These Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are an easy party appetizer that’s ready in just 30 minutes. They’re crispy, creamy, cheesy, and have just the right amount of spice… all wrapped in bacon! A great last-minute finger food to make when you need something quick and crowd-pleasing.
This bite-sized appetizer is ideal for backyard BBQs and holiday gatherings. They pair so well with ranch or blue cheese dressing—or try a little drizzle of honey on top for a fun sweet-and-spicy twist!
If you’re serving these poppers at a party or game day get-together, pair them with my Pull-Apart Bread Loaded with Bacon and Cheese and Meatball Sliders for an easy finger food combo everyone will love!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and ribs. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheesy mixture, spreading it in evenly.
4. Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. If you’re worried about them unraveling, stick a toothpick through to hold it all together.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Place your poppers in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and spray the tops lightly too.
6. Cook for 15 minutes – or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!
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Air fryer accessories for this recipe
Important Recipe Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid any skin or eye irritation from the seeds.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it mixes easily and spreads smoothly into the peppers.
- If you want crispier bacon, use thin-cut bacon. Thick-cut may take longer and not crisp up as well in the air fryer.
- Use toothpicks to keep the bacon in place, especially if it tends to unravel during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed so the bacon gets evenly crispy.
- Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be hot straight from the air fryer!
- These are best served warm, but you can prep them ahead by stuffing and wrapping the jalapeños, then air frying just before serving.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 6 to 7 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 12 to 14 slices uncooked bacon
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and ribs. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheesy mixture, spreading it in evenly.
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño. If you’re worried about them unraveling, stick a toothpick through to hold it all together.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Place your poppers in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and spray the tops lightly too.
- Cook for 15 minutes – or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes.
Check Out More Bacon Recipe Ideas!
Roasted Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles