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To make Air Fryer Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Olive oil spray - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. Fresh jalapeños provide heat and crunch. The cheddar and cream cheese give a creamy, cheesy filling. Panko breadcrumbs add extra texture and crispness. Spices like garlic, onion, and smoked paprika enhance the flavor. Lastly, cilantro adds a fresh touch. When gathering your ingredients, make sure they are fresh. The quality will shine through in your final dish. Enjoy the process of preparing these tasty snacks! First, you need to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the poppers evenly. While the air fryer heats, get your jalapeños ready. Halve each pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds. This step reduces the heat and makes them easier to eat. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. The mixture should be creamy and full of flavor. You can taste it to adjust the seasoning if you want. Now, take the halved jalapeños and fill them with the cheese mixture. Spoon it generously into each half, pressing down lightly to keep it in place. Next, prepare your breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip the filled jalapeños face-down into the breadcrumbs. This coat gives them a nice crunchy texture. Place the coated jalapeño poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t cook right. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. They should turn golden brown and crispy. After cooking, let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a nice touch. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a light, crispy texture that's hard to beat. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crispy bite. To avoid burning, keep an eye on your poppers as they cook. Air fryers can vary, so check them after about 8 minutes. If they look golden, they are likely done. You can spice things up with extra herbs and spices. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. Try mixing in some chives or parsley for added flavor. For serving, think about dips! A cool ranch or tangy salsa pairs well. You can even serve them with guacamole for a creamy touch. One common mistake is overfilling the jalapeños. If you pack them too tightly, the filling can spill out during cooking. Just spoon in enough to fill, but don’t overdo it. Another mistake is crowding the air fryer basket. If you stack the poppers, they won’t cook evenly. Always arrange them in a single layer for the best results. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your poppers. Try mozzarella for a gooey melt. Pepper jack adds more spice and flavor. Creamy goat cheese gives a tangy twist. Each cheese brings a new taste to your dish. Adjusting heat is easy. For mild poppers, use less jalapeño or remove all seeds. You can also add more cream cheese to tone down the spice. If you love heat, keep the seeds in. Consider adding diced serrano peppers for an extra kick. You can get creative with fillings. Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. Ground sausage can make it heartier. For veggies, try chopped bell peppers or corn. These additions give your poppers more texture and taste. After you enjoy your jalapeño poppers, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Store the container in the fridge. Your poppers will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to seal the container well to avoid moisture. To enjoy your poppers again, you can reheat them. The air fryer works best. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the poppers in the basket for about 5 minutes. Check to make sure they are hot. You can also use the oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Both methods keep them crispy. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the poppers cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. After that, put them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or oven as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty snack any time! Air-fried jalapeño poppers stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Ensure you store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. In the freezer, they last up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Yes, you can make these poppers ahead. Prepare the filling and stuff the jalapeños. Then, cover them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just take them out, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry. This saves time on busy days while keeping the taste fresh. If you want a different option, use Greek yogurt. It gives a creamy texture with less fat. For a vegan option, try cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese. These substitutes keep the poppers rich and delicious while meeting dietary needs. These air-fried jalapeño poppers are fun and tasty. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make them. From choosing the right cheese to perfecting the filling, you have many options. Keep texture in mind, and avoid common mistakes for a perfect dish. Store leftovers properly, and enjoy them later. Experiment with flavors for a unique twist. You now have all you need to impress your friends and family with this snack. Enjoy making and sharing your delicious poppers!

Air Fryer Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers

Craving a tasty appetizer? Try these Cheesy Firecracker Jalapeño Poppers for a spicy and cheesy treat that everyone will love! With a simple air fryer method, you'll mix cream cheese and cheddar with seasonings, then coat them in crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for parties or game day, these poppers are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Click to explore the full recipe and bring the heat to your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil spray

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

    In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Take the halved jalapeños and spoon the cheese mixture generously into each half. Press the filling slightly to hold it in place.

        Place the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Dip the filled jalapeños face-down into the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.

          Transfer the coated jalapeño poppers to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them.

            Lightly spray the top of the poppers with olive oil spray for added crispiness.

              Cook in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

                Once done, carefully remove the poppers and let them cool slightly before serving.

                  Garnish with chopped cilantro before plating.

                    - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4-6