Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers: Your New Favorite Spicy & Cheesy Appetizer

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these incredible Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers! Each bite offers a burst of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness, all encased in a perfectly golden and crispy panko coating. Made effortlessly in your air fryer in just about 7 minutes, these poppers are the ultimate snack for parties, game days, or whenever a craving for something irresistible strikes. They are perfectly pop-able and endlessly addictive.

As major sporting events like the Super Bowl approach, I always find myself inspired to whip up a fresh batch of crowd-pleasing tailgating snacks. While a plate of perfectly grilled wings is always a hit, there’s one appetizer that consistently steals the show: jalapeño poppers!

They hit all the right notes: spicy, incredibly cheesy, and so utterly delicious that it’s almost impossible to stop at just one or two. This recipe takes those classic flavors and infuses them with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

My recipe for these air fryer jalapeño poppers isn’t just simple; it’s a flavor powerhouse. We’re talking three different types of cheese, robust buffalo sauce, a touch of savory onion, and creamy sour cream. This combination creates a rich, complex filling that perfectly balances the heat of the jalapeño. Prepare yourself for a killer combination that you’ll want to devour again and again!

If you’re as obsessed with jalapeño poppers as I am, be sure to also check out our jalapeño popper dip for another take on baked cheesy goodness, perfect for sharing!

Why an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

Air fryers have truly revolutionized home cooking, transforming our favorite snacks and meals into easier, often healthier versions. While I’ll always appreciate a good deep-fried egg roll or wonton, sometimes you want that crave-worthy crispy texture without the hassle, mess, and extra oil associated with deep frying. This is where the air fryer truly shines, especially for jalapeño poppers!

With an air fryer, you only need a light spritz of oil – a fraction of what traditional frying requires. This dramatically reduces the fat content, making your poppers a guilt-free indulgence. The super-heated circulating air cooks the poppers quickly and evenly, creating a wonderfully golden and crispy topping that adds an irresistible textural contrast to the creamy filling. Plus, the speed is unmatched; these poppers are ready in just 7 minutes! That’s a game-changer when you’re preparing for guests or simply want a quick snack. No preheating a large oven or dealing with pots of hot oil – just pure, delicious convenience. BOOM!

Obsessed with all things buffalo? Don’t miss these amazing buffalo chicken tacos for another flavor-packed meal!

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Poppers

Crafting the perfect buffalo jalapeño poppers starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Jalapeño Peppers: These are the star of the show! When choosing your jalapeños, look for firm, bright green peppers without blemishes. Before you begin, you’ll need to halve them lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and inner white membrane. This step is essential for controlling the heat level – most of the capsaicin (which makes them spicy) resides in the seeds and membrane. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling, or even better, wear gloves to avoid any accidental irritation to your eyes or skin!
• Cheeses: Our filling is a decadent blend of three cheeses for maximum flavor and creaminess:
  • Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, this forms the rich, smooth base of our filling, providing that classic creamy popper texture.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds a wonderful, tangy, and robust flavor that cuts through the richness and perfectly complements the buffalo sauce. While regular cheddar works, sharp cheddar truly elevates the taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Included for its incredible meltability and mild, milky flavor, mozzarella brings that irresistible gooey stretch we all love in a good popper, balancing the sharper notes of the cheddar.
• Onion: Instead of garlic, I opt for finely chopped yellow onion in this recipe. I find its slightly sweet and pungent flavor profile harmonizes beautifully with the buffalo sauce and the other cheeses, offering a more nuanced depth of flavor that garlic might overpower.
• Hot Sauce: For that authentic, irresistible buffalo flavor, I consistently reach for Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce. Its signature blend of cayenne peppers and vinegar provides the ideal balance of heat and tanginess. This isn’t a sponsored plug – it’s genuinely my go-to for its unbeatable flavor and perfectly balanced heat! Of course, feel free to use your favorite buffalo-style hot sauce if you have a preferred brand.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: To achieve that enviable golden, extra-crispy topping, panko breadcrumbs are a must. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko has a lighter, flakier texture that results in a much crispier crust when air-fried, without becoming dense or soggy.
• Egg & Sour Cream: An egg helps bind the filling together, while sour cream adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang, enhancing the overall richness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the fantastic flavors in the filling.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for moistening the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they adhere beautifully to the jalapeños and toast up to a perfect golden crisp in the air fryer.

How to Safely Hollow Out Jalapeño Peppers

Properly preparing your jalapeños is key to a great popper. Here’s a simple, safe method for hollowing them out:

1. Start by washing your jalapeño peppers thoroughly.
2. Carefully slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. You can leave the stem intact for aesthetic appeal or remove it if you prefer.
3. Using a small teaspoon or a sharp paring knife, gently but firmly scrape out all the seeds and the white membrane from the inside of each pepper half. This membrane is where most of the heat resides, so removing it will help temper the spiciness for a more enjoyable experience. If you prefer more heat, you can leave a little membrane, but for classic poppers, it’s best to remove it all.
4. Once all peppers are cleaned, place them on a cutting board or plate, ready for filling.

As a crucial reminder: make sure you wash your hands exceptionally well with soap and water after handling the peppers. Capsaicin can linger on your skin, and touching your eyes or face afterwards can cause significant discomfort. If you have particularly sensitive skin or dry hands, wearing kitchen gloves is an excellent way to protect yourself.

For more detailed techniques and professional tips, find out how to seed a jalapeño like a pro.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

You don’t need a lot of specialized gear for these poppers, but having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable:

• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for halving your jalapeños and finely chopping the onion. A sharp knife makes all the difference for precision and safety.
• Small Teaspoon or Paring Knife: Crucial for carefully scraping out the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño peppers. A smaller tool gives you better control.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl, like one from a set of metal mixing bowls, is perfect for combining all the filling ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula or Regular Spoon: For thoroughly mixing the creamy filling until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
• Shallow Plate or Bowl: Ideal for spreading out the panko breadcrumbs for easy coating of the jalapeño halves.
• Air Fryer: Of course! This is the star appliance. I personally love and use the Instant Pot Air Fryer attachment, but any air fryer model you own will work wonderfully. Different models may have slight variations in cooking time or basket size, so get to know your appliance.
• Tongs: Super handy for carefully placing the jalapeño poppers into the air fryer basket and removing them once they’re perfectly golden and crispy. This helps prevent burns and keeps the coating intact.
• Cooking Spray (optional): A light mist of cooking spray on the air fryer basket can prevent sticking and contribute to an even crispier exterior.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers (Step-by-Step)

Get ready to whip up these sensational poppers in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Buffalo Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the filling: the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, finely chopped yellow onion, egg, sour cream, Frank’s RedHot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until it’s completely smooth and well combined. The key to an effortlessly smooth filling is ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start – it makes mixing infinitely easier and prevents lumps!

Step 2: Fill the Peppers and Coat with Panko

Take each hollowed-out jalapeño pepper half and generously fill it with the creamy buffalo cheese mixture. I like to use the back of a spoon to really pack the filling in, ensuring each popper is bursting with flavor. Once filled, melt your unsalted butter and combine it with the panko breadcrumbs in a small, shallow bowl. Stir until the panko is evenly moistened by the butter. Then, gently press the cheese-filled side of each jalapeño half into the prepared breadcrumbs, ensuring they are coated with a generous, even layer. This buttery panko crust is what will give them their incredible golden crispness!

Once coated, arrange the filled poppers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. For best results and to prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the basket with a quick spray of cooking spray before adding the poppers.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Cook the jalapeño poppers in the air fryer at 375˚F (190˚C) for 7 minutes. The exact cooking time might vary slightly based on your air fryer model and the size of your peppers, so keep an eye on them. They should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the cheese filling should be bubbly. It’s crucial not to overcrowd your air fryer basket; always cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of jalapeños you’re making, you will likely need to cook these in batches. For instance, I usually do mine in about 3 to 4 batches, adjusting based on the size of the jalapeño peppers I purchase.

*Important Note on Air Fryer Preheating: For some air fryers, it is recommended to preheat before cooking to ensure consistent temperatures from the start. If your air fryer manual suggests this, do so at the very beginning of your prep work so your appliance is ready to go when you are. However, I personally use the Instant Pot Air Fryer attachment and have found that preheating is not always a necessary step for achieving excellent results with these poppers.*

What to Serve with Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate party food, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of other appetizers and drinks. Whenever I’m serving these, it’s usually for a festive gathering, whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ, a lively game day party, or a tailgating event. Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve alongside these spicy, cheesy bites:

• Wings, Wings, Wings! You can never go wrong with more wings. These crispy Korean BBQ chicken wings are a huge fan favorite, offering a sweet and savory contrast to the buffalo poppers. For a more traditional pairing, consider super crispy air fryer chicken wings for juicy, tender results.
• More Jalapeño Goodness: Double down on that irresistible jalapeño flavor with this gooey jalapeño cream cheese dip. It’s an easy, creamy side dish that complements the poppers perfectly and adds another layer of cheesy indulgence to your appetizer spread.
• Other Air Fryer Treats: Expand your air fryer repertoire with these air fryer pizza bombs – they’re cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, offering a different flavor profile that still appeals to all ages.
• The Ultimate Snack Board: These jalapeño poppers also make a fantastic addition to my ultimate tailgating snack board. This creative take on a charcuterie board is filled with all your favorite game day snacks, creating an impressive and delicious centerpiece for any party.
• Vegetarian Options: For your meatless guests or just to offer a different texture, baked crispy buffalo cauliflower makes a fun and flavorful pairing with a similar spicy kick.
• Refreshing Drinks: Don’t forget the beverages! For larger gatherings, I’m always a fan of big-batch options. Try this unique chile beer sangria any time of year for a surprising and spicy twist, or a vibrant vodka strawberry lemonade for warmer weather. For early morning games or brunches, a refreshing mezcal paloma punch hits the spot.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers are still incredibly delicious, though they are best enjoyed fresh. To keep them at their prime, follow these storage and reheating guidelines:

• Storage: Allow any cooked poppers to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and safe to eat.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To bring back that glorious crispy topping, reheating in the oven is your best bet. Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Place the refrigerated poppers in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tops are crispy once more. For an extra golden and bubbly top, you can even switch on the broiler for the last minute or so – but watch them very carefully to prevent burning!
• Avoid Microwave: While you technically can reheat them in the microwave, it will make the breading soft and lose its crisp texture. The oven method is highly recommended for maintaining quality.
• Freezing (Uncooked): If you want to prepare these ahead of time for future enjoyment, you can freeze them before cooking. Assemble the poppers as directed, but do not air fry. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. When ready to cook, you can air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and heated through.

Can I Make These in the Oven Instead?

Absolutely! No air fryer? No problem at all. You can still enjoy these delicious Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers by baking them in a traditional oven. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to a slightly higher temperature than the air fryer, around 425˚F (220˚C). The higher heat helps achieve a nice crisp exterior.
2. Prepare Poppers: Follow the recipe instructions for preparing the filling, halving the jalapeños, and coating them with the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Ensure they are not touching for even baking.
4. Bake: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the tops are golden brown, the jalapeños are tender-crisp, and the cheese filling is hot and bubbly. The exact time will depend on your oven and the size of your peppers.
5. Serve Warm: Just like with the air-fried version, these are best served warm straight from the oven.

While the air fryer offers unparalleled crispiness and speed, the oven method still yields incredibly flavorful and satisfying jalapeño poppers that your guests (or just you!) will absolutely love.

Air Fryer Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers

The crispy golden topping makes these poppers better than any you’ve had before!

Prep Time:
10 minutes mins

Cook Time:
14 minutes mins

Total Time:
24 minutes mins

Servings:
24 poppers

5 from 1 vote

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Equipment

• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Air Fryer
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
• Small Teaspoon or Paring Knife
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/4 lb shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
• 3 Tbsp sour cream
• 3 Tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 12 large jalapeno peppers stemmed, seeded and halved
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp melted unsalted butter

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, mix together cheddar, mozzarella, onion, egg, softened cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well-combined and smooth.
• Fill each jalepeño half generously with the cheese mixture, packing it in with the back of a spoon.
• In a small wide shallow bowl, stir together panko and melted butter until the breadcrumbs are moistened. Dip the jalapeños, cheese-filled side down, in the crumbs to coat evenly.
• Add to the air fryer in an even, single layer (lightly spray basket with cooking spray if desired). Cook for 7 minutes at 375˚F (190˚C). You will likely have to cook these in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Make sure to only load your air fryer with enough to be in a single layer – do not layer them on top of each other!
• Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, spicy goodness!

Cuisine:
Tailgating

Category:
Appetizer