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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings

Description

Crispy cheddar-panko cups filled with cream cheese, bacon and jalapeño, air fried at 340°F until golden. One batch makes 24 two-bite jalapeño poppers for game day or parties.

Ingredients 

Crispy cups

  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus 1/4 cup for topping
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Filling

  • 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 2 jalapeños, cut into 24 thin rounds
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Make the cups: In a bowl, mix the panko, 2 cups of cheddar, the eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
  • Form: Spray 24 silicone mini muffin cups with cooking spray. Press a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each cup, then make a well in the center with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.
  • Make the filling: In a second bowl, stir together the cream cheese, bacon, diced jalapeños and the remaining salt and pepper.
  • Fill: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of filling into each cup. Top with a pinch of cheddar and a jalapeño round.
  • Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 340°F. Air fry in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted.
  • Cool: Let the bites rest in the cups for 3 to 5 minutes so they firm up, then remove them and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 24 silicone mini muffin cups (or a mini muffin pan that fits your air fryer)
  • 2 mixing bowls

Notes

  • Handling jalapeños: Wear gloves when cutting them if your skin is sensitive.
  • Heat level: For mild bites, remove all the seeds and ribs. Leave a few in for more heat.
  • Firm cups: Press the panko mixture in firmly so the cups don’t crumble when you remove them.
  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 1 to 2 minutes to the cook time.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooked, cooled bites on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Store and reheat: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 340°F for 3 to 4 minutes from the fridge, or 6 to 8 minutes from frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 262mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 312IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 0.4mg