Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">12 medium jalapeño peppers</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 green onions, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, beaten</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g grated parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small rubber gloves (for handling jalapeños)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small spoon or piping bag</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands, then slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes (where most of the heat resides). For milder poppers, remove all the white membrane; for spicier ones, leave a bit intact.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced garlic, chopped green onions, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The combination of soft and hard cheeses creates the perfect melty texture, while the seasonings infuse the filling with flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill. The cheese will expand slightly when heated, so leave a small margin at the top. You can use a small spoon or transfer the mixture to a piping bag for neater filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a shallow dish, prepare your egg wash by beating the egg until smooth. In another dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds flavor while helping the breadcrumbs brown beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Dip each filled jalapeño first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to all surfaces. The egg acts as glue for the breadcrumbs, creating that crispy exterior we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the breaded jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving small gaps between each for air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray - this helps achieve that golden-brown color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 7-9 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese filling is hot and bubbly. There's no need to flip them during cooking as the circulating hot air will crisp them evenly. Check at the 7-minute mark as air fryers can vary in intensity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer - they'll be extremely hot! Allow them to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't immediately run out when bitten into.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or a cooling yogurt-based dip to balance the heat. Enjoy your perfectly crispy, cheese-filled jalapeño poppers that have all the flavor of deep-fried but with significantly less oil!</li></ol>