# Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers > Halve 12 jalapeños lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and ribs. Fill with a mix of softened cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, garlic powder and smoked paprika, then wrap each half in half a slice of thin bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes per batch, until the bacon is crisp. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Source: https://savourrecipes.com/recipe/air-fryer-jalapeno-poppers Author: Daniel Okafor | Published: Oct 23, 2026 Categories: Air Fryer Recipes, American Recipes Collections: Super Bowl Recipes Tags: Gluten Free, Make Ahead Jalapeño poppers are usually the first plate to empty at a party, and the air fryer crisps the bacon without heating the oven. Halved peppers get a creamy cheddar filling, then a half slice of bacon wrapped around each one. Scrape out the seeds and white ribs and they are mild enough for most guests. ## Key facts - Prep time: 20 mins - Cook time: 30 mins - Total time: 50 mins - Yield: 24 poppers - Difficulty: Easy - Cuisine: American - Method: Air frying - Calories: 280 per serving ## Ingredients ### Poppers - 12 jalapeño peppers, about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) long - 12 slices thin-cut bacon, halved crosswise; check it is gluten-free ### Filling - 225 g cream cheese, softened, about 1 cup - 100 g sharp cheddar, shredded, about 1 cup - 2 green onions, finely sliced - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ## Equipment - Air fryer - Mixing bowl - Teaspoon - Toothpicks - Disposable gloves ## Instructions 1. **Prep the peppers.** Put on gloves. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise through the stem, then scrape out the seeds and white ribs with a teaspoon. Leave the stems on; they help the halves hold their shape. 2. **Make the filling.** Mash the cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder and smoked paprika together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each pepper half and level it with the rim. 3. **Wrap in bacon.** Wrap a half slice of bacon around each filled pepper, stretching it slightly so it covers most of the filling, and secure it with a toothpick. 4. **Air fry.** Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the poppers in a single layer, filling side up, and air fry for 12-15 minutes per batch, until the bacon is browned and crisp and the filling is bubbling. 5. **Cool and serve.** Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes, because the filling is very hot straight out of the basket. Remove the toothpicks or warn guests they are there, and serve warm. ## Tips - Most of the heat sits in the white ribs and seeds. Scrape them out completely for mild poppers, or leave a few ribs in for more kick. - Wear gloves when cutting the peppers, and keep your hands away from your eyes until you have washed them. - Use thin-cut bacon. Thick slices stay chewy by the time the peppers are cooked. - Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes first so they do not scorch. ## Variations - Vegetarian panko poppers: skip the bacon, stir 1/4 tsp salt into the filling and top each popper with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes until golden. Use gluten-free panko to keep them gluten-free. - Ranch poppers: swap the smoked paprika for 1 tsp dried dill and 1/2 tsp onion powder. - Extra cheesy: replace the cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper Jack. ## Storage - Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrapped, uncooked poppers keep, covered, for up to 24 hours. - Freezer: Freeze wrapped, uncooked poppers on a tray, then pack them into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 18-20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. - Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes until hot through. ## Nutrition per serving (estimate) | Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | |---|---|---|---| | 280 | 12 g | 4 g | 24 g | ## Frequently asked questions ### How long do bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers take in the air fryer? They take 12-15 minutes at 190°C (375°F), working in batches so they sit in a single layer. They are ready when the bacon is browned and crisp all over. Frozen poppers need 18-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F). ### How do I make jalapeño poppers less spicy? Scrape out every seed and all of the white ribs, where most of the heat is. Peppers vary, so taste a sliver from each batch. The cream cheese filling also softens the heat. ### Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time? Yes. Fill and wrap the peppers up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Allow 1-2 extra minutes in the air fryer if they are fridge-cold. ### Why is my bacon not crispy? Thick bacon or an overcrowded basket are the usual causes. Use thin-cut bacon, leave space between the poppers, and add 2-3 minutes if the bacon still looks pale. ## Disclaimer - Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use. - Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change. - Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance. - This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.