These Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are the ultimate appetizer recipe. You might have to make a double batch because people will be coming back for more!AN AIR FRYER APPETIZER RECIPEThe air fryer has definitely become my best friend when it comes to making little appetizers. Especially if I dont want to wait on preheating my oven. These Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers come out so good and I can make them relatively quickly in the air fryer. They are creamy and slightly crunchy. The perfect combination! So if you are looking for an amazing air fryer appetizer recipe then you really gotta try these jalapeo poppers!It turned out so good! Didnt change a thing. Huge hit with everyone and will definitely make again! SonyaFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:Do I have to use the bacon? No. Bacon really adds to the flavor. If you are looking to cut down on the time it takes to make these, try picking up a bag of bacon pieces (near the salad dressing in your grocery store.) Are these spicy? Since you are removing the seeds from the jalapeos, these are not spicy. The seeds are where the spicy hot flavor comes from. These might have a little kick but not what I would consider hot. Can I use another cheese? Absolutely! You can use your favorite shredded cheese here. Shredded cheddar works really well. If you want a little spiciness, try using pepper jack cheese. Whats the best way to handle jalapeos when slicing? Its really important when working with fresh jalapeos that you either wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after handling them. Do not touch your face (especially your eyes) while working with jalapeos. It will severely irritate any sensitive areas on your body that you might accidentally touch. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)jalapeos I alias thought it was the seeds that made jalapeos hot but apparently its the ribs (or sometimes called veins) on the inside that carry the heat. So, to make these less hot, try to cut as much of that inner ribbing out as possible.olive oil or avocado oil I find that olive oil and/or avocado oil work best in an air fryer they are less likely to gunk up the basket. cream cheese you could use Neufchatel cheese as well. It does need to be softened to room temperature I have some tips on How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly. garlic powdersaltand peppergreen onions I absolutely love green onions on jalapeo poppers but it is optional. Colby Jack shredded cheesebacon you could use the prepackaged bacon that you find in the salad dressing section of your grocery store if youre pinched for time.HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER JALAPEO POPPERS:Slice jalapeos lengthwise. Remove seeds and veins. Drizzle olive oil over jalapeno slices and rub them to thoroughly coat.Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. Even though the jalapeos are coated with olive oil, we want to be doubly sure they wont stick. Place jalapeo halves into air fryer basket.Air fry jalapeo halves at 400F for 4 minutes. (Air fryer does not need to be preheated first.) Let cool 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess liquid or oil.In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until smooth. This might be easiest with an electric hand mixer.Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese, chopped bacon (reserving about 2 Tablespoons to top the jalapeo poppers with), and sliced green onions.Fill all jalapeo halves evenly with the cream cheese mixture. Then top jalapeos with the rest of the shredded cheese and the reserved chopped bacon.Place all the jalapenos in an even layer inside the air fryer basket.Air fry at 400F for 5 minutes (you do not need to preheat the air fryer first.)Then serve and enjoy!CRAVING MORE RECIPES?Crock Pot Jalapeo Popper Corn DipJalapeo Popper DipAir Fryer Potato SkinsAir Fryer Pizza BombsEasy Jalapeo Popper BitesJalapeno Popper WontonsAir Fryer Sausage BallsAir Fryer Fried OreosAir Fryer Pizza BombsAir Fryer Halloumi CheeseAir Fryer Mozzarella SticksOriginally published: December 2022Updated and republished: June 2025 PrintAir Fryer Jalapeo Poppers (+Video)These Air Fryer Jalapeo Poppers are the ultimate appetizer recipe. You might have to make a double batch because people will be coming back for more!Course AppetizerCuisine AmericanPrep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 9 minutes minutesTotal Time 29 minutes minutesServings 12Calories 77kcalAuthor Brandie SkibinskiIngredients6 large jalapeos1 Tablespoon olive oil8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature1 teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper3 Tablespoons sliced green onions1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese pound bacon, cooked and chopped (divided use)InstructionsSlice 6 large jalapeos lengthwise. Remove seeds and veins (this removes the heat). Drizzle 1 Tablespoon olive oil over jalapeno slices and rub them to thoroughly coat. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. Place jalapeo halves into air fryer basket. Air fry jalapeo halves at 400F for 4 minutes. (Air fryer does not need to be preheated first.) Let cool 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess liquid or oil. In a bowl, mix together 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. This might be easiest with an electric hand mixer. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, chopped bacon (reserving about 2 Tablespoons to top the jalapeo poppers with), and 3 Tablespoons sliced green onions. Fill all jalapeo halves evenly with the cream cheese mixture. Then top jalapeos with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese and the reserved 2 Tablespoons chopped bacon. Place all the jalapeos in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400F for 5 minutes (you do not need to preheat the air fryer first.) Then serve and enjoy! VideoNotesNote: Its really important when working with fresh jalapeos that you either wear gloves or wash hands thoroughly after handling them. Do not touch your face (especially your eyes) while working with jalapeos.You can use the packaged bacon pieces instead of frying up bacon.NutritionCalories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 248mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g