Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

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These Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites are the perfect party food! Cheesy, spicy and bite-sized, you won’t be able to stop eating them!

If you love air fryer jalapeno poppers, you’ll love these jalapeño popper bites too!

A side view of a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites and garnished with slices of jalapeno peppers.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

If you love jalapeño poppers, you’re going to love these bite-sized versions! They’re perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers, and they’re so easy to make. Nothing can beat cheesy, spicy jalapeño popper bites. These little appetizers are perfect for game day or any time you’re looking for a tasty snack. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!

Searching for a great-tasting snack?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Jalapeño poppers bites are a fantastic snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They’re flavorful and, they’re relatively easy to make.

You can either make them yourself or purchase them from your favorite local restaurant. However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more special, then you might want to try making Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites.

What are Jalapeño poppers bites?

Jalapeño poppers bites are bite-sized pieces of jalapeño that have been stuffed with cheese and then breaded and fried. They’re a popular appetizer or snack, and they can be found on the menus of many restaurants.

Traditionally, Jalapeño poppers are fried using a conventional oven. However, Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites are a healthier alternative.

Why use an Airfryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It’s similar to a convection oven, but it uses less energy and produces less heat. Additionally, an air fryer is a smaller and more compact than a conventional oven.

Air fryers are also healthier because they don’t require the use of oil. This means that Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites are a low-fat alternative to traditional jalapeño poppers.

An overhead view looking down into a white bowl filled with

Preparing the Jalapeños

The first step in making Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites is to prepare the jalapeños. Start by cutting off the stem and then slicing the jalapeño in half lengthwise. Next, use a spoon to remove the seeds and ribs from the inside of each jalapeño half.

Once the seeds and ribs have been removed, it’s time to stuff the jalapeños with cheese. You can use any type of cheese that you like, but I recommend using mild cheese such as cheddar.

Once the jalapeños are stuffed with cheese, it’s time to bread them. Start by mixing the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Then, use a spoon to coat each jalapeño half with the breading mixture.

Cheese alternatives:

In preparing the Jalapeños, you can use substitute cheese like:

  • Vegenaise
  • Tofutti
  • Cream Cheese

Optional Add-ons :

You can also add some of the following to your Jalapeño Popper Bites:

  • Bacon
  • Diced ham
  • Sausage
  • Ground beef
  • Shredded chicken

Spices:

Generally, you can use any type of spices that you like. However, I recommend using a combination of black pepper, cumin, and chili powder to give your Jalapeño Popper Bites a bit of heat.

If you like to add some Italian flair to your appetizer, then you can also add some oregano and basil to the breading mixture.

If you are into Indian flavors, then try adding some garam masala to the breading mixture.

A close up view of a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites and garnished with slices of jalapeno peppers.

Jalapeños in the Oven

If you do not have an air fryer, don’t worry. You can still make Jalapeño popper bites. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and then bake the jalapeños for 30 minutes. The only downside of using an oven instead of an air fryer is that it will not be as crispy as the Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites.

Tips  for Making Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites:

  • Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to remove all of the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños before stuffing them with cheese. This will help prevent them from being too spicy.
  • Use a coating of the breading mixture to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
  • Air fry at 340 degrees F for about 7 minutes or until the breading is golden brown and crispy. (Every air fryer cooks just slightly different. So pay attention to the timing on your first batch.)
  • Serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Side Dishes Ideas

There are a few things you could serve as sides with your Jalapeño Popper Bites such as:

  • A salad
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Breadsticks
  • Rice
  • Potato chips

Actually, you can serve Jalapeño Popper Bites with just about anything. They’re a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

All the Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe ingredients collected in individual bowls on a wooden surface.

About The Ingredients

1 cup grated cheddar cheese – You can use mild or sharp cheddar cheese depending on your tastes.

4 ounces cream cheese – This should be plain cream cheese, although you can actually get creative with some of the other flavors on the market.

3 medium jalapenos – seeds removed and diced. You may want to wear gloves to remove the seeds.

6 slices bacon – cooked and crumbled.

1 tablespoon minced garlic

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup corn-starch

¼ teaspoon salt – I used pink Himalayan salt, but any type you normally cook with will work.

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

½ teaspoon onion powder – Onion granules work too.

2 large eggs– room temperature

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs – Plain

½ teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic granules work too.

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional, but tasty. Omit if you don’t like a lot of spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

Bacon bits, cheese, garlic and bell peppers in a stainless steel mixing bowl. All are chopped or grated.

To a medium bowl (or use a large one), add the shredded cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, and bacon, and garlic.

The Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites dough mixed together in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

Mix the cream cheese mixture well.

The Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites rolled and placed on a parchment-lined baking pan.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop 18 portions. Roll them into balls. Place them on a cookie sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for 1 hour.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites being rolled in egg, flour and bread crumbs.

While in the freezer, add the eggs to a small bowl. Whisk well and set aside.

In another small bowl, add your flour, corn-starch, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk and set aside.

In a third bowl, add the Panko. Set aside.

Remove your bites from the freezer.

Coat each bite in the flour mixture, then beaten eggs, then Panko. Add to the freezer for another 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites placed in an air fryer basket.

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the cheese balls in the basket. Spray your bites with more cooking spray.

Cook at 340°F for 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Repeat steps 11-12 until all bites have been cooked in your air fryer depending on the size of your fryer. 

Keep any bites in the freezer until ready to 

Just cooked Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites still sitting in an air fryer basket.

Remove and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

A single Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bite held to the camera with a bite missing so you can see the cheesy inside.

If serving to guests, insert a toothpick into each bite and set on a tray. Enjoy as is or with dipping sauce! My favorite is ranch or blue cheese

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

If you have leftover Jalapeño Popper Bites, they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days. However, I recommend reheating them in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to prevent them from becoming soggy.

To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and then bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes.

In Conclusion

Jalapeño poppers are always a hit at parties, but they can be greasy and unhealthy. These Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites solve that problem! They’re just as delicious as the traditional version, but much healthier. Plus, they’re easy to make so you can whip them up for any party or gathering. Give them a try next time you need a snack!

Recipe Supplies For Making These Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

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For this recipe, you’ll need an air fryer, baking pans to freeze on and scoops to evenly scoop your dough/batter.

More Air Fryer Snack Recipes

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe Card

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A close up view of a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites and garnished with slices of jalapeno peppers.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

A delicious snack that's cheesy, spicy and crispy.
Prep Time 16 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Freeze Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 18 bites

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz. plain cream cheese
  • 3 medium jalapeños (seeds removed, diced)
  • 6 slices bacon (minced)
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • ½ cup all-pupose-flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add to a large bowl your shredded cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, and bacon, and garlic.
    Bacon bits, cheese, garlic and bell peppers in a stainless steel mixing bowl. All are chopped or grated.
  • Mix well.
    The Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites dough mixed together in a stainless steel mixing bowl.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop 18 portions. Roll them into balls. Place them on a cookie sheet or other hard surface. Place them in the freezer for 1 hour.
    The Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites rolled and placed on a parchment-lined baking pan.
  • While in the freezer, add the eggs to a small bowl. Whisk. Set aside.
    In another small bowl, add your flour, corn-starch, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk. Set aside.
    In your last small bowl, add your Panko. Set aside.
    Remove your bites from the freezer.
    Coat one bite in the flour mixture, then egg, then Panko.
    Add to the freezer for another 20 minutes.
    Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites being rolled in egg, flour and bread crumbs.
  • Spray your air fryer with cooking spray. Place in your air fryer. Spray your bites with more cooking spray.
    Cook at 340°F for 7 minutes or until golden brown.
    Repeat steps 11-12 until all bites have been cooked in your air fryer depending on the size of your fryer. Keep any bites in the freezer until ready to cook them.
    Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites placed in an air fryer basket.
  • Remove and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
    Just cooked Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites still sitting in an air fryer basket.
  • Enjoy as is or with dipping sauce! My favorite is ranch or blue cheese!
    A hand holds a single Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bite towards the camera. A bite has been taken to show the cheesy insides.
Keyword Bite Size
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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