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+ servings

Jalapeño Poppers (Oven or Air Fried)

Golden baked zucchini boats with breadcrumb and cheese topping on a white serving platter.
These Jalapeño Poppers are filled with a creamy cheese mixture, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and can be baked in the oven or cooked in the air fryer. They're an easy appetizer for game day, parties, holidays, and more.
Beth
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Air Fryer 6 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 8 jalapeño peppers
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, sharp, mexican blend...)
  • cup green onions (about 1 scallion)
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • tsp pepper
  • spray oil (such as avocado)

Instructions

  • Wearing gloves, begin by removing the stem from the jalapeño peppers. Use a small knife to loosen it if necessary. Split the pepper in two lengthwise and carefully scrape out the seeds with a spoon. The more you scrape, the less heat the poppers will have. Set aside.
  • Use a sharp knife or clean scissors to cut the green onion into thin slices. In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, shredded cheese and green onions.
  • Spread cheese mixture onto pepper halves. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs on to each popper. Mix garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle over each popper.
  • Spray the tops with a bit of oil to help them crisp up. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an oven preheated to 350º F for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the topping is browned and bubbling.

Air Fryer Alternative:

  • Preheat air fryer to 350º F. Place poppers into basket and cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned and softened. You may have to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños.
  • Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder popper.
  • Spray the panko lightly with oil for the crispiest topping.
  • Try Pepper Jack or cooked bacon for an easy variation.
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Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.

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