Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Air Fryer Recipe

Jalapeño poppers always seem to fly off the table at dinner or at parties, right? And there’s good reason, a spicy jalapeño wrapped in crispy bacon, with cheese wedged in between is a dream appetizer. And this easy air fryer recipe makes bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers that are bursting with flavor every single time.

Total Servings: 4

Total Cost: $20.66

Cost Per Serving: $5.17

Ingredients & Costs*

4 Jalapenos ($2.36)
4 oz cream cheese ($5.84)
2 oz shredded pepper jack cheese ($2.12)
8 strips bacon ($4.98)
24 slices pepperoni ($2.78)
2 tbsp ranch dressing ($2.58)

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*Food costs may vary and can change over time. The prices listed were the current prices of these ingredients when this recipe was made at the time of this post. Almost all our ingredients are purchased from Walmart as we live in a small town without any other options. If you notice a significant price difference, please let us know at hello@freshgains.com so we can update this post.

Tips to Make the Perfect Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños are always best. When fresh jalapeños will be firm without any soft spots or blemishes. Fresh jalapeños will hold their shape while cooking.

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese is much softer than refrigerated cream cheese. This allows it to mix more easily with the other ingredients to create a smooth, creamy filling.

Pepperonis Are Optional: When experimenting with jalapeño poppers, I added a layer of pepperonis between the cheese and bacon. And I loved it! I would encourage you to give it a try if you like pepperonis. But this recipe can be make without any modifications with or without the pepperonis.

Secure the Bacon: You’re likely to find that the bacon will be difficult to keep in place when you’re wrapping the jalapeño poppers and that the bacon will loosen in the air fryer. To prevent this from happening, use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place. Then the jalapeño poppers can be served with or without the toothpicks.

Monitor Your Cooking Time: Cook times in air fryers can vary. Be sure to keep an eye on your jalapeño poppers to prevent overcooking. Adjust the cook time as necessary to achieve your ideal level of crispy bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jalapeño Poppers

How spicy are these jalapeño poppers?

The amount of heat in a jalapeño varies. But removing the seeds and membranes will help to reduce the spiciness. In my opinion, jalapeno poppers have a low amount of spiciness (granted, I tend to like things very spicy). If you want to spice up these jalapeno poppers, leave some seeds in for a hotter pepper.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! I like to use shredded pepperjack cheese in jalapeño poppers. But you can use any cheese that you prefer or have on-hand. Cheddar, mozzarella or Colby jack cheese will all do the job.

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

You can prepare these jalapeño poppers up to 24 hours in advance of cooking them. Be sure to store them in an airtight container while they’re in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook them, simply follow the directions below.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You’re in luck! Even if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still cook this recipe in a conventional oven. Just preheat the oven to 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bacon is crisp.

How do I store leftovers jalapeño poppers?

Once cooked, jalapeno poppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use and air fryer or oven to reheat them, if possible. This will help them maintain their crispy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can also microwave the jalapeño poppers. However, they will likely soften a bit.