Name: Cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 jalapeños; 6 ounces cream cheese (softened); ⅔ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped); 1 tablespoon butter (melted); ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

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These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are the perfect mix of cheesy, crispy, and spicy, making them a crowd-pleasing snack that’s quick to prepare and delivers big flavor. The blend of melted cheese, smoky spices, and crunchy topping is hard to resist, and the air fryer makes clean-up easy. If you’re looking to spice up your appetizer game, this recipe is just what you need.

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Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want something to snack on with friends, these poppers come together with minimal effort and are ready in about 20 minutes. You can prep ahead, and they are real crowd-pleasers. Beware though, once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again, and again…!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients flat lay includes green onions, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, butter, jalapeños, cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, all arranged in bowls and on a light-colored surface. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Ingredients. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Follow my simple instructions, and you’ll see how simple it is to make air-fried jalapeño poppers.

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°/190°C.

Prep the Jalapeños

Gloves on! Slice each jalapeño lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and ribs. This keeps the heat manageable and gives you space for all that cheesy goodness.

Halved jalapeños on a cutting board, surrounded by bowls of chopped chives, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, paprika, and butter on a light gray surface. — Chop the jalapeño peppers in half.

Halved jalapeño peppers are arranged on a wooden cutting board. — Remove the seeds and ribs.

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese filling: cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sliced green onions.

A white bowl contains grated cheese, chopped green herbs, and a small amount of red seasoning. — Combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sliced green onions in a small bowl.

A bowl containing a mixing of creamy orange filling with a spoon inside, surrounded by halved jalapeños and small bowls of ingredients. — Add melted butter and Panko breadcrumbs and stir to combine.

Make the Cheese Mixture

Mix softened cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and green onions in a bowl until smooth. You’re creating the heart of the popper, so make sure it’s well combined.

Prepare the Panko Topping

Stir the melted butter into the panko breadcrumbs until they’re well-coated. This extra step will give your poppers that golden, crunchy top.

Fill the Jalapeños

Grab a spoon and pack the cheesy mixture into each jalapeño half. Press it in well so it stays in place during cooking.

Jalapeño halves filled with a cheese mixture and topped with breadcrumbs are arranged on parchment paper in an air fryer. — Fill the peppers, and top with breadcrumbs, and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fryer basket filled with breaded and cooked jalapeño poppers on a parchment paper lining. — Air fry until golden brown.

Air Fry the Poppers

Place the filled jalapeños into your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each. Air fry them for 7-10 minutes, until the tops are crispy and golden.

Serve

Carefully take them out of the air fryer and serve immediately for maximum flavor. Enjoy while they’re hot and crunchy!

A person is holding an air fryer with a plate of crispy stuffed jalapeños on the counter next to a small bowl of dip and chopped green herbs. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some of my tops tips so that you can make jalapeño poppers in the air fryer perfectly.

Handle with care: Always use gloves when cutting and handling jalapeños. The oils from the peppers can cause skin irritation, and trust me, you don’t want to accidentally rub your eyes after touching them!
Cheese blend: While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar, don’t be afraid to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat or gouda for a rich, smoky flavor. It’s an easy way to customize the poppers to your taste.
Panko perfection: The key to getting that perfect crunch on top is mixing butter into the panko breadcrumbs. It helps them crisp up in the air fryer, giving the poppers that satisfying golden-brown finish.
Even cooking: To ensure all your jalapeños cook evenly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If needed, cook them in batches. Crowding them in the basket could result in some poppers being undercooked or less crispy.
Taming the heat: If you love the flavor of jalapeños but prefer less heat, a quick trick is to soak the sliced jalapeños in cold water for 10 minutes before filling them. This will reduce some of the spiciness without compromising the flavor.
Crispier tops: Want to take the crunch to the next level? Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking oil before air frying. This helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and adds a little extra texture.
Vegan-friendly option: For a plant-based version, swap out the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of vegan cheeses available that melt just like the real thing, so no one has to miss out on these poppers!

A white plate with baked jalapeño poppers and a bowl of dipping sauce. A smaller bowl with chopped greens is in the background. A gray napkin is partially visible. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

If you have any poppers left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the poppers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Unfortunately, these poppers don’t freeze well—the filling can get watery, and the texture won’t hold up—so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a couple of days!

A plate of stuffed jalapeño peppers with crispy topping and a dip, next to a small bowl of chopped chives and an air fryer, with a hand reaching for the plate. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

What to Serve With Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

These poppers are a fantastic snack or appetizer, but they shine even brighter when paired with the right sides. Serve them with a creamy dip like ranch or sour cream to balance out the spice.

For a bigger spread, pair them with classic party favorites like buffalo wings, nachos, or mozzarella sticks. They also work well alongside lighter options like a fresh salad or veggie platter.

If you’re hosting a gathering, add some sliders, grilled skewers or even some Air Fryer Pierogies to round out the menu and keep your guests satisfied!

A plate of baked, breaded jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, garnished with chopped chives, and served with a side of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes for You to Try at Home

Cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate cheesy, crispy, and spicy snack, ready in 20 minutes. With a delicious blend of melted cheese, smoky spices, and a crunchy topping, they’re impossible to resist. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these poppers are easy to prepare and sure to be a hit. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them over and over!

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer jalapeño poppers

Servings: servings

Calories: 188kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate | Hungry Cooks Kitchen

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

12 jalapeños
6 ounces cream cheese softened
⅔ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter melted
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Wear gloves to handle the jalapeños, as their oils can irritate your skin. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and ribs, ensuring enough space for the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and finely chopped green onions. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
12 jalapeños, 6 ounces cream cheese, ⅔ cup sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons green onions
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, pressing it down lightly to ensure it's secure. Next, sprinkle the panko mixture over the tops of the filled jalapeños, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
1 tablespoon butter, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7-10 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy. Once done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Notes

Handle with care: Always use gloves when cutting and handling jalapeños. The oils from the peppers can cause skin irritation, and trust me, you don’t want to accidentally rub your eyes after touching them!
Cheese blend: While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar, don’t be afraid to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat or gouda for a rich, smoky flavor. It’s an easy way to customize the poppers to your taste.
Panko perfection: The key to getting that perfect crunch on top is mixing butter into the panko breadcrumbs. It helps them crisp up in the air fryer, giving the poppers that satisfying golden-brown finish.
Even cooking: To ensure all your jalapeños cook evenly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If needed, cook them in batches. Crowding them in the basket could result in some poppers being undercooked or less crispy.
Taming the heat: If you love the flavor of jalapeños but prefer less heat, a quick trick is to soak the sliced jalapeños in cold water for 10 minutes before filling them. This will reduce some of the spiciness without compromising the flavor.
Crispier tops: Want to take the crunch to the next level? Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking oil before air frying. This helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and adds a little extra texture.
Vegan-friendly option: For a plant-based version, swap out the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of vegan cheeses available that melt just like the real thing, so no one has to miss out on these poppers!

Nutrition

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About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Cheesy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients You’ll Need