Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
A crispy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer made with fresh jalapeños stuffed with a creamy filling, then baked, fried, or air-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh jalapeños halved and deseeded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions optional
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs for baking
- 6 slices bacon halved (for bacon-wrapped version)
- 1 egg + ½ cup flour for fried version
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice in half, remove seeds, and membranes. Wear gloves to avoid irritation.
- 2️⃣ Make the Filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and green onions until smooth.
- 3️⃣ Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon or pipe the filling into each jalapeño half.
- 4️⃣ Choose Your Cooking Method:
- ✔️ Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- ✔️ Air-Fried: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place poppers in a single layer and air-fry for 8-10 minutes.
- ✔️ Fried: Coat in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- 5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly and serve with ranch, sour cream, or chipotle mayo!
Notes
- For Keto: Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour.
- For Extra Crispiness: Double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Spice Control: Soak jalapeños in water for 30 minutes before stuffing to reduce heat.