{"id":30138,"date":"2023-01-20T08:40:49","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T13:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondflourblog.com\/?p=30138"},"modified":"2025-05-03T12:38:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-03T16:38:30","slug":"air-fryer-jalapeno-poppers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondflourblog.com\/air-fryer-jalapeno-poppers\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers"},"content":{"rendered":"

These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are an easy appetizer recipe to make, and inherently gluten free - though you'd never know it by the taste! <\/p>\n

This is the easiest way to make the perfect spicy appetizer for your next party - and you can choose from 2 coatings!<\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

Note: This recipe was first posted on my original blog, Celebration Generation, on January 13, 2021. It was transferred over to this blog - existing ratings and all - on Feb 25, 2021. Most recently updated on 1\/20\/23.<\/i><\/p>\n

One thing that's difficult about living in Hamilton now is that the restaurant food is *off the charts*, pretty much everywhere.<\/p>\n

I'm covered when it comes to pizza - Mai Pai<\/a> is like... supernaturally good - a Deep Dish pizza that rivals non-GF versions. Pizza Nova<\/a> is a chain, but makes a fantastic thin crust pizza that really is better than most normal thin crust pizzas, etc.<\/p>\n

... but then my husband goes and orders Jalapeno poppers with a meal, and AAAAUGH. <\/p>\n

They looked and smelled fantastic, I\u2019m a sucker for spicy jalapenos, and jalapeno poppers are one of my favorite snacks!<\/p>\n

Obviously I'd have to make my own homemade jalapeno poppers, because that started a spicy snacks craving that wasn't going to go away. <\/p>\n

Also? More excuse to mess around with our new air fryer!<\/p>\n

Spoiler: The air fryer was a GAME CHANGER for us!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

Air Fryer Jalape\u00f1o Poppers<\/h4>\n

While I love poppers, I'm not so big on deep frying. We got rid of our deep fryer when we moved, and I haven't really missed it. <\/p>\n

Then, when the whole 2020 THING got going, we (curbside!) picked up an air fryer, and haven't looked back. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a great option not only for healthy eating, but for cooking in the extreme heat of summer!<\/p>\n

So far, we've mostly done things that weren't wet battered in any way - it\u2019s been a game changer for tater tots, fries, air fryer bacon, that sort of thing. (Air fryer chicken wings are the BEST, btw! Hot air > a lot of oil, IMHO!)<\/p>\n

We hadn\u2019t really played around with any actual air fryer recipes at that point, so making jalapeno poppers made me a bit nervous.<\/p>\n

I've seen comments made about having to secure sandwiches with toothpicks, or that everything would \"just fly around\" in there. <\/p>\n

I had no idea what to expect with something as fragile as a freshly breaded popper.<\/p>\n

Well, my air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe worked out WONDERFULLY... honestly even better than deep frying. I suspect that the air in the air fryer is somewhat less rough on the stuffed jalapenos, than boiling oil. <\/p>\n

They were the perfect poppers - All the crisp, delicious appetizers... without the grease and hassle. Score!<\/p>\n

This is the perfect appetizer for game day, and just a great party appetizer in general.<\/p>\n

Eventually, I\u2019m going to have to convert some of my favorite recipes for deep fried goodies into bunch of easy air fryer recipes.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n

Gluten-Free Coatings<\/h4>\n

When designing my new jalapeno poppers recipe, I couldn't make up my mind on how I wanted to coat them, so I tried both ways. Both turned out fantastic, but both had a bit of caveat attached.<\/p>\n

Here are some notes on each:<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
Gluten-Free Panko BreadCrumbs<\/h5>\n

We loved the flavour and texture of the poppers we coated with Kikkoman's Gluten Free Panko Crumbs<\/a>, with one small note:<\/p>\n

The \"bread crumbs\" in the panko bread crumbs were a bit big for our liking - much bigger then regular breadcrumbs. Since photographing this recipe, I\u2019ve taken to running them through the food processor a bit, so they're a much finer crumb.<\/p>\n

Either way, these are fantastic, crispy breadcrumbs.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Air<\/p>\n

\n
Corn Flake Crumbs<\/h5>\n

The flavour and texture of these ones were amazing also... but corn flake crumbs ended up not being gluten-free here. (I swear I used GF corn flake crumbs at some point?). <\/p>\n

It looks like that will vary between different brands, and even within a brand, in different countries. <\/p>\n

If you are super sensitive to gluten, be sure to check before using corn flakes! <\/p>\n

Otherwise, they're a great wheat-free alternative that even those who don't have an issue with wheat will love. Minimal prep, too!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Air<\/p>\n

\n

Jalape\u00f1o Peppers<\/h4>\n

I like to pick fairly large jalapenos that are straight (not curled), with smooth, unblemished skin.<\/p>\n

Note: I like to wear gloves when cutting these spicy peppers - the jalape\u00f1o juice can BURN! <\/p>\n

Gloves are a great way to avoid some pain later!<\/i><\/p>\n

Cheeses<\/h4>\n

This recipe for the cheesy center uses both (room temperature, for best results!) cream cheese and cheddar cheese.<\/p>\n

Gluten Free Flour<\/h4>\n

For this recipe, the type of GF flour you use... doesn\u2019t really matter much. (Unlike the vast majority of my recipes!).<\/p>\n

We tend to use Cassava Flour<\/a>, Corn Starch<\/a>, Sorghum Flour<\/a>, Light Buckwheat Flour<\/a>, Potato Starch<\/a> ... even Unflavoured Whey Protein Powder<\/a>!<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll usually avoid the rice flours, as there\u2019s not a lot of liquid\/time for them to absorb, and they could end up gritty in this usage.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Everything Else<\/h4>\n

You will also need:<\/p>\n

Eggs
\nCooking spray (I use spray olive oil)
\nSalt and Pepper<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Variations<\/h2>\n

Try Different Cheeses<\/h4>\n

I\u2019m a sucker for the traditional cream cheese and cheddar mix for these, but don\u2019t be afraid to change it up a bit!<\/p>\n

Swapping out some or all of the sharp cheddar cheese for a bit of feta cheese, Colby Jack, Parmesan cheese, or even smoked cheeses or a bit of goat cheese can bring some great flavours to this recipe!<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Add Extra Flavour to the Cream Cheese Filling<\/h4>\n

Want to dress up the filling a bit? Try flavouring it different ways, adding some:<\/p>\n

- Thinly sliced green onion. (I LOVE green onions!)<\/p>\n

- Finely crumble up a crispy bacon slice or 2.<\/p>\n

- Press or finely mince some fresh garlic.<\/p>\n

- Season it with a bit of whatever you like. Some suggestions: <\/p>\n

- Cayenne Pepper<\/a>
\n- Chili Powder<\/a>
\n- Garlic Powder<\/a>
\n- Ground Cumin<\/a>
\n- Hatch Chile Powder<\/a>
\n- Italian Seasoning<\/a>
\n- Onion Powder<\/a>
\n- Paprika<\/a>
\n- Smoked Paprika<\/a>
\n- Smoked Serrano Powder<\/a> <\/div>\n

\n

Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers<\/h4>\n

Looking for a low carb option? <\/p>\n

Try my easy recipes for Smoked Jalapeno Poppers<\/a>, or my Chicken Bacon Ranch Armadillo Eggs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Both feature stuffed jalapenos wrapped with a slice of bacon! <\/p>\n

(Pro tip: Thin cut \/ restaurant cut bacon works better than thick-cut bacon).<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Our Air Fryer<\/h2>\n

As I mentioned in my Honey Jeow Glazed Wings<\/a> post on the main blog, we bought an air fryer back when the whole 2020 thing started up. <\/p>\n

It seemed like a fun way to make some of the frozen foods that we bought - just in case - more palatable.<\/p>\n

We had no idea what type of air fryer to get, so we just picked one with the best price\/ratings combo... AND WE LOVED IT.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 6 Quart by Instant Pot<\/a> is the Air Fryer we purchased, and we love it. <\/p>\n

As of this update in June 2022, we\u2019ve had it - and used it frequently - for over 2 years now. No complaints!<\/p>\n

If I had my time back, I may have ordered this one<\/a> - a size bigger - but we had no idea how much we'd use it, so we weren't really willing to pay more or sacrifice more counter space for it!<\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

How to Make Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers<\/h2>\n

The full recipe - including the full list of ingredients - is in the recipe card at the end of this post. This is a pictorial walk through, with full instructions.<\/i><\/p>\n

Prepare the Jalapenos<\/h4>\n

Fill a medium pot about halfway with water, bring to a boil.<\/p>\n

As water is coming to a boil, slice jalapeno peppers in half - lengthwise - and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs. I HIGHLY recommend using gloves while doing this!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Once water is boiling, add the jalapeno halves and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. (2 for more crisp, 3 more softer).<\/p>\n

A NOTE ON SAFETY: Boiling the jalapenos softens them, and absolutely makes for better poppers... but it can also basically create pepper gas in your kitchen. Don't get too close to the steam, and have a window open, if possible!<\/p>\n

Strain jalapenos, rinse with cold water, blot jalape\u00f1o halves dry with paper towel, and set aside.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

Fill the Jalapeno Poppers<\/h4>\n

In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Combine cream cheese with the cheddar, season with salt and black pepper to taste (You may not need the salt!)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Spoon cream cheese mixture into a pastry bag, cut enough tip off to make a \u00be\" hole.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Generously pipe cheese mixture into each jalapeno half, as shown. <\/p>\n

Place stuffed jalape\u00f1os on a plate - or baking sheet lined with parchment paper - cover with plastic wrap, and chill until cheese firms up.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

Coat the Jalapeno Poppers<\/h4>\n

Place GF flour in a small mixing bowl. In another small bowl, whisk your eggs. Measure your gluten-free crumbs into a third bowl.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

One at a time, dip a jalapeno popper in the egg, gently shaking off excess. <\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Roll it in flour, again shaking off excess. Place each on a parchment lined work surface, as you finish.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Once all have been coated with egg and flour, they need a second coating.<\/p>\n

One at a time, dip in egg. Allow excess egg to drip off, before rolling in crumbs. Return to parchment surface.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Jalapeno<\/p>\n

The poppers can be chilled or frozen at this point, or you can proceed directly to air frying them. <\/p>\n

I like doing the prep work ahead of time, when time allows! <\/p>\n

Sometimes I\u2019ll make them later the same day, sometimes I just like having them in the freezer, ready as an easy spicy snacks!<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Air Fry the Poppers<\/h4>\n

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.<\/p>\n

Spray each popper all over with cooking spray as you arrange them (cheese side up, to start) in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer.<\/p>\n

Be sure to leave plenty of room between each popper for air flow - you will likely need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.<\/p>\n

Air fry your jalapeno poppers for 12-14 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. <\/p>\n

Serve hot, with ranch dressing to dip it in. <\/p>\n

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Best reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

Notes:<\/h4>\n

- Cook time will vary based on your air fryer and the size of your poppers. The number of batches will depend on the size of your air fryer.<\/p>\n

- If you\u2019re cooking them from frozen, add a couple minutes to the cooking time, and flip them over at the halfway point.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n

More Gluten-Free Snacks and Delicious Appetizer Recipes!<\/h2>\n

Looking for even more fantastic gluten-free munchies that *everyone* will love? Look no further, I\u2019ve got some great recipes for you ! <\/p>\n

Ahi Tuna Nachos<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Beaver Tail Recipe<\/a>
\nGluten Free Cheez-Its<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Chicken Nuggets<\/a>
\nGluten Free Chicken Pakora<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Chicken Satay<\/a>
\nGluten Free Corn Dogs<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Doughnut Holes Recipe<\/a>
\nGluten Free Fried Brie<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Gougeres<\/a>
\nGluten Free Mixed Vegetable Pakora<\/a>
\nGluten Free Mushroom Turnovers<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Paneer Pakora<\/a>
\nGluten Free Pizza Bites<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Samosa Recipe<\/a>
\nGluten Free Soft Pretzels<\/a>
\nGluten-Free Sauerkraut Buns [Piroshki]<\/a>
\nGluten Free Tempura<\/a>
\nGreek Layered Dip<\/a>
\nHomemade Mushroom Jerky<\/a>
\nHot Smoky Bacon Crab Dip<\/a>
\nJalapeno Popper Dip<\/a>
\nLoaded Mini Baked Potatoes<\/a>
\nMarinated Feta Cheese<\/a>
\nVegan Tofu Jerky<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

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Share the Love!<\/h2>\n

Before you chow down, be sure to take some pics of your handiwork! If you post it to Bluesky, be sure to tag us - @CelebrationGen<\/a>. We're also on Pinterest<\/a>, so you can save all your favourite recipes to a board!<\/p>\n

Also, be sure to subscribe to my free email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense.<\/p>\n

Finally, if you love this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment, and\/or sharing the link on social media!\n<\/p><\/div>\n

><\/p>\n

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\"A<\/div>\n\t
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5<\/span> from 5<\/span> votes<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, 2 Ways [Gluten Free]<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n
These Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are easy to make and gluten free - though you'd never know it by the taste! Choose from 2 coatings, to suit!<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Prep Time<\/span>10 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Cook Time<\/span>12 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Chilling time<\/span>30 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Total Time<\/span>52 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Course: <\/span>Appetizer, Snack<\/span><\/div>
Cuisine: <\/span>American<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
Servings: <\/span>5<\/span> People<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Calories: <\/span>535<\/span>kcal<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n

Equipment<\/h3>