Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Cream Cheese

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
• 6-8 oz (170-225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeños and cut off the stems. Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. If you prefer them spicier, you can leave some seeds in.
3. Fill the Jalapeños: Fill each jalapeño half with softened cream cheese. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to make this process easier.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each cream cheese-filled jalapeño half. Secure the bacon with a toothpick by piercing through the end of the bacon slice and the jalapeño.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air Fry: Cook the jalapeños in the preheated air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking. You might want to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve: Once the bacon-wrapped jalapeños are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them as an appetizer or party snack.

Recipe Notes:

• Cream Cheese Variation: Feel free to get creative with the cream cheese filling. You can add grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, or even cooked and crumbled sausage to the cream cheese before filling the jalapeños.
• Handling Jalapeños: Be cautious when handling jalapeños, especially when removing seeds and membranes, as the oils can irritate your skin. It’s recommended to wear disposable gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
• Bacon Selection: You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon for this recipe. Thicker-cut bacon might require slightly longer cooking time.
• Toothpicks: Make sure to soak the toothpicks in water for about 15-20 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
• Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
• Spice Level: Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat of the jalapeños. If you prefer spicier appetizers, you can leave some or all of the seeds and membranes intact.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeños with cream cheese – a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors!

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

Pair your air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeños with delicious dipping sauces to enhance the flavors and provide a cool contrast to the heat. Here are some dipping sauce ideas:

1. Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the spicy jalapeños with its creamy and tangy flavor.
2. Sour Cream and Chive Dip: Mix sour cream with chopped fresh chives, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing dip.
3. Honey Mustard Sauce: Create a sweet and tangy sauce by combining honey and Dijon mustard. Adjust the ratios to achieve your desired balance of flavors.
4. Blue Cheese Dip: Mix crumbled blue cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream, a touch of mayonnaise, and a dash of black pepper for a rich and bold dip.
5. Guacamole: Serve your bacon-wrapped jalapeños with homemade or store-bought guacamole for a creamy and avocado-packed dipping option.
6. Creamy Sriracha Dip: Blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, and a drizzle of Sriracha sauce for a spicy and creamy dip.

Variations and Additions:

• Stuffed with Meat: Instead of or in addition to cream cheese, consider stuffing the jalapeños with cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, or crumbled cooked bacon.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Sweet and Savory: Sprinkle a small amount of brown sugar or honey on top of the cream cheese before wrapping with bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cream cheese before wrapping with bacon.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the cooked bacon-wrapped jalapeños for a tangy and slightly sweet glaze.
• Fruit Salsa: Serve the jalapeños with a fresh fruit salsa made from diced mango, pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño for added kick.
• Cajun Seasoning: Before wrapping with bacon, sprinkle a Cajun seasoning blend over the cream cheese to infuse the jalapeños with a spicy and aromatic flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Even Cooking: If you notice that the bacon-wrapped jalapeños are cooking unevenly in the air fryer, you can rotate the tray or flip them gently halfway through the cooking time.
• Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, you can give the bacon-wrapped jalapeños a quick spray of cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Temperature Adjustment: Air fryers can vary in temperature accuracy, so keep an eye on the cooking process and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed to achieve your desired results.
• Crowding the Basket: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re making a larger batch, cook the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in multiple batches.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and personal preference. Feel free to customize the recipe and variations to suit your taste and enjoy your flavorful air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeños with cream cheese!