Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) – A Spicy Delight

Name: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) - A Spicy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 10 fresh jalapeño peppers; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let’s face it, appetizers are the life of the party! Whether it’s game day or a cozy gathering with friends, those bite-sized snacks always steal the show. I can’t help but get excited about spicy appetizers, especially when they’re simple and packed with flavor. That’s why I absolutely love making Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) – they’re not just delicious, but they also have that perfect kick that keeps everyone coming back for more!

I remember the first time I made these poppers for a friend’s get-together. As soon as they came out of the air fryer, the aroma of melted cheese and roasted jalapeños filled the kitchen. I popped one in my mouth, and oh boy, the combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeño was like a flavor explosion! My friends couldn’t get enough, and we ended up devouring the whole batch in no time. Trust me, once you try these poppers, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for every occasion. They’re easy to whip up, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at your next gathering!

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) - detail 1

Ingredients List

10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

How to Prepare Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian)

Making these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) is super simple, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Just follow along, and you’ll have a batch of delicious poppers ready in no time.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Preheating is a crucial step because it ensures that your poppers cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown color. Just set the timer for about 5 minutes while you prepare the jalapeños. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Prepare the Jalapeños

Now, let’s get those jalapeños ready! Carefully cut each pepper in half lengthwise. Here’s a little tip: use a sharp knife and be gentle to avoid any slips. Once you’ve got them halved, it’s time to remove the seeds. I recommend using a small spoon for this part. Just scoop out the seeds and ribs to control the spice level. If you like it spicier, feel free to leave some seeds in for that extra kick!

Make the Cheese Filling

Next up, let’s whip up that creamy cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything until it’s well combined and smooth. You want to make sure all the flavors meld together beautifully. It should be creamy and easy to spread!

Stuff and Top the Jalapeños

Now it’s time for the fun part – stuffing the jalapeños! Take a spoonful of the cheese mixture and generously fill each jalapeño half. Don’t be shy; you want them packed! Once they’re all filled, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of each popper for that delicious crunch. This layer adds a lovely texture that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Air Fry the Poppers

Finally, it’s time to air fry your jalapeño poppers! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, checking for that gorgeous golden brown color. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are crispy. Just be careful not to burn your tongue when you take that first bite – they’ll be super hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delightful poppers in no time!
Spicy Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh jalapeños and creamy cheese delivers a deliciously spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Vegetarian-Friendly: These poppers are perfect for vegetarian diets, making them an excellent appetizer for everyone at your gathering.
Air Fryer Magic: Using an air fryer means you get that crispy texture without all the oil, keeping them lighter and healthier.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to make them uniquely yours!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) turn out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you like a milder popper, make sure to remove all the seeds and ribs. But if you’re bold and craving heat, leave some seeds in for that extra kick! You can also mix up the cheeses; try adding a bit of pepper jack for a spicier twist or even cream cheese with herbs for a different flavor profile.

Another little secret is to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing – it makes blending so much easier! And don’t skimp on the breadcrumbs; they add that delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time; every air fryer is different, and you want to catch them just as they turn golden brown. Happy frying!

Nutritional Information

These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) are not only delicious but also a great addition to your snacking routine! Each serving, which consists of two poppers, contains approximately:

Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy these poppers guilt-free at your next gathering!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian)? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the jalapeños and stuff them with the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge – no need to thaw!

What can I serve with jalapeño poppers?

These poppers pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Think creamy ranch, zesty salsa, or even a spicy chipotle mayo. They add a nice contrast to the creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños!

Can I freeze leftover poppers?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven for that freshly baked taste.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to swap cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor. You can even mix in some feta for an interesting twist!

How spicy are these jalapeño poppers?

The spice level largely depends on how many seeds you leave in the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove all the seeds and ribs. For a spicy kick, keep a few seeds in! You can customize it to suit your taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian) left over? No worries, storing them is super easy! First, let the poppers cool completely. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook the poppers for about 4-5 minutes until they’re heated through and the breadcrumbs regain their crunch. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that warm, cheesy goodness all over again.

Call to Action

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Vegetarian)! If you give them a try, please drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any fun variations? Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! And if you enjoyed this little spicy adventure, share it with your friends on social media – let’s spread the love for delicious appetizers together! Happy cooking!

For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out this link! If you’re looking for tips on air frying techniques, you can find helpful information here.