Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these air fryer stuffed jalapenos filled with cream cheese! They’re like little bites of heaven—spicy, creamy, and just so darn good! I remember the first time I made them; I was hosting a game night, and they were gone in minutes! The best part? They’re super easy to whip up! Just a handful of ingredients and a quick trip in the air fryer, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to impress your friends, trust me, these stuffed jalapenos will be the star of the show! So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making the best air fryer stuffed jalapenos! Trust me, having everything ready makes the process even smoother.
- 10 fresh jalapenos
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional for that extra crunch!)
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or how many friends you’re feeding! You’ll want to make sure you have enough to go around because these little bites have a way of disappearing fast!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you need to preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). This is super important because it ensures that the jalapenos cook evenly and get that deliciously crispy texture we all love. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prep the rest of your ingredients!
Prepare the Jalapenos
Now, let’s get those jalapenos ready! Carefully slice each jalapeno in half lengthwise—be sure to use a sharp knife for a clean cut. Then, grab a small spoon and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This part is key if you want to control the heat level. If you like it spicy, leave a few seeds in; if not, get those seeds outta there!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. If you’re adding bacon bits, toss them in now and give it a good stir to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Yum!
Stuff the Jalapenos
Time to stuff those jalapenos! Take a spoonful of your cream cheese mixture and generously fill each jalapeno half. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! Arrange the stuffed jalapenos in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This way, they’ll cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Cook the Jalapenos
Now, pop those stuffed jalapenos into the air fryer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Ooh, that smell is going to be irresistible! Once they’re ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before diving in. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information Section
Wondering about the nutritional values for these delightful air fryer stuffed jalapenos? Here’s a typical breakdown per serving, which is about 2 stuffed jalapenos. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
This makes for a satisfying yet guilt-free appetizer that packs a punch of flavor! Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in. So dig in and enjoy these tasty bites without the worry!
Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer stuffed jalapenos turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, make sure to use fresh jalapenos; the fresher, the better! If you’re worried about the spice level, taste a small piece of the jalapeno before stuffing. You can always opt for milder varieties if you prefer less heat.
Another great tip is to let the cream cheese sit out for a little while before mixing. This makes it super easy to blend with the other ingredients, and trust me, you don’t want any lumps in that filling! Also, consider adding some extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a flavor boost!
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches may take a little more time, but it ensures every jalapeno gets that lovely crispy finish. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these air fryer stuffed jalapenos! For starters, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor and spice. If you’re a blue cheese fan, that can add a unique tang that pairs beautifully with the jalapenos!
Feeling creative? You can also add ingredients like diced tomatoes, green onions, or even some black beans to the cream cheese mixture for a different texture and taste. For a smoky twist, sprinkle in some chipotle powder or smoked paprika. And if you want to go a bit healthier, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling!
These variations keep things exciting and allow you to customize the recipe to your taste. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer stuffed jalapenos are fantastic on their own, but why not take your meal experience to the next level? I love serving them alongside a cool and creamy ranch dip or a zesty salsa for that perfect flavor balance. The freshness of the dip really complements the spicy, cheesy goodness of the jalapenos!
For a complete appetizer spread, pair them with some crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks. You could also serve them on a platter with some guacamole and sour cream to really impress your guests! And let’s not forget about drinks—these spicy bites go wonderfully with a refreshing margarita or a light beer. Trust me, your friends will be raving about this combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any air fryer stuffed jalapenos left over (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Just pop them back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through and the cheese is all gooey again. You can also use the microwave, but they might lose some of that crispy goodness. So, stick with the air fryer if you can—trust me, they’ll taste just as delicious the second time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen jalapenos for this recipe?
While fresh jalapenos are best for that crisp texture, you can use frozen ones if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before stuffing, so they don’t add extra moisture!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these stuffed jalapenos in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender and the cheese is bubbly. You’ll still get delicious results!
How can I make these stuffed jalapenos spicier?
If you love heat, try leaving some seeds in the jalapenos, or mix in some diced jalapeno with the filling. You can also add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick!
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed jalapenos and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready, pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge!
What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! Besides bacon, you could try adding sautéed onions, peppers, or even some crab meat for a gourmet twist. Different cheese blends work wonders too—think cream cheese with feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor!
For more information on the health benefits of jalapenos, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to use cream cheese in various recipes, visit this Food Network guide.
Print
Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapenos Cream Cheese Recipe: 10 Bites of Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed jalapenos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe guides you to make delicious air fryer stuffed jalapenos filled with cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapenos
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
- Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add bacon bits if using and stir until combined.
- Stuff each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.
- Place stuffed jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until jalapenos are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot jalapenos.
- For a healthier version, omit bacon.
- Serve with ranch dip or salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed jalapenos
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer stuffed jalapenos cream cheese recipe
