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Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites

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These crispy air fryer jalapeño popper bites are a quick and easy snack featuring a creamy, spicy cheese filling coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and cooked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 medium fresh jalapeños
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Wearing gloves, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes unless extra heat is desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth and well mixed.
  3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture using a spoon or small cookie scoop, mounding slightly.
  4. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Lightly dust each filled jalapeño with flour, dip into the egg, then coat in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Place the jalapeño popper bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  8. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crisp and golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Remove carefully and let cool for a couple of minutes.
  10. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

If the cheese filling is too soft and oozes out, chill the filled jalapeños for 15 minutes before breading to help firm the filling. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Gloves are recommended when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, air fryer, snack, appetizer, crispy, cheesy, spicy, quick recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-jalape-n-o-popper-bites-easy-recipe-for-perfect-snacking/