Keto Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy jalapeno halves stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, then wrapped in crispy bacon and air fried to perfection. These poppers deliver the ideal balance of heat, richness, and smoky bacon flavor in every bite. Perfect for game day parties, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's ready in under 20 minutes. The air fryer creates exceptionally crispy bacon while keeping the cheese filling perfectly melted and the peppers tender.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Rinse jalapenos under running water
- 2
Cut stem off then slice in half lengthwise
- 3
Using a spoon carefully remove seeds and pith inside peppers
- 4
Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to a bowl
- 5
Blend mixture well
- 6
Add cream cheese mixture inside jalapeno peppers, dividing equally
- 7
Wrap each pepper half with bacon, securing with toothpick if needed
- 8
Preheat air fryer
- 9
Bake until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted
- 10
Serve hot
Tips
Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid burning your hands from the oils
Remove all seeds and white pith for milder heat, or leave some seeds for extra spice
Secure bacon with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping during cooking
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can assemble up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, then air fry when ready
Serve immediately while bacon is crispy and cheese is hot
Common Mistakes
Don't skip preheating air fryer to avoid uneven cooking
Remove all pepper seeds and pith to avoid overly spicy poppers
Secure bacon well with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
no heat
FAQ
Can I make these in a regular oven?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy. Place on wire rack over baking sheet for best results.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Freeze assembled uncooked poppers up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.