Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers: Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Bites

Name: Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 ounce shredded Cheddar cheese (or to taste); 6 medium jalapeno peppers (halved and seeded); 3 slices salami; 6 slices bacon (cut in half lengthwise)

So last Tuesday I burned my forearm on the air fryer rack pulling out a batch of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers. Not badly. Just a red stripe and some cursing. My kid looked at me from the doorway and said, “Maybe just use tongs next time, Dad.” Yeah. Thanks.

Table of Contents

If you are looking for more game day starters, check out my Air Fryer Potato Skins, which pair perfectly with this dish. Much like the original air-fried inspiration, these poppers are a staple I have made a hundred times.

Kitchen life humbles you every time. The smoke alarm went off because I crammed too many peppers in the basket, but the end result was delicious. Nobody even noticed my arm.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

You don’t need much for this recipe. That’s the whole point. Five ingredients, most of which you probably already have.

Filling

6 ounces cream cheese, softened — Leave it out on the counter for thirty minutes or microwave for ten seconds.
1 ounce shredded Cheddar cheese — Sharp cheddar works best for the flavor profile.

Vessels & Wrapping

6 medium jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded — Wear gloves if you have touched your eyes before.
3 slices salami — This is the secret weapon. Cut each slice into quarters.
6 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise — Use regular cut, not thick cut, so it wraps tightly.

How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer

Close-up texture shot of crispy bacon wrapped air fryer jalapeno poppers. — Crispy bacon edges and melted cheese perfection.

This whole process takes about twenty minutes start to finish. If your hands move fast, you can do it in fifteen.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it run empty for three to five minutes to ensure the bacon hits hot air immediately.

Step 2: Prep the Peppers

Halve each jalapeno and scrape out the seeds and membranes with a spoon. Leave a few seeds if you want things spicier.

Step 3: Mix and Fill

Mash the cream cheese and cheddar with a fork in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into each jalapeno half, using about a heaping teaspoon per pepper.

Step 4: Salami and Bacon Wrap

Place a quarter-slice of salami on the cheese. Wrap each stuffed pepper with one halved strip of bacon, tucking the ends underneath.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Done

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the bacon is browned and the cheese is bubbly. Let them sit for two minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Tips for the Best Crispy Jalapeno Poppers

Don’t skip the salami. It adds a salty, cured meat punch that bacon alone cannot provide. It gets slightly crisp in the air fryer.

Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cheese makes for lumpy, stiff filling that is hard to spread.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

These appetizers are rich and salty, so a cold ranch dip or lime-spiked sour cream works well. You can also round out the spread with some crispy mozzarella sticks for a complete party platter.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Nutrition Info

Each popper contains approximately 110 calories, 9g fat, 5g protein, and 1g carbs. They are naturally keto-friendly and perfect for low-carb snacking.

If you are interested in the science behind the ingredients, you can look into the potential health benefits of capsaicin found in peppers. Even in small portions, these are satisfying and flavorful.

Air-Fried Jalapeno Poppers

Chef Marcus

These bacon-wrapped, salami- and cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers are cooked in an air fryer for easy cleanup and preparation, making them perfect party fare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings 6 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

6 ounces cream cheese softened
1 ounce shredded Cheddar cheese or to taste
6 medium jalapeno peppers halved and seeded
3 slices salami
6 slices bacon cut in half lengthwise

Instructions

Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (199 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Divide and fill cream cheese and Cheddar cheese among jalapeño halves. Place 1/4 slice salami on each jalapeño half; wrap each with 1 halved strip bacon. Secure with a toothpick, if necessary.
Layer jalapeño poppers in the preheated air fryer; cook until bacon is browned and cheese is melted, 10 to 12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook jalapeno poppers in an air fryer?

Air fry jalapeno poppers at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for jalapeno poppers?

Yes, preheating your air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the poppers helps ensure even cooking and extra crispy bacon.

Can you make jalapeno poppers ahead of time in the air fryer?

Yes, you can assemble the poppers up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them. When ready, cook them directly in the air fryer, adding 1-2 extra minutes if they are cold.

Are air fryer jalapeno poppers keto-friendly?

Yes! These jalapeno poppers are naturally low carb and keto-friendly, made with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapenos — all low carb ingredients.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for jalapeno poppers?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works as a lighter substitute, though it may crisp up slightly differently. Air fry for the same time, checking for desired crispiness.

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