Football season has arrived, and although cooler temperatures are surely on the horizon, it is still WAY too hot to cook in the RV oven. That's why I enlist the help of my Ninja Foodi ( my favorite cooking appliance) to whip up these Easy Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeños for game day or any other time we want a tasty snack.
Cooking them in the air fryer is a great way to make the bacon super crispy all the way around, AND they cook in about half the time!
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Jalapeños
The jalapeño popper is a classic-creamy cheese, crisp bacon, just the right amount of heat. But why stop at basic when you can take it to the next level?
For this recipe, I've built more depth into the filling: sharp, smoky white cheddar, fragrant fresh garlic, and the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It's a small twist that turns an everyday appetizer into something you'll want to make again and again.
Let's Gather Up the Ingredients
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
These Easy bacon-wrapped air Fryer Jalapeños come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
- Jalapeño peppers - Choose large jalapenos that are roughly the same size so that you have plenty of room to add lots of the cheesy filling. Making sure they are the same size allows them to cook evenly
- Softened Cream Cheese - Let the cream cheese come to room temperature so that a smooth texture, and it is easier to mix the ingredients into it
- Sundried Tomatoes - Diced finely
- Fresh Garlic - Minced finely
- Shallot -Diced finely
- Smoked White Cheddar - Shredded
- Bacon - This is not the time for thick-cut bacon. Thinner slices will wrap around the jalapeños more easily
- Salt
- Pepper
Make the cream cheese mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the cream cheese with the sundried tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly and then allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors can incorporate.
While you wait...
Prep the Jalapeños
Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and then remove all of the seeds and membranes.
Assemble the Jalapeño Poppers
With a small spoon, get a scoop of filling and fill each of the jalapeño halves with it. Stuff as much as you can in each half because obviously, it's the best part! Once you have used up all of the filling, take each half and wrap it with a slice of bacon, and then secure it with a toothpick.
Now Let's Get Cooking
Place each popper into your air fryer basket. Make sure that they are in a single layer and try not to crowd them too much. The more air circulation that can get around them, the crispier the bacon will get. If you have to cook them in batches, that's ok. You can snack on the ones that are done while the others are cooking.
Cooking time will depend on your particular air fryer model, but I cooked mine at 375°F for approximately 10 minutes in my Ninja Foodi. I didn't use cooking spray or parchment paper. Cook yours until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
I LOVE my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Combo. It's seriously one of my favorite kitchen tools, especially for RV living. When you're cooking in a small space, having one appliance that can do it all-pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, broil, and more-is a total game changer. It saves space, cuts down on clutter, and allows me to create just about anything without hauling out a bunch of gear.
Substitutions
- Try swapping the Smoked Cheddar for Parmesan and adding in some fresh basil
- Or use Sharp Cheddar and green onions instead
- If you don't have fresh garlic or shallots, you could use garlic powder and onion powder in their place, but fresh ingredients are always going to taste better, so use them if you can
Storage
These are best eaten immediately, but if you do have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Tip for success: It's best to store them before they have been cooked, so cook them in batches! If your guests want more, throw a few more poppers in the air fryer. That way, instead of heating up a soggy popper the next day, you are getting a fresh one that still has some crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, this is the best way to cook up a small batch of these delicious appetizers. They cook in less time, and the bacon gets crispier than in a conventional oven. It's perfect for RVers because you don't have to heat up the kitchen, and the air fryer uses less power/propane than the oven. In my opinion, this method yields the best results hands down!
Approximately 10-12 minutes. Cook time will vary. Check the poppers at the halfway point just to make sure the bacon isn't burning.
No, with this method it isn't necessary. The air fryer circulates hot air all around the poppers, crisping the bacon without having to flip.
YES! These poppers can easily be prepared in advance so that you have one less thing to think about on game day. When you are ready to serve, simply pull them out of the fridge and pop them in the air fryer. Before you know it, the RV will be filled with the heavenly aroma of bacon and garlic.
I'm certain that this is going to become one of your favorite recipes to make when entertaining guests, as a snack, or even as a side dish next to a Juicy Steak!
Want some other Fall Party Snacks? Try this Quick and Easy Guacamole, my fresh Pico De Gallo, or these Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs.
These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shots are a fun and boozy adult treat perfect for parties.
If you want to step aside from the usual party snack, go for something vintage like this recipe for Hot Chipped Beef Dip from Heidi at Real Life of Lulu. It's creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious!
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
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As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
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Easy Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeños
Ingredients
- 15 lrg Jalapenos
- 8 oz Cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 jar Sundried Tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 Shallot, finely minced
- 2 cups Shredded smoked white cheddar
- 15 slices Bacon not thick cut
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare your jalepenos
- Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise trying to keep the stem attached if possible.
- Scrape out all of the ribs and seeds with a spoon, discard, and then set the prepared peppers aside.
Prepare the filling
- Put the room-temperature cream cheese into a shallow mixing bowl.
- Add 2 cloves of garlic that have been pressed through a garlic press. You want the garlic to be almost a paste.
- Add the chopped sundried tomatoes, dices shallot, shredded cheese,cheddar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly and then allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors can incorporate.
Stuff the peppers
- Use a teaspoon to divide the filling evenly between the halved peppers. Fill each half with enough filling so that it is flush with the top of the pepper. You can use the back of the spoon to press the filling into the pepper and smooth it out.
Wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick
- Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap each pepper half in a piece of bacon trying to tuck the ends under the pepper. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon by skewering it from side to side at each end of the pepper. At this point you can either wrap the poppers tightly in plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator until ready to bake or move on to the next step.
Bake the poppers
- Place each popper into your air fryer basket. Make sure that they are in a single layer and try not to crowd them too much. The more air circulation that can get around them, the crispier the bacon will get. If you have to cook them in batches, that's ok. You can snack on the ones that are done while the others are cooking. Cooking time will depend on your particular air fryer model, but I cooked mine at 375 F for approximately 10 minutes in my Ninja Foodi. I didn't use cooking spray or parchment paper. Cook yours until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
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Shashi says
These are sure to be a hit at the next gathering - love the fact that these can be made in the air fryer!
Gianne says
This is the best appetizer! My friends loved it and asked for another serving. Guessed I'll be making these again soon.
Dana says
These are fantastic! I love that they're done in the air fryer. They turned out so crisp.
Caroline says
I really like the idea of the smoked cheddar in there to add some extra flavor, and great using the air fryer to avoid heating up the kitchen.
Gina says
These were the best tasting stuffed jalapenos I've ever tried. Love the sun dried tomato addition, they really amped up the flavor. This is the perfect recipe for the air fryer as well!
Daisy says
You had me at bacon hehe but really I loved the tang of the jalapeno with the saltiness of the bacon. Wicked flavor combo.
Ariel says
I loved that you can make these in advance! I made them for a party, and it made party prep so much easier. Thanks so much! And the poppers were delicious!
Ariel says
Not sure if my rating stuck!
Entertaining the RV Life says
It stuck. Thanks for the 5 start review.
Jan says
The smoked cheddar and tomatoes make this TO DIE FOR. I enjoyed these bacon wrapped jalapenos more than the actual game.
Ryley says
When I saw the "with a twist," I knew I needed to try them! The smoked white cheddar and sundried tomatoes was so unexpected and delicious. I will not be making them any other way again. I cannot wait to make them for my next football watch party. YUMMY!
Liv says
The air fryer made this recipe so quick and easy to make. The combination of smoked white cheddar, garlic, and sundried tomatoes is really delicious. Will definitely make these again for my husband on the big game day.
MAddy says
Air fryer appetizers, I am ALL about that!!!!! These poppers were so amazing and easy to make -- actually, I prepped them the night before our party to save time and then just popped them in right before people arriving!
Joni says
Spicy and savory. A delicious twist on a classic appetizer! Adding this to my air fryer recipe favorites.
Ellie says
WOWZAS! These were so delicious and the twist was a great one. The addition of sundried tomatoes is epic! I cannot wait to make these again for Superbowl, they are so easy and everyone is going to go crazy for them.
Sonia says
We recently had a family get-together at my nana's house and this is the appetizer I made for the family. I added grated cheese and it turned out super delicious. my whole family enjoyed it. I think I will make more batches next time.
Keri says
These are so delicious. Perfect for our game day party!
Denise says
These jalapeno poppers came out perfectly! The air fryer really did give the bacon the perfect crispy touch, and the cheese was all melted and perfectly gooey in the best way possible. Loved them so much!
May says
I've tried this before but without sun-dried tomatoes and I have to say the tomatoes were a game changer! I love how the smoked cheddar elevated the dish too! I've only used cream cheese before. I'm so excited to make this again!
Crystal says
the cheese and the jalapeno combo make this dish oh so yum! My friends enjoyed it - totally wiped out the tray!
Holly Coppedge says
I'm so glad to hear it! They are a huge hit in our house too.
Toni says
These were a huge hit at my house!! So good and they are really easy to make!