Air fryer recipe · Starters
Jalapeno Cheese Poppers
Fiery jalapenos packed with cool cheese and a crisp crumbed jacket.
- 14 minTotal time
- 185°CAir fryer
- 6Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 195kcal
- 6.4 gprotein
- 12.6 gcarbs
- 13.5 gfat
- 2.3 gfibre
Per serving, about 6 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Fresh jalapenos, halved8
- Cream cheese150 g
- Grated cheddar1/2 cup
- Breadcrumbs3/4 cup
- Smoked paprika1/2 tsp
Method
Prep the jalapenos
Slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise and carefully scrape out the seeds and membranes. Wear gloves and remove more or fewer seeds depending on how much heat you want in the finished poppers.
Mix the filling
Beat the cream cheese with the cheddar and smoked paprika until smooth and spreadable. Season with a small pinch of salt for balance, so the filling is creamy and easy to pack into each pepper half.
Stuff and crumb
Pack each jalapeno half generously with the cheese mixture, then press the filled top firmly into the breadcrumbs for a crunchy lid. Pressing helps the crumbs stick so they crisp instead of falling off.
Arrange in basket
Set the poppers filling-side up in a single layer so the cheese stays inside and the crumb topping faces the heat. Spritz them lightly with oil to help the crumbs turn deep golden and crunchy.
Air-fry
Air fry at 185°C for 9 min until the peppers soften, the cheese bubbles and the crumb topping turns golden. Let them cool for a minute or two so the molten filling sets a little before you bite in.
