If you love a good snack that’s spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, then these Air Fryer Chicken Jalapeno Poppers will quickly become your favorite go-to dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the zesty heat of jalapeños creates an irresistible bite-sized treat. Made even easier with the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for game days, parties, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent without all the hassle. The air fryer works wonders here, delivering crispy, golden perfection with far less oil than traditional frying methods.
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or spicy jalapeños and control the cheese-to-chicken ratio to your liking. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer or pairing them with a side dish for a light meal, they’re sure to impress. Plus, the air fryer makes cooking a breeze, so you can enjoy this tasty treat in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: This lean protein serves as the main filling for our jalapeno poppers, providing a juicy and tender bite that pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese. Chicken breast is ideal because it cooks quickly and stays moist, especially in the air fryer.
Jalapeños: The star of the show! These vibrant green peppers add just the right amount of heat to balance the creamy filling. You can adjust the spice level by removing the seeds or using milder varieties, depending on your preference.
Cream cheese: This soft, tangy cheese brings the perfect creaminess to the filling, complementing the chicken and jalapeños while also adding richness. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a velvety texture.
Cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar adds a wonderful flavor and a bit of bite to the poppers. It also helps achieve that melty, gooey goodness that makes these poppers so irresistible.
Garlic powder: A pinch of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor of the poppers. It adds a savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Onion powder: Just a small amount of onion powder helps elevate the flavors of the chicken and cheese. It brings a subtle sweetness and savory aroma that complements the garlic.
Bacon bits: Because everything is better with bacon! Adding crumbled bacon to the filling introduces a smoky, crispy element that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños.
Olive oil: A light brushing of olive oil helps create a golden, crispy exterior when the poppers are air-fried. It also adds a subtle richness to balance the heat from the jalapeños.
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 large jalapeños, halved and seeds removed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon bits
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Jalapeno Poppers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Jalapeños
Start by cooking and shredding the chicken breasts. You can either cook them in a skillet or boil them until fully cooked, then shred with two forks. While the chicken cools slightly, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the peppers to avoid irritation.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and bacon bits. Mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed for your preferred flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out jalapeño halves. Be generous with the filling to ensure each popper is packed with flavor. Press down gently to make sure the filling stays in place.
Step 4: Air Fry the Poppers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the stuffed jalapeños with olive oil for a crispy finish. Arrange the poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the poppers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy the creamy, spicy, bacon-filled goodness!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer milder poppers, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before stuffing them. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or use hotter peppers like serranos.
- Make ahead: You can prep the poppers in advance and refrigerate them before air frying. Simply assemble the poppers, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Use different cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, cream cheese, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Crispier poppers: For an extra crispy texture, spray the poppers lightly with cooking spray instead of brushing them with olive oil.
- Pair with dipping sauces: These poppers are amazing on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, ground chicken will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make these poppers without bacon?
Absolutely! You can leave out the bacon if you prefer a vegetarian version or want to make the recipe a bit lighter.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze these jalapeno poppers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed poppers before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These Air Fryer Chicken Jalapeno Poppers are sure to become a crowd favorite, offering the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch. Enjoy!