Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer to highlight your next party or game day, these Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are the answer. With crispy bacon wrapped around spicy jalapenos and a zesty kick from Tajin, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering treat that’s both savory and satisfying.

The jalapenos are filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture that perfectly balances the heat, then wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with a zesty sprinkle of Tajin. Not only are these poppers one of my go-to appetizers, but they’re also incredibly simple to make, so you can have a batch ready in no time.

They also can make a great side dish for almost any meal. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!

They are similar to baked Jalapeno Poppers but what makes that recipe unique is they are made in an air fryer for ease and convenience.

History of Jalapeno Poppers

Originally from the Southwestern United States, these bite-sized snacks have become a favorite at Super Bowl parties, barbecues, cookouts, tailgate events, holiday gatherings, housewarmings, game nights, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and casual get-togethers.

According to Pitco, Many food historians surmise that what we call jalapeño poppers were also simply an alternate variation of chiles rellenos. Nobody is quite sure when or where the first modern jalapeño poppers were served, although popular opinion seems to agree that the dish originated in Texas sometime around 1972. Jalapeño Poppers have long been a favorite in the world of Party appetizers, and it’s easy to see why because they are such an easy appetizer to make.

Explore more mouthwatering appetizer recipes to enhance your party menu by visiting Southern Food Junkie!

Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer delivers perfectly crispy bacon without the mess of frying, giving you a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these jalapeno poppers in no time—perfect for last-minute gatherings or game-day snacks.
Balanced Flavor: The combination of spicy jalapenos, tangy cream cheese, smoky bacon, and a dash of Tajin offers a delicious balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Low Carb and Keto Friendly– Keto jalapeno poppers are a mouthwatering treat featuring spicy jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon, making them a perfect appetizer.

What Does Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer Taste Like?

Air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a flavorful blend of spicy, creamy, smoky, and zesty. The jalapenos bring a mild heat, while the tangy cream cheese filling cools it down, creating a perfect balance.

The bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch, and the sprinkle of Tajin adds a bright, citrusy kick with a touch of chili spice. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, from crispy to creamy, with a delicious hint of heat and zest. Unlike traditional jalapeno poppers, these are usually baked instead of deep fried.

Why Use the Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

There are a few good reasons to use the air fryer when making bacon-wrapped air fryer jalapeño peppers. One of the best reasons is convenience. Using the air fryer is very convenient because it cooks food quickly and efficiently. Not only does this reduce the cooking time, but you are using a small appliance and not a big oven.

Another reason is clean-up. Using the air fryer makes cleaning up a breeze because all you have to clean is the air fryer basket.

The type of air fryer you use is not as important as most are made pretty much the same. The best air fryer is the one you have but a few of the popular ones that I recommend:

Note: If you’re using a new air fryer, be sure to clean it thoroughly before the first use. I also recommend running it through a few heat cycles to break it in properly.

Explore a world of delicious possibilities with our air fryer recipes—find easy, healthy, and crispy dishes that will elevate your cooking game and save you time!

What You Need to Make this Recipe

You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but let’s go over the basics:

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

Fresh jalapeño peppers
Cream Cheese
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Thin-cut bacon slices- Buy the regular bacon that you would see. I mention this to say not to get thick-cut bacon as it takes longer to cook and crisp up.
Tajin Seasoning

Optional Ingredients

Garlic powder
Onion powder

Garnish

Fresh Cilantro
Green onions
Tajin- Sprinkle on top for extra flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Air Fryer
Cutting board
Sharp Knife
Baking sheet
Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
Mixing bowl
Spoon or small scoop: To mix the filling ingredients, scoop out the jalapeño halves.
Toothpicks: to secure the bacon around the jalapenos for baking.

For a complete list of items that I use and recommend, visit our Best Kitchen Essentials Checklist for Everyday Kitchen Use.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the air fryer for 6 mins at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using the cutting board and a sharp knife, cut the Jalapenos in half lengthwise.

Use the spoon or scoop to remove the seeds and white membrane.

Rinse each jalapeno pepper half off to remove any remaining seeds etc. Be careful not to touch your face after handling the peppers. You can wear gloves to help and make sure to wash your hands good after handling them. The oil in the peppers can burn your face and eyes if it comes in contact with it.
Add softened cream cheese to a mixing bowl along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese well. Then add in the Tajin and mix again.

Cut the strips of bacon in half. This should give you roughly 20 pieces of bacon.
Using a spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture until it is even with the sides of the jalapeno peppers.
Take a half slice of bacon strip and wrap it around the cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños.

I like to overlap the bacon at the beginning and then at the end, I use a toothpick to secure the bacon so it doesn’t come unwrapped while cooking.
Arrange the uncooked jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook the jalapeno poppers for 13 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.

Garnish

Remove the poppers from the air fryer and sprinkle with additional Tajin seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Serving

Let the jalapeno poppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer!

Tips for Sucess

Use Fresh Jalapenos: Choose firm, fresh jalapenos for the best flavor and texture. Avoid peppers that are soft or wrinkled.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, you can remove more of the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. For extra heat, keep some seeds in the filling.
Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning. The Tajin adds a great flavor, but you can also experiment with other spices or herbs.
Wrap Bacon Tightly: Wrap the bacon snugly around the jalapenos and secure it with toothpicks if necessary to prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and cooks more evenly, ensuring a great texture.
Preheat the Air Fryer Properly: Ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to achieve consistent cooking results.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the poppers to prevent overcooking or burning. The bacon should be crispy and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Substitutions

For a slightly milder pepper, you can use Poblano peppers.
Mini sweet peppers or Banana peppers can also be used to lower the spice level.
You can also substitute the cheddar cheese for feta cheese for a tangier taste.
Goat cheese can be substituted for cream cheese.

How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers can be stored in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FAQ’s

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes. Preheat the air fryer for 6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute different types of cheese like goat cheese for cream cheese, cheddar, or Monterey jack based on your preference.

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and cook them in the air fryer just before serving.

What can I serve with air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers?

They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a simple aioli. They also make a great addition to a party platter with other appetizers.

Yield: 20 Poppers