TGI Fridays Poppers are a beloved appetizer that have become a staple at the restaurant chain. These poppers are irresistibly delicious, with a crispy golden exterior and a cheesy, spicy filling. While they are typically deep-fried, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering treat in an air fryer. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making TGI Fridays Poppers in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this delectable snack from the comfort of your own home.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before you begin making TGI Fridays Poppers in an air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
– 12 jalapeno peppers
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Equipment
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowls
– Knife
– Cutting board
– Spoon
– Fork
– Tongs
Prepare the Jalapeno Peppers
To get started, wash the jalapeno peppers thoroughly under running water. Next, slice off the stem end of each pepper, then carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers. This step will help reduce the spiciness of the poppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the jalapeno halves in cold water for about 30 minutes to further reduce the heat.
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and form a creamy filling. This cheesy filling is what gives the TGI Fridays Poppers their signature flavor.
Stuff the Jalapeno Peppers
Now it’s time to stuff the jalapeno peppers with the delicious cheese filling. Take a spoon and carefully fill each pepper half with the mixture, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-stuff the peppers, as this can cause the filling to spill out during the cooking process.
Coat the Poppers
In separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed jalapeno pepper first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the pepper in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface.
Air Fry the Poppers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Once it’s preheated, carefully place the coated poppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the poppers for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the TGI Fridays Poppers are beautifully golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be hot. These poppers are best enjoyed while they are still warm and the filling is ooey-gooey. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy ranch or marinara, and watch them disappear in no time.
Variations and Tips
Feel free to get creative with your TGI Fridays Poppers by adding additional ingredients to the filling. Some options include cooked crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, or even bits of cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
To ensure the poppers cook evenly, make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each popper, providing an even and efficient cooking process.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these delicious poppers by deep-frying them in a pot of hot oil. Simply heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the poppers in batches until they are golden brown and crisp.
In conclusion, making TGI Fridays Poppers in an air fryer is a simple and enjoyable process. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can recreate this popular appetizer in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, these air-fried poppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why wait? Grab your air fryer and get ready to indulge in the cheesy, spicy goodness of TGI Fridays Poppers.