This Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe are the perfect copycat snack—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, with just the right amount of heat. Made with fresh jalapeños and a savory cheese filling, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite for game day, parties, or spicy cravings. Easy to make in the air fryer or oven!
Love the spicy, cheesy crunch of Jack In The Box Jalapeño Poppers? This easy copycat recipe lets you recreate that irresistible snack right at home!
Stuffed with creamy cheese and perfectly crispy on the outside, these poppers are ideal for parties, game day, or whenever you’re craving bold flavor. They’re simple to make and deliver that same crave-worthy heat in every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
🌶️ Bold & Spicy Flavor – Just like the Jack in the Box favorite!
🧀 Cheesy & Creamy Inside – Perfectly melty with every bite.
🕒 Quick & Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, ready in minutes.
🍽️ Great for Parties & Snacks – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
🔥 Crispy on the Outside – Golden perfection without deep frying.
Ingredients Needed For Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe
- Fresh jalapeños – Spicy peppers perfect for stuffing and crisping.
- Cream cheese – Smooth and tangy filling for rich flavor.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds bold, melty sharpness to the filling.
- Garlic powder – Boosts the savory flavor inside each popper.
- Salt – Enhances and balances the spicy, cheesy flavors.
- All-purpose flour – Helps the coating stick to each popper.
- Eggs – Binds the breading for a crispy crust.
- Breadcrumbs or panko – Creates a golden, crunchy outer layer.
- Cooking spray or oil – Ensures crispness in the air fryer.
How To Make Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe
Step 1: Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. (Use gloves to avoid irritation.)
Step 2: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing gently to fill evenly.
Step 4: Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each filled jalapeño into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating well.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the poppers with cooking spray and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. (Or bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.)
Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ranch, creamy dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe Tips
- 🧤 Wear gloves when handling jalapeños – This prevents skin and eye irritation from the oils.
- 🧀 Soften cream cheese before mixing – It blends smoother and fills easier.
- 🔥 Remove all seeds and membranes – For a milder popper, be thorough with cleaning the peppers.
- 🧊 Chill stuffed jalapeños before breading – Helps the filling stay firm during coating.
- 🍳 Double coat for extra crunch – Dip twice in egg and breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy shell.
- 🍽️ Serve with cool dip – Ranch or sour cream balances the spicy heat perfectly.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- 🧊 Storing: Store leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- ❄️ Freezing: Freeze unbaked, breaded poppers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen.
- 🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar? Yes! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella also work great and melt well.
Are these poppers very spicy? They have a mild to medium heat depending on how thoroughly you remove the seeds and membranes. For extra heat, leave a few seeds in or add hot sauce to the filling.
Can I bake instead of air fry? Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can stuff and bread them, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
What dipping sauces go best with these? Ranch, chipotle mayo, or a creamy avocado lime sauce pair perfectly with the cheesy heat!
More Copycat Jack In The Box Recipes
Ninja Creami Jack In The Box Oreo Shake Recipe
Jack in the Box Copycat Taco Recipe
Copycat Jack in The Box Egg Rolls
Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Jack In The Box Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce Recipe
Jack In The Box Classic Wings Recipe
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Jack In The Box Jalapeno Popper Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 8 jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs , or panko
Instructions
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. (Wear gloves to avoid irritation.)
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently.
- Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed jalapeño first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating evenly.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F. Spray poppers with cooking spray and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place poppers on a baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet, or Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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