Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

The perfect party appetizer, whether you’re hosting a party, bringing an app to a potluck or just craving a bold snack, these jalapeño poppers are the perfect finger food for your next gathering.

Quick appetizers are essential all year-round, but especially during football season in our house. Here are some more of our favorites: Big Mac Egg Rolls, Guacamole and Chips and Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip.

• Spicy and Creamy: Fresh jalapeños are filled with a rich, cheesy mixture that balances the heat perfectly.
• Party Favorite: These are always the first appetizer to disappear on game day.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or cheese blend to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A classic appetizer that hits all the right flavor and texture notes.

This jalapeño poppers recipe uses simple ingredients to create a bold and flavorful appetizer.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Cream Cheese: Softened and whipped for a rich, creamy base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty for bold flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and smooth to balance out the cheddar.
• Fresh Jalapeños: Halved and seeded to make the perfect edible vessel.
• Bacon: Wrapped around each popper for smoky, salty, crispy goodness.

For this simple appetizer recipe, you'll want to have an air fryer, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons and a small spatula.

There are so many ways to make these poppers your own.

• Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
• Add Spice: Leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or sprinkle in cayenne for more heat.
• Cheese Options: Swap in pepper jack cheese, mozzarella or a Tex-Mex blend.
• No Air Fryer?: Bake in the oven at 400F for about 20-25 minutes on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet.

These bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are incredibly easy to prepare using the air fryer for speed and crispiness.

Preheat air fryer to 400F (approximately 5 minutes depending on air fryer).

Add cream cheese to a medium bowl and beat with a hand mixer to become light and fluffy.

Mix in panko and garlic powder, then cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between each jalapeño half and wrap with a piece of bacon, then secure with a toothpick (note: use a half slice of bacon if desired, or if you have smaller jalapeños).

Place wrapped jalapenos in the air fryer for about 9 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and the cheese is melty (note: if they are touching the bacon may not cook evenly, be sure not to overcrowd).

Hint: Softening your cream cheese helps it mix more smoothly with the other ingredients.

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Leftovers? Lucky you. Here's how to store them for the best results.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place on a parchment-lined sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350F until warmed through and crispy again.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the poppers, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

These spicy, cheesy bites go well with a variety of party dishes and drinks.

• Game Day Snacks: Slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, bacon wrapped sausages, Crockpot meatballs and Crockpot pulled pork.

For the crispiest bacon and perfectly cooked filling, keep these top tips in mind while making your poppers.

• Cut Bacon: If your jalapeños are on the smaller size, you can cut your bacon in half.
• Secure with Toothpicks: Toothpicks help keep the bacon in place while cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give each popper space in the air fryer so the bacon crisps up evenly.
• Drain on Paper Towels: Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute or two to remove excess grease.
• Use Gloves: When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to avoid irritation from the spicy oils.

Making bacon wrapped poppers for the first time? These FAQs will help you get the best results and serve them with confidence.

Be sure to remove all seeds and the white membrane from the jalapeños, or try using small sweet peppers instead.

Thin to medium-thick cut bacon works best so it can crisp quickly without overcooking the filling.

No, the air fryer or oven does the job. Just don’t wrap too tightly or it may not cook evenly.

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