Extra spicy jalapeño poppers are quickly air fried, making them a perfect game day snack!! Unlike many other jalapeño popper recipes, there is no bacon or other meat. Should you want to add bacon, simply cook a crumble the bacon prior to adding the second layer of cheese.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

For Christmas, I bought my husband an air fryer in an attempt to get the king of “unhealthy, fast food is the best food” eating into the routine of eating (somewhat) healthier. After researching high and low, I settled on a mid-range air fryer, utterly not sure whether or not he would actually use it.

He uses the darn thing several times a week. Can I safely consider him addicted to air frying?

While jalapeño poppers hold a space near and dear to my heart (hello 20’s and my favorite drunk food), the husband person wanted to make something a little healthier than the fried and breaded versions I loved—or the lazy way out version prepared by a grocery store and sold in the deli department.

This crazy air fryer makes me feel totally guilty for not taking the time to make my own jalapeño poppers from scratch (seriously, how many actual ingredients and no fancy preservatives, artificial coloring or flavors are in this screw-up proof recipe?) and for having been resistant to getting an air fryer at all.

This fun appetizer is just perfect to place on your game day spread, or for a quick “when’s dinner, oh I can’t wait an hour I’m starving to death” situation. It’s easy enough that older kids could put it together (but warn them about the hazard of working with hot peppers and accidentally touching your eye), or even your kitchen-illiterate husband.

My husband’s recipe calls for three ingredients, plus just a teeny tiny bit of olive oil. Grated pepper jack cheese, jalapeño cream cheese and a cut in half lengthwise with seeds and spines removed fresh jalapeño. Honestly, that’s all there is to it.

Check out these other Game Day Air Fryer appetizers from other amazing bloggers!

Harissa Orange Chicken Wings with Tahini Ranch via Paleoish Krista

Fried Macaroni & Cheese Bites via Thrifty Jinxy

Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers + Grill Version via Recipes From a Pantry

Crispy Fried Pickles via Cadry’s Kitchen

Potato Fritter Sliders via Poping Pot Curry

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers via Veggies Save the Day

Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce via Platings and Pairings

Keto Low Carb Fried Chicken via Wholesome Yum

Wontons 3 Ways via Carmmy

Air Fryer Tacos via Vegan Huggs

Honey Sriracha BBQ Wings via What By The Wayside

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings via Recipezazz

Air fryer buffalo cauliflower via Berry & Maple

Smokey Maple Roasted Chickpeas via Fab Food 4 All

Air Fryer Paleo Meatloaf Sliders via Whole Food Bellies

Air Fryer Spiralized Garlic French Fries via As For Me and My Homestead