There’s something about that late-night craving for a snack that’s both satisfying and a little indulgent. These air fryer shrimp jalapeño poppers fit the bill perfectly. The moment I pulled that first golden, crispy popper from the air fryer, the mix of creamy shrimp filling and the faint heat from the jalapeño hit all the right notes. The kitchen smelled faintly smoky and spicy, while the outside crunch gave way to a soft, flavorful center. It’s not quite a fancy appetizer, but it’s far from boring—and honestly, a little messy as I tried to resist the urge to eat them all at once. Somewhere between the crisp coating and the tender shrimp, I found myself wishing I had made more.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick to make and cooks fast, perfect for when you want something tasty without a long wait.
- The air fryer delivers crispiness without deep frying, so you get crunch without the extra grease.
- The shrimp and cream cheese filling is creamy and rich but balanced by the fresh kick of jalapeño.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. These poppers don’t try to be fancy, they just deliver flavor.
- Keep in mind, the heat level is real but manageable if you remove the seeds carefully.
If you’re worried about the spice, you can always tweak the amount of jalapeño or try milder peppers. The balance of textures makes these poppers a crowd-pleaser, even if your guests vary in their heat tolerance.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and spicy air fryer shrimp jalapeño poppers are a perfect appetizer with a crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful shrimp filling. Quick to prepare and easy to cook in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic snack.
Ingredients
8 large jalapeño peppers
8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or knife, keeping the stems intact.
Chop the raw shrimp into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fill each jalapeño half with the shrimp and cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
Dip each stuffed jalapeño half first into the egg wash, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the jalapeño poppers in a single layer without overcrowding.
Spray the tops of the poppers lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the jalapeños are tender and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes: The air fryer really makes this recipe shine—no need for complicated equipment, just a simple basket and a bit of patience. I usually serve these with a cooling dip, something like a plain yogurt or a mild ranch, to soften the spice a bit. For a twist, I’ve tried swapping the shrimp for crab or even diced chicken, though the shrimp’s texture feels just right. You could also experiment with different cheeses, but sharp cheddar brings a nice tang that cuts through the richness. One time, I forgot to spray the poppers before air frying, and they were still good, just not as crispy on top—something to keep in mind if you’re in a rush.
FAQ:
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just make sure they’re covered well.
How spicy are these? They carry a moderate heat, thanks to the jalapeños. Removing the seeds cuts down the heat quite a bit, so adjust according to your taste.
Can I bake instead of air fry? You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same—air frying gives that crisp crunch without drying out the filling.
If you’re tempted to try something new tonight, these shrimp jalapeño poppers in the air fryer are a solid choice. Give them a shot, and save some for later—you’ll want to revisit these flavors again soon.