Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with a light and refreshing side, such as a crisp garden salad or a creamy tomato soup to balance out the heat. For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. The spicy, cheesy sandwich works well with cool and crunchy sides, making it a perfectly balanced dish.
Jalapeno Popper Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Recipe Faqs
Can I adjust the heat level of this sandwich? Yes! You can make it milder by removing the seeds from the jalapeños or using fewer peppers. For a spicier version, add more jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
Can I use different cheese for this sandwich? Absolutely! While cheddar and cream cheese provide a creamy and flavorful base, you can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cream cheese filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Assemble and cook the sandwich when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this in a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sandwiches on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe? Definitely! You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute to make this sandwich gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
- AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
- EASY AIR FRYER LATKES
- AIR FRYER FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
- AIR FRYER TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES
- EASY AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO CHIPS
- Air Fryer Nutella Scrolls Recipe
- air fryer bacon wrapped pickle dippers
Equipment Used
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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Description
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup butter, salted at room temperature
- 12 slices white bread
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese until smooth, then add the garlic powder and onion powder and mix again until combined.
- Add the bacon and jalapeño and stir to combine, then finally 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 set cook time for 2-3 minutes on each side or until light and golden. (350 degrees F, air fryer setting).
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as chips or pickles.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, optional
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- You can store these sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat these sandwiches in a 350-degree oven for 3-4 minutes or until light and crispy.
Nutrition
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