Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese and Cheddar
These crispy air fryer jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy blend of chive cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and savory seasonings, then topped with golden panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer creates perfectly tender jalapeños with a crunchy topping in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for game day, parties, or whenever you crave a spicy-creamy appetizer. The combination of smoky paprika and fresh scallions adds extra flavor depth to these crowd-pleasing bites.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce container chive-flavored whipped cream cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped, plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion granules
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 7 jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1
Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions, garlic powder, onion granules, salt, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl and set aside
- 2
Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds and ribs
- 3
Fill each jalapeño half with roughly 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture
- 4
Mix melted butter and panko breadcrumbs together in a small bowl
- 5
Top each stuffed jalapeño half with the breadcrumb mixture
- 6
Place poppers filling-side up in air fryer and cook for 17 to 20 minutes at 375°F until breadcrumbs are golden brown and jalapeños are soft
- 7
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing
Tips
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid burning your hands, and avoid touching your eyes.
For less heat, remove all seeds and white ribs thoroughly, or substitute mini sweet peppers.
Make filling ahead and stuff peppers just before cooking for best texture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover poppers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Stuff peppers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, add breadcrumbs just before cooking
Best served immediately while hot and crispy, with ranch or blue cheese dressing
Common Mistakes
Don't skip removing seeds and ribs or poppers will be too spicy
Avoid overfilling peppers as mixture will bubble out during cooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
milder flavor
FAQ
Can I make these in a regular oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and peppers are tender.
How can I make these less spicy?
Remove all seeds and white ribs completely, or substitute mini sweet peppers for jalapeños.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Freeze assembled uncooked poppers for up to 3 months, cook directly from frozen adding 5 minutes.