Jalapeño Poppers
Hot, crispy, and perfect for your game day spread. These Jalapeño Poppers are dairy-free, party-tested, and no one will guess.
Fresh jalapeño halves are stuffed with a chive and onion cream cheese spread, cheddar shreds, and smoky spices, topped with panko, and air fried until golden and crunchy.
Why You’ll Love These Jalapeño Poppers
- Dairy-free: but just as creamy and cheesy.
- Air fryer crispy: done in 8 minutes.
- Game day ready: easy to make in big batches.
- Adjustable heat: soak the peppers for a milder bite.
Jalapeño Poppers Ingredients
Fresh Jalapeños
Halved and deseeded.
Daiya Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread
The creamy, savory filling.
Daiya Cheddar Shreds
Melty dairy-free cheese.
Garlic Powder and Smoked Paprika
For savory, smoky flavor.
Panko and Chives
Crunchy topping and fresh garnish.
Good to Know: These poppers are dairy-free and vegetarian. Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Halve and deseed the jalapeños.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Mix the cream cheese spread, cheddar shreds, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and panko.
Step 3: Stuff and Chill
Stuff the jalapeños, top with extra panko, and chill for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry
Air fry at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes until crispy. Garnish with chives.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Wear gloves. Jalapeño oils can burn your skin and eyes.
- Chill before cooking. It helps the filling stay put.
- Spray lightly. A little oil makes the panko extra crispy.
- Soak for less heat. Cold water after deseeding tames the spice.
Make It Your Own
- Bacon wrapped: Wrap with bacon or turkey bacon.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Classic dairy: Use regular cream cheese and cheddar.
- Ranch: Add a little ranch seasoning to the filling.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Stuff the jalapeños up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Air fry right before serving.
What to Serve With Jalapeño Poppers
Serve with ranch, salsa, or a dairy-free dip, plus wings, sliders, and chips for the full game day spread.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked poppers and air fry from frozen.
What People Ask About Dairy-Free Jalapeño Poppers
Can I make jalapeño poppers ahead of time?
Yes. Stuff them a day ahead and cook before serving.
How do I make them less spicy?
Remove all seeds and ribs and soak in cold water.
Can I bake them?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
Are they really dairy-free?
Yes, with dairy-free spread and shreds.
Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
Method
- Halve and deseed the jalapeños.
- Mix the cream cheese spread, cheddar shreds, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and panko together.
- Stuff the jalapeño halves with the mixture and top with extra panko.
- Chill the stuffed jalapeños in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Air fry at 375°F for 7–8 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives, serve with a dip, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the jalapeños lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
- If you prefer less heat, soak the jalapeños in cold water after deseeding to reduce spiciness.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
