These air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeños are a delicious appetizer that combines the heat of jalapeños with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the savory flavor of bacon. Perfect for parties or game day, they are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer.
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Experience
Creating air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeños requires a handful of simple ingredients that come together to deliver a delightful taste sensation. The star of the dish is, of course, the fresh jalapeños, which provide a spicy kick.
Alongside the jalapeños, a creamy filling made from softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese adds richness. Seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor profile, while crispy bacon wraps everything in a savory embrace. Optional garnishes, such as chopped green onions, add a fresh touch.
Preparation Steps to Follow
To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the jalapeños cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Next, halve the jalapeños and remove the seeds for a milder flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings until smooth. Generously fill each jalapeño half with this creamy mixture.
Wrapping and Cooking Techniques
Once the jalapeños are stuffed, take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each one. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep everything in place during cooking.
Arrange the wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for optimal air circulation, ensuring that the bacon crisps up nicely. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
After cooking, let the jalapeños cool slightly before serving. This brief cooling period helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to handle.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and additional flavor. Pair these tasty bites with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of enjoyment. They make for an excellent appetizer at gatherings or a satisfying snack during game day.
Nutrition Information to Consider
Each serving of these bacon-wrapped jalapeños is not only delicious but also relatively light. With approximately 120 calories per piece, they fit well into a variety of dietary plans.
These treats offer a balance of protein and fat, making them a satisfying option for those looking to indulge without overdoing it. With only 2 grams of carbohydrates, they can be a great choice for low-carb diets.
Why Choose the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making these jalapeños crispy without the need for excessive oil. This method not only reduces fat content but also speeds up the cooking process.
Using an air fryer allows for even cooking and a delightful crunch, making it a preferred method for many home cooks. The result is a plate of golden brown, glistening jalapeños that are sure to impress your guests.
Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños Recipe
These jalapeños are stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in crispy bacon, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Halve the jalapeños and remove the seeds for less heat.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Stuff the Jalapeños: Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Air Fry: Place the wrapped jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 pieces
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g