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–+ servings
Healthy Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Jalapeno poppers on an oblong white plate

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
These Jalapeno Poppers are a spin on the classic. The addition of butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and more veggies!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 177 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • measuring spoons
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 8 jalapenos
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup frozen butternut squash, thawed and mashed
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 8 tsp shredded cheddar cheese, divided you will use 1/2 tsp cheddar cheese on each popper
  • 4 strips no nitrite bacon, cut into 4 pieces

Instructions
 

Prepare the Jalapenos

  • Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed butternut squash, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

Fill the Jalapenos

  • Spoon the cream cheese and butternut squash mixture into each jalapeno half, ensuring they are well-filled.
  • Top jalapeno and filling with 1/2 tsp shredded cheddar cheese then top with a piece of bacon.

Air frying

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
  • Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapenos are tender.

Serve

  • Carefully remove the jalapeno poppers from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To make Vegan or Dairy Free: Swap Cream Cheese with Cashew Cream or a Vegan Cream Cheese. Swap Cheddar cheese by mixing in nutritional yeast to Vegan Cream cheese swap. Omit bacon. Top with diced chives and paprika after cooking.
To make Vegetarian: Omit bacon and top with diced chives and paprika after cooking. 
This recipe is Gluten and Grain Free, Soy Free, and Peanut/Nut Free.
Option to serve with some Greek yogurt or sour cream as an easy dipping sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 268mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2446IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword appetizer, healthy
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