There’s something about the crunch of a perfectly cooked jalapeño popper that just hits different, especially when it’s filled with a creamy shrimp mixture rather than the usual cheese alone. I remember the first time I tried making these; the air fryer was still kind of new to me, and I wasn’t sure if the shrimp would cook through without drying out. I might have peeked a few times during the cooking—okay, maybe more than a few. But the moment I bit into one, the contrast caught me off guard in the best way. The shrimp was tender and juicy, mingling with the cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all wrapped in that crispy, golden panko crust. The slight smoky paprika and the subtle heat from the jalapeño made every bite pop. I wasn’t great at removing every seed at first, so some bites came with a surprising extra kick, which honestly made things more exciting.
These poppers quickly became my go-to for casual get-togethers or whenever a craving for something savory and indulgent struck. The best part? They’re ready in under half an hour, which means less time fussing and more time enjoying.
- They bring a satisfying crunch and creamy filling that feels indulgent but isn’t a deep-fried mess.
- Using the air fryer means a faster cook time and less oil, but the texture is still spot on.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or weird ingredients here.
- There’s a little bit of heat, but you can always adjust how much of the jalapeño’s seeds you leave in to control it.
- They’re versatile enough to work as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re worried about the shrimp or haven’t cooked with seafood much, don’t sweat it. The shrimp cooks quickly in the air fryer and stays tender when mixed with the creamy cheese. Just trust the timing and don’t rush peeling the jalapeños—getting that filling right is worth the little extra prep.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A delicious twist on classic jalapeño poppers, stuffed with a creamy shrimp filling and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Perfect as an appetizer or snack!
Ingredients
12 large fresh 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 each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or knife. Set aside.
Chop the raw shrimp into small pieces.
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 well until fully incorporated.
Fill each jalapeño half evenly with the shrimp and cheese mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Dip each stuffed jalapeño half into the egg wash, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the stuffed jalapeño poppers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not touch.
Spray the tops of the poppers lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully remove the poppers from the air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Once you’ve got your air fryer ready, you don’t need anything fancy to make these poppers. Just a basic wire rack or basket and a little patience while you stuff those jalapeño halves. They’re great served straight from the air fryer, but I sometimes like to pair them with a cooling dip—something simple like ranch or a squeeze of fresh lime to balance the heat.
If you want to mix it up, I’ve wondered how they’d be with a little bacon folded into the filling or swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack for extra spice. I haven’t tried all the variations, but a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top feels like a good idea. And for a milder version, you can swap the jalapeños for mini sweet peppers, though you’ll lose some of that signature kick.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the filling and stuff the jalapeños earlier, but air fry them fresh for the best crunch. Leftovers are fine but won’t be quite as crispy after reheating.
How spicy are these? It depends on how many seeds and membranes you leave in. Removing most of them will tone down the heat significantly.
Can I freeze these? I haven’t tried freezing them, but I imagine freezing before air frying might work better than after, then cook straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Ready to try something a little different that’s quick and delicious? These Air Fryer Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers are waiting for you. Grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking.