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Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Two perfectly cooked Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon, featuring melted cheese filling and crispy bacon.

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Make crispy, cheesy, bacon-stuffed jalapeño poppers quickly in your air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large fresh jalapeños
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 thin strips bacon (for wrapping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the jalapeños: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully remove all seeds and white membranes. Rinse the pepper halves under cold water and pat them completely dry.
  2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Stuff the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly.
  4. Wrap (Optional Step): If using the wrapping bacon, wrap one thin strip of raw bacon around the circumference of each stuffed pepper half, securing the filling.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  6. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. If you wrapped the peppers with bacon, check at 8 minutes; if the bacon is not yet browned, you may need to increase the temperature slightly for the last few minutes.
  8. The poppers are done when the cheese filling is melted and slightly browned, and the jalapeño skin shows light charring.
  9. Remove carefully from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, skip any breading and rely on the bacon wrap for texture.
  • If you prefer a smoother filling, use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese until fluffy before adding other ingredients.
  • You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.

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