These Jalapeño and Sweet Pepper Poppers are a bold and satisfying snack, perfectly balancing spicy jalapeños, sweet peppers, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy cheese blend. Cooked in the air fryer until golden and bubbling, they make a fantastic appetizer or quick indulgence for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers everything you want in a snack: flavor, texture, and just the right amount of spice. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and seasoned sausage offers a rich, comforting bite. Air frying makes the peppers tender and the filling perfectly crisped on top, without the heaviness of deep-frying. These poppers are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 jalapeños
- 2 red sweet peppers
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, browned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the jalapeños and sweet peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, browned sausage, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Fill each pepper half with the cheese and sausage mixture, pressing it in firmly.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add finely chopped mushrooms or black beans for a meat-free option.
- Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Bacon Wrap: Wrap each stuffed pepper with a half slice of bacon before air frying for extra richness.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or in the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the peppers soggy.
FAQs
Can I use only jalapeños or only sweet peppers?
Yes, you can use either type exclusively depending on your spice preference.
How spicy are these poppers?
Jalapeños provide moderate heat, but the cream cheese balances it. Sweet peppers are mild and offer a sweeter bite.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and air fry when ready to serve.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage adds rich flavor, but you can also use breakfast sausage or chorizo for variation.
Can I freeze the poppers?
It’s best to freeze them before air frying. Assemble, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch dressing, sour cream, or a smoky chipotle mayo pair excellently with these poppers.
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes, they are low in carbs, especially when made without sweet peppers or with fewer.
Can I grill these instead of air frying?
Yes, place them on a grill-safe tray and cook over medium heat until the filling is bubbling and the peppers are soft.
What’s the best way to handle spicy jalapeños?
Wear gloves when slicing and deseeding, and avoid touching your face during prep.
Conclusion
Jalapeño and Sweet Pepper Poppers are an irresistible blend of heat, sweetness, and creamy richness. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, game day, or just a flavorful snack, they offer bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Simple, fast, and endlessly customizable, these poppers are sure to become a go-to favorite.
PrintJalapeño and Sweet Pepper Poppers
These spicy and creamy Jalapeño and Sweet Pepper Poppers are loaded with a flavorful cream cheese mixture, browned Italian sausage, and cheddar, air fried to crispy perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 jalapeños
- 2 red sweet peppers
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, browned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the jalapeños and sweet peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, browned Italian sausage, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the filling is smooth.
- Stuff the pepper halves with the cream cheese mixture, pressing it into the peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Remove the poppers from the air fryer and serve warm as a tasty snack.
Notes
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- For a milder version, use only sweet peppers.
- You can substitute sausage with a plant-based version for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg