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Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: A Crispy Delight Without the Guilt

If you’re on the lookout for a more health-conscious snack that doesn’t compromise on flavour, look no further than air fryer jalapeño poppers. This popular appetiser has been given a healthier twist, making it an ideal option for parties, game days, or even a casual night in. With their crispy coating and cheesy, spicy filling, they are bound to impress anyone who tries them.

What Are Jalapeño Poppers?

Jalapeño poppers are an American favourite, typically made by hollowing out jalapeño peppers, stuffing them with a creamy cheese mixture, and then deep-frying them until golden brown. The traditional recipe, although delicious, can be a bit heavy. Enter the air fryer: a kitchen gadget that circulates hot air to cook food to crispy perfection, but with significantly less oil. The result? Lighter, yet just as satisfying, jalapeño poppers that you can enjoy guilt-free.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious air fryer jalapeño poppers, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 150g cream cheese, softened
• 50g cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for misting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes, depending on your desired level of spiciness.

2. Make the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Stuff the Peppers:
Generously fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Don’t skimp—more filling means more flavour!

4. Coat the Poppers:
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each stuffed jalapeño into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere. For an added touch, you can mist the coated poppers with a little cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to encourage a golden brown finish.

5. Air Fry:
Arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the poppers from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve alongside some sour cream or your favourite dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Why Choose the Air Fryer?

The air fryer not only makes cooking these poppers significantly quicker but also reduces the amount of oil needed to achieve that desirable crunch. Since air frying requires little to no oil, you can enjoy this indulgent snack without the added calories that come with traditional frying methods. Additionally, the air fryer offers a healthier cooking alternative, making it easier to fit these delicious treats into a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect blend of spicy and creamy, with an unbeatable crispy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, enjoying them as a midday snack, or simply indulging on a cosy evening at home, they’re sure to be a hit. Next time you’re in the mood for something delicious yet lighter, give these air fryer jalapeño poppers a go—you won’t regret it!