Name: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 jalapenos (cut in half lengthwise. Seeds and membrane removed.); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or seasoning salt); 4 slices bacon (cut in half); Honey drizzle (optional)

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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are wrapped with thick cut bacon and stuffed with a cheesy cream cheese mixture for the perfect quick and easy appetizer for parties or game day.

Looking for another easy recipe for parties? Try our Air Fryer Pork Belly or Bacon Deviled Eggs!

Crispy bacon wrapped around jalapeno poppers on a white plate.

Jalapeno poppers have a way of showing up at the table and quietly becoming the first thing gone. They’re the kind of appetizer you’ve seen at potlucks, holidays, tailgates, and backyard get-togethers, the items passed around on paper plates, eaten standing up, and talked about long after the party ends.

This air fryer version keeps everything you love about them, including crispy bacon, a creamy center, and just enough heat. This recipe is easy to make and turns out every time. No crowding the oven, no grease splatter. Just a dependable, make-it-again recipe.

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Looking for another easy game day appetizer that features leftover pulled pork? These Pulled Pork Nachos on a sheet pan serve up crowd-pleasing comfort in every bite!

Ingredients

Jalapenos
Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese
Brown sugar
Cajun seasoning- Or use your favorite seasoning salt
Bacon– we used thick cut
Honey- optional drizzle

Recipe Tips

Soften cream cheese on the counter while cutting jalapenos to ease mixing.
Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese as a time saver.
Don’t forget to remove the toothpick before eating!

How to make bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers

Step 1: Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove all seeds and membranes to help reduce the heat. Set aside.

Jalapeno pepper cut lengthwise with a spoon scooping out seeds.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, brown sugar and Cajun seasoning. Stir until well combined.

Cream cheese, cheese and spices mixed with a blue scraper in a clear bowl.

Step 3: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the jalapeno halves. Divide the filling evenly over the peppers.

Step 4: Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in two places with a toothpick. This will keep the bacon from unwrapping during the cooking process.

Wrapping bacon around a jalapeno half stuffed with cream cheese filling.

Step 5: Place jalapenos in the air fryer basket, leaving a slight space between to ensure they aren’t touching. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown.

Step 6: Allow the poppers to rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks, drizzling with honey (optional) and serving.

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are cooked and ready to come out of the air fryer.

How long do you cook bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in the air fryer?

The air fryer helps keep the cooking time for this recipe to a quick 10 minutes. After air frying, it is important to let the poppers rest for 5 minutes to allow the filling to reach a safe internal temperature.

Should I remove the seeds and membranes in jalapenos?

Removing the jalapeno membranes and seeds helps reduce the heat of the peppers. If you enjoy the heat, you can leave the seeds intact.

How do you reheat jalapeno poppers in the air fryer?

Return the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers to the air fryer and reheat at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes. The amount of time will depend on the size of the peppers and personal preference for crispiness.

Other Easy Game Day Favorites

Who doesn’t love an easy appetizer recipe? Make sure to include these easy Air Fryer Pork Meatballs made with a unique blend of spices, pork sausage, and ground pork. Or try these easy Pork Quesadillas that are sure to please any hungry tummy. If you are looking for a trusted recipe everyone loves, try these Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa bites in a rich bbq sauce.