Remember that air fryer you bought ages ago that you never really use? It’s time to take it out of storage and dust it off because I’ve got a variety of recipes that will make you remember why you were excited about it in the first place!
My low-carb Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers recipe is the perfect healthy spin on the deep-fried poppers that you normally get served at restaurants. They are full of the same flavor and amazing texture you’ve come to love, but without the carbs that you don’t need.
Jalapeno peppers are the star of this recipe. They are non-starchy and provide a wide range of micronutrient vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and vitamin E.
Jalapeno peppers are also a good source of the antioxidant carotenoid capsaicin, which has anti-obesity properties due to its thermogenic effect (*). It works by “heating up” your metabolism so you burn more calories.
According to one study, capsaicin may help reduce the desire to eat fatty, sweet, and salty foods. It also reduces the desire to eat food overall and helps promote greater satiety after meals. Lastly, capsaicin helps improve cardiovascular and metabolic health (*).
This recipe also calls for cream cheese and cheddar cheese, which are high in protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Cheese and peppers are combined with bacon for a salty, creamy, and crunchy texture.
Be sure to look for a brand of bacon that is as minimally processed as possible. It should come from organic, pasture-raised sources and be free from antibiotics, hormones, nitrates, added sugars, and preservatives.
Traditional jalapeno poppers are often breaded and deep-fried in unhealthy oils. This recipe is incredibly light and delicious, thanks to the use of the air fryer. Plus, there is no breading or gluten required!
Serve these with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos in Air Fryer
Cut the jalapenos in half long-wise. Use a spoon to clean the seeds out from inside.
Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, bacon, and sea salt in a bowl and mix well. You can use Philadelphia cream cheese for this. For more flavors, feel free to sprinkle a little bit of onion powder and garlic powder in this mixture.
Add the cream cheese filling to each jalapeno pepper half. This is similar to our ground beef stuffed jalapenos.
Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F. Grease the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the stuffed poppers in the air fryer. Cook for 7 minutes.
Serve sprinkled with crushed bacon and your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
More Low Carb Jalapeno Poppers Recipes You Can Try:
- Instant Pot Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
- Keto Jalapeno Beef Rouladen
- Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Keto Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape off the ribs and seeds.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, crushed bacon, and sea salt.
- Fill each jalapeno half with the prepared cheese mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 370F. Grease an air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange stuffed jalapeno halves inside in a single layer. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Serve sprinkled with some more crushed bacon.
Video
Nutrition/Macros
FAQ
Are jalapenos keto approved?
Yes, jalapeños are keto-approved due to their low carb content, making them a suitable addition to a ketogenic diet. Always monitor portion sizes to ensure staying within daily carb limits.
How many net carbs do jalapeños have?
Jalapeños typically have around 0.5 grams of net carbs per medium-sized pepper (about 14 grams).
At what temperature and for how long should I cook jalapeno poppers in an air fryer?
Cook jalapeño poppers in an air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust time as needed based on popper size and air fryer model.
Is Philadelphia cream cheese OK for keto?
Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese is keto-friendly due to its high fat and low carb content. It’s a popular choice for many on the ketogenic diet. However, it’s always a good idea to check the nutritional label for specific carb counts and to ensure there are no added sugars or fillers.
