Jalapeno poppers are a delicious and spicy appetizer that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you have an air fryer at home, cooking jalapeno poppers becomes even easier and faster. In this article, we will discuss how long it takes to cook jalapeno poppers in an air fryer and provide you with a quick and easy recipe to try.
Preparing the Jalapeno Poppers
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s first discuss how to prepare the jalapeno poppers. To make the poppers, you will need fresh jalapeno peppers, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon. It’s important to choose jalapenos that are firm and free from any blemishes.
Cutting and Seeding the Jalapenos
Begin by cutting the jalapenos in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Ensure that you use a cutting board for safety purposes. Once the jalapenos are cut, gently remove the seeds and membrane from each half. You can use a spoon or a small knife to carefully scoop out the seeds and membrane. Be cautious while handling the jalapenos as they can cause skin irritation, so it’s advisable to wear gloves.
Filling the Jalapeno Halves
Now it’s time to fill the jalapeno halves with the cream cheese and shredded cheddar mixture. You can make this mixture by combining equal parts of cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a bowl. Mix them well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Take a small spoon and fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Make sure not to overfill them, as it could result in the filling spilling out while cooking.
Wrapping the Jalapeno Poppers in Bacon
To add extra flavor and texture to your jalapeno poppers, wrap each filled jalapeno half with a slice of bacon. You can use regular bacon or even turkey bacon if you prefer a healthier option. Gently wrap the bacon around the jalapeno half, ensuring that it holds the filling securely. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
Cooking the Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
Now that your jalapeno poppers are prepared and ready to be cooked, it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that your poppers cook evenly and have a crispy texture.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for jalapeno poppers in an air fryer may vary depending on the size of the jalapenos and the thickness of the bacon. Typically, it takes about 12-15 minutes to cook jalapeno poppers in an air fryer. However, it’s recommended to check on them after about 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook or burn.
Frequent Flipping
To achieve an even cooking result, it’s crucial to flip the jalapeno poppers halfway through the cooking process. Gently turn them over using tongs or a spatula, being careful not to puncture the bacon wrapping. Flipping the poppers allows both sides to cook evenly and prevents one side from becoming too crispy while the other side remains undercooked.
Checking for Doneness
To determine if your jalapeno poppers are cooked thoroughly, you can perform a simple doneness test. Carefully touch the bacon wrapping, and if it feels crispy and the filling appears melted, your poppers are most likely done. Additionally, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the poppers. The ideal internal temperature should be around 165°F (74°C), ensuring that the bacon is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Serving and Enjoying the Jalapeno Poppers
Once your jalapeno poppers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Remove the poppers from the air fryer using tongs, placing them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any hot cheese burns.
Serving Suggestions
Jalapeno poppers make a great appetizer for parties, game nights, or even as a simple snack. You can serve them on their own, or pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, sour cream, or even guacamole. The coolness of the dipping sauce complements the spiciness of the poppers, creating a delicious flavor combination. If you prefer a milder version, you can even remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapenos before filling them.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover jalapeno poppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3-4 days, but it’s best to consume them as soon as possible for optimal taste and texture. To reheat the leftovers, you can simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warmed through.
In conclusion, cooking jalapeno poppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Preparing the poppers involves cutting and seeding the jalapenos, filling them with a cream cheese and shredded cheddar mixture, and wrapping them in bacon. Cooking time may vary, but typically takes around 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Remember to flip the poppers halfway through cooking and check for doneness before serving. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy delicious and crispy jalapeno poppers right from your air fryer.