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air fried bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers
Ella Cooks

Fail-Proof Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper

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These Air-Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are everything you love about the classic bar snack, only faster, easier, and way less greasy. No messy deep-frying, no babysitting a hot oven. Just 10 minutes, a handful of ingredients, and a countertop miracle machine. You’ll be cranking these out faster than your guests can devour them.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Servings: 12 poppers
Course: Snack
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium jalapeños halved lengthwise and seeds removed
  • 4 oz half block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 6 slices regular-cut bacon cut in half

Equipment

  • Air fryer (any basket-style or oven-style will do)
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or piping bag (to fill poppers)
  • Tongs (for safe removal)
  • No toothpicks required—if wrapped tightly, the bacon stays secure during cooking.

Method
 

  1. Instructions
  2. Prep the Jalapeños
  3. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes. (Use gloves if sensitive to chili oils.) Set aside.
  4. Make the Filling
  5. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
  6. Fill the Poppers
  7. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture—level to the edges, but not overfull.
  8. Wrap with Bacon
  9. Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a half-strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling around. Tuck the loose end underneath if possible.
  10. Air Fry
  11. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange poppers in a single layer in the basket, bacon seam-side down.
  12. Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is bubbling. If needed, add 1–2 minutes for crispier bacon or depending on your air fryer’s wattage.
    air fried bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers
  13. Cool Slightly & Serve
  14. Let the poppers cool for 2–3 minutes before serving, they’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle.
    air fried bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 250mg

Notes

Storage & Reheating Tips
  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Air-fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or reheat in the oven for 8 minutes at 375°F.
  • Freeze: Wrap raw poppers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, just add 4–5 minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
  • Can I make these ahead?
    Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
  • How spicy are they?
    Moderately spicy. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat. For milder poppers, soak jalapeño halves in cold water for 30 minutes before stuffing.
  • Can I make these without an air fryer?
    Yes! Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet.

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