Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Bites
These crispy, cheesy, and spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper bites are the ultimate party snack. Made in the air fryer for easy cleanup and perfect texture, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 medium fresh jalapeños (about 4 oz), washed, halved, and seeded
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 7 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
- Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: a few drops hot sauce
Instructions
- Wash and dry jalapeños. Slice lengthwise and remove seeds/membranes.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fill each jalapeño half with 1-2 teaspoons of cheese mixture.
- Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap one piece around each filled jalapeño, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange bacon-wrapped jalapeños seam side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or scallions if desired.
Notes
For less heat, use mini sweet peppers. Secure bacon with toothpicks to prevent unrolling. Don’t overfill peppers to avoid cheese leakage. Use parchment paper with holes for easy cleanup. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 10
Keywords: air fryer, bacon-wrapped, jalapeño poppers, party snack, appetizer, keto, gluten-free, spicy, easy recipe