Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños
Elevate your game-day or party spread with these addictive air fryer stuffed jalapeños. Packed with a spicy kick and gooey cheese, these little bites are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
These air fryer jalapeño poppers are a mouthwatering appetizer that delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. The crispy bacon exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy filling with a spicy kick. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or looking for a unique snack, these jalapeños are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices bacon, thinly cut
- Optional: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, crumbled cooked sausage
Instructions:
- Prep the jalapeños: Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes. For a milder flavor, wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Create the cheesy filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. For extra flavor, stir in optional ingredients like green onions, tomatoes, or sausage.
- Stuff the peppers: Generously spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half.
- Wrap in bacon: Cut bacon slices in half lengthwise. Wrap a bacon half around each stuffed jalapeño and secure with a toothpick.
- Air fry to perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14-16 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Monterey Jack or pepper Jack.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or ranch dressing for an extra kick.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like sour cream or guacamole.
Expanding Your Recipe
Want to try something different? Here are some ideas to elevate your jalapeño poppers:
- Breadcrumb coating: For a crunchy exterior, coat the stuffed jalapeños in breadcrumbs before wrapping in bacon.
- Vegetarian option: Replace bacon with a vegan bacon alternative or omit it entirely and top with a breadcrumb mixture.
- Spicy variations: Increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers to the cream cheese filling.
- Flavorful fillings: Experiment with different cheese combinations, herbs, or spices to create unique flavor profiles.
By following these tips and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create endless variations of this delicious appetizer.
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