Crispy Chicken Taquito Jalapeño Poppers
Baked chicken taquitos transform into creamy, crispy poppers when stuffed into roasted jalapeños with bacon and melted cheese. Air-fried until the cheese bubbles, these appetizers combine smoky bacon, tangy cream cheese, and spicy peppers for an irresistible party bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and air fryer according to José Olé taquito package instructions
- 2
Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds
- 3
Bake taquitos following package instructions
- 4
Fry bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy
- 5
Cut baked taquitos into bite-sized pieces
- 6
Dice cooked bacon and mix with cream cheese until well combined
- 7
Fill jalapeño halves with bacon-cream cheese mixture
- 8
Top each jalapeño with half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 9
Cook filled jalapeños in air fryer at 370 degrees for 5 minutes
- 10
Place two taquito pieces in each jalapeño and top with remaining cheese
- 11
Return to air fryer until cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes
- 12
Serve immediately
Tips
Bacon can be cooked to your preferred crispness level
Air fryer cooking time may vary by model; watch cheese until melted
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked poppers up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes.
Assemble poppers without cooking up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate on a sheet pan covered. Cook just before serving.
Serve hot immediately after cooking. Pairs well with sour cream, ranch dressing, or salsa for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip removing jalapeño seeds to avoid excessive heat and bitterness
Do not overcook in air fryer to avoid burnt cheese; check at 1-minute mark after adding taquito pieces
Do not use cold cream cheese mixture to avoid uneven melting; let sit at room temperature briefly
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
watch closely to prevent burning