Looking for a slight twist on classic jalapeño poppers? These Pimento Cheese Jalapeno Poppers are the ultimate Southern party appetizer. Made with creamy, flavorful pimento cheese and spicy jalapeños, they're air-fried for a light, crispy finish. Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress with a tasty and unique dish!
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and pairing it with jalapeños adds a bold kick that takes this recipe to the next level. Not only are these poppers a breeze to make, but they also are the perfect appetizer for cheering on your favorite football team!
If you're a fan of spice, try our buffalo chicken bombs or baked pimento cheese dip for another delicious game day snack!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Southern flavor twist: The pimento cheese is the "caviar of the South", so it will add a rich, creamy Southern flair to classic jalapeño poppers.
- Quick & easy: Made in the air fryer, these poppers come together quickly without much prep time. It's an easy way to make a delicious appetizer that tastes like you spent hours on it!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it's game day, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, these bite-sized snacks are sure to be a hit. They're fun, customizable, and perfect for sharing!
If you need one more easy appetizer for game day, my cheese sausage balls (without bisquick) bake up perfectly golden and always disappear fast.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make delicious pimento cheese bombs!
- Jalapeños: Fresh and firm jalapeños are key for the best texture. Choose ones that are smooth, glossy, and bright green. Larger jalapeños are easier to stuff.
- Pimento Cheese: You can use store-bought pimento cheese for convenience, but if you have the time, homemade pimento cheese can really add to the overall flavor.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Instructions
Step 1: Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon.
Step 2: Stuff each jalapeño half generously with pimento cheese.
Step 3: Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Step 4: Air fry for 10-15 minutes on 375°F, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- If you don't have pimento cheese on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a similar creamy texture. Goat cheese would also be a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.
- For a savory twist, wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a piece of bacon before air frying!
- Swap the pimento cheese for a dairy-free cheese spread to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- If you prefer a milder heat, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. If you enjoy more heat, leave some of the seeds in for a spicy kick!
Tips For Best Results
- If you are sensitive to spice or heat, wear plastic gloves while handling the jalapeños. This will protect your skin from irritation.
- Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and membrane from the jalapeños to control the heat level and make room for the pimento cheese filling.
- Overfilling the pimento cheese jalapeno poppers can cause the cheese to spill out during cooking, so be mindful when stuffing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store any leftover pimento cheese jalapeno poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent the jalapeños from becoming too soggy, allow them to cool completely before storing them.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pimento cheese poppers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up. You can also reheat them in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the jalapeños soft and the cheese rubbery.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, stuffed jalapeños. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, place them in the air fryer directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ
Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the poppers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes on a sheet pan or until the jalapeños are tender and the pimento cheese is bubbly and golden.
For an even more flavor, try dipping your poppers in red pepper jelly, sweet chili sauce, or buttermilk ranch!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pimento Cheese Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Spoon for scooping out jalapeño membranes
- Plastic gloves optional, for handling jalapeños if sensitive to spice
- Baking sheet if using oven
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapenos
- 1 cup pimento cheese store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon.
- Stuff each jalapeño half generously with pimento cheese.
- Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes on 375°F, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you're sensitive to spice, wearing plastic gloves while prepping the jalapeños can help prevent skin irritation.
- These poppers pair well with sweet and spicy dips like raspberry jam or sweet chili sauce, which complement the cheesy and spicy flavors.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily make these in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Tayolor S says
The flavor is amazing on these!!