Halved jalapenos stuffed with a cheesy cream filling and topped with crunchy crumbs. The air fryer softens the peppers and crisps the top in one go, for a crowd-pleasing snack with just the right kick.
Everything you need
- 8 jalapenos
- ¾ cup (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (85 g) shredded cheese (cheddar)
- ½ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Single layer, always. Crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it. Tap any ingredient to open its converter.
Method
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Halve the jalapenos lengthways and scrape out the seeds and membranes with a teaspoon. Wear gloves if you can.
For this step
- 8 jalapenos
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Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder and paprika. Spoon into the pepper halves.
For this step
- ¾ cup (170 g) cream cheese
- ¾ cup (85 g) shredded cheese (cheddar)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
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Press the panko onto the tops so the filling is capped with crumbs.
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Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F. Arrange the poppers filling side up in a single layer.
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Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
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Cool for a couple of minutes, as the filling is molten. Serve warm.
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Air fryer notes
- Cook at 190°C / 375°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
Cook's tips
- Remove the seeds and white membranes for milder poppers, or leave some in for more heat.
- Don't overfill, or the cheese bubbles out during cooking.
Make it your own
- Wrap each half in bacon before air frying.
- Add cooked, crumbled sausage to the filling.
Storing & reheating
Best fresh. Reheat leftovers at 180°C for a few minutes. Assemble ahead and chill, then cook to order.
Frequently asked
How do I make them less spicy?
Most of the heat is in the seeds and white pith, so scrape those out fully. Larger, paler jalapenos also tend to be milder.
Can I prep them in advance?
Yes. Stuff and crumb them, cover and chill for up to a day, then air fry just before serving.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.