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Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls with Bacon

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These air fryer jalapeño popper cheese balls with bacon are a crispy, creamy, and spicy party appetizer that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and a gentle jalapeño kick, they’re perfect for game nights, holidays, or any snack craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (about 2 oz) all-purpose flour (sub almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (about 2 oz) panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until crispy. Cool and crumble.
  2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Scoop out 1 tablespoon portions of the mixture and roll into 18-20 balls. Place on a plate or baking sheet. Chill for 10-15 minutes if sticky.
  4. Set up breading stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  5. Roll each cheese ball in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with panko. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step for a double coating.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
  7. Arrange breaded cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Spray tops with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove cheese balls carefully and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Double breading helps prevent cheese leaks and adds crunch. Chill cheese balls before breading if mixture is soft. For gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free panko. You can freeze breaded cheese balls and air fry from frozen (add 2-3 minutes to cook time). Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired spice level. Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or salsa for dipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, jalapeño popper, cheese balls, bacon, appetizer, party snack, easy, spicy, game day, finger food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/air-fryer-jalapeno-popper-cheese-balls-with-bacon-easy-party-appetizer-recipe/