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Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños

Jalapeño halves filled with a smoky cream cheese and cheddar mixture, wrapped in bacon, and air-fried until the cheese bubbles and the bacon crisps - a low-carb game day staple.

32 minEasyServes 4220 cal/serving

Tex-MexAppetizerAir FryerLow CarbGluten-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 12 jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 12 thin-cut bacon strips, halved crosswise

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt until combined.

  3. 3

    Spoon the cheese mixture into each 12 halved lengthwise, seeded jalapeños half, filling them generously. Wrap each stuffed half with one piece of 12 halved crosswise thin-cut bacon strips, securing with a toothpick if needed.

  4. 4

    Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cheese-side up. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  5. 5

    Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving - the filling will be very hot. Remove toothpicks before eating.

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Questions

How long does Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños take?

As written, 32 minutes: 20 of prep and 12 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (12 minutes): "Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly."

How hot should the oil be for Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños?

For Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 12 minutes, in step 4. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The frying oil is held at 375 F (about 190 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of bacon in Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños?

Yes. Turkey bacon renders almost no fat, so add a tablespoon of oil wherever the method counts on the drippings. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños uses 12 thin-cut bacon strips, halved crosswise.

How hot is Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños?

Moderately. The heat in Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños comes from 12 jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeded. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

How many carbs are in Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapeños?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 12 g of carbohydrate in about 220 calories, with 7 g protein and 14 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 320 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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