Air fryers have become quite popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. These small kitchen appliances allow you to enjoy fried foods with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. One of the many delicious treats you can make in an air fryer is bacon wrapped jalapenos. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also incredibly delicious. In this article, we will walk you through the simple process of making bacon wrapped jalapenos in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making bacon wrapped jalapenos in an air fryer is to gather all of your ingredients. You will need fresh jalapenos, bacon slices, cream cheese, and toothpicks. It’s important to choose jalapenos that are firm and free of blemishes. As for the bacon, you can use regular or thick-cut depending on your preference. Make sure to have toothpicks on hand to secure the bacon around the jalapenos.
Prepare the Jalapenos
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the jalapenos. Start by washing them thoroughly under cold water. After washing, carefully slice off the stem of each jalapeno. Next, cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise, ensuring that they are symmetrical. If you prefer a milder heat, you can also remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos. However, if you want to keep the spice, leave them intact.
Fill the Jalapenos with Cream Cheese
After preparing the jalapenos, it’s time to fill them with cream cheese. Take a small spoon or a piping bag and fill each jalapeno half with creamy goodness. The cream cheese not only adds a lovely flavor but also helps balance the heat of the jalapenos. Make sure not to overfill the jalapenos, as the cream cheese may spill out during the cooking process.
Wrap the Jalapenos with Bacon
Once all the jalapeno halves are filled with cream cheese, it’s time to wrap them with bacon. Take one slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each jalapeno half, ensuring that the cream cheese is covered. If the bacon slices are too long, you can cut them to the appropriate size. To secure the bacon in place, use toothpicks on either end of the jalapeno.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking the bacon wrapped jalapenos, it’s important to preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about five minutes. Preheating ensures that the jalapenos cook evenly and crisply.
Cook the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Once the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the bacon wrapped jalapenos. Carefully place the jalapenos in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the jalapenos for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. It’s essential to check on the jalapenos halfway through the cooking process and flip them to ensure even browning.
Allow the Jalapenos to Cool
After the bacon wrapped jalapenos are cooked to perfection, it’s essential to allow them to cool slightly before serving. The cream cheese filling will be hot, and giving them a few minutes to cool down will prevent any burns. Once cooled, carefully remove the toothpicks from the jalapenos.
Enjoy Your Delicious Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Now that your bacon wrapped jalapenos are ready, it’s time to enjoy them! Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or enjoy them as a delicious snack. The combination of the spicy jalapenos, savory bacon, and creamy cream cheese is simply irresistible. Be prepared to make more batches because your guests will be asking for seconds!
Not only are these bacon wrapped jalapenos easy to make in an air fryer, but they also offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. The air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy texture without the excessive use of oil. Plus, by making them at home, you can control the quality of the ingredients and customize the level of spiciness based on your preference.
In conclusion, making bacon wrapped jalapenos in an air fryer is not only easy but also incredibly delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time. So next time you have a craving for something savory and spicy, give these bacon wrapped jalapenos a try. Your taste buds will thank you.