Crispy, spicy jalapeño poppers that go from prep to plate in 30 minutes — and yes, they work beautifully in the air fryer. These poppers deliver that gooey-cheesy vibe without dairy, so vegans and snack lovers both win. Ready to impress your guests?
I make these for game nights and last-minute get-togethers because they look fussy but come together fast. Want crunchy shells, melty filling, and no soggy bottoms? Air fryer for the win. FYI, they freeze well, too — hooray for make-ahead party hacks.
Vegan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe info (quick facts)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 poppers
- Estimated Calories: ~137 kcal per popper (approximate; varies by brands)
Why make these in a Vegan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers air fryer?
Air frying gives you crispy, golden breadcrumbs with far less oil than deep frying. The air fryer also cooks poppers evenly so the cheese melts without the veggie collapsing. Want a healthier party snack that still feels indulgent? This method nails it. Ever tried making these and ended up with soggy breadcrumbs? The air fryer fixes that.
Ingredients (vegan-friendly substitutions included)
For the Poppers:
- 10 fresh jalapeños, halved and deseeded
- 4 oz vegan cream cheese, softened (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan mozzarella
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use vegan panko)
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter or neutral oil
- 1/4 cup vegan grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for nuttiness)
For Quick Dipping Sauce (vegan):
- 1/4 cup vegan yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bold note: Swap cheeses for any vegan brands you trust. Different brands change texture and calories slightly.
Equipment (keep it simple)
- Air fryer (basket-style or drawer) — essential for the crispest results
- Baking sheet (if you choose oven method)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or small cookie scoop for stuffing
- Sharp knife and small spoon for deseeding jalapeños
- Measuring spoons/cups
Tip: Use an immersion blender only if you plan to whip up a smooth sauce. Otherwise, a bowl and a whisk do fine.
Full method — step by step Vegan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1 — Prep the jalapeños
Wash and dry the jalapeños. Slice each pepper lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes with a small spoon. Lay halves cut-side up on a tray. If you want more heat, leave a few seeds in. Simple.
Step 2 — Make the vegan cheese filling
In a mixing bowl, combine vegan cream cheese, vegan cheddar, vegan mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. The filling should feel spreadable but firm enough to mound.
Step 3 — Stuff the jalapeños
Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeño half generously. Slightly mound the filling so you get that oozy, melty look after cooking.
Step 4 — Prepare the crispy coating
In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted vegan butter, and vegan Parmesan (or nutritional yeast). Toss until the crumbs absorb the butter and look evenly coated.
Step 5 — Coat the poppers
Sprinkle or press the breadcrumb mix over each stuffed jalapeño. Press gently so the crumbs adhere to the cheese. Don’t over-press; you want a loose, crunchy texture.
Step 6 — Air fry to perfection
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the basket, cut-side up, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry 8–10 minutes, or until the crumbs turn golden and the filling bubbles. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 7 minutes. Remove and cool for a couple minutes before serving.
Oven option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra crunch.
Quick homemade dipping sauce
While the poppers cook, whisk together vegan yogurt, vegan mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill briefly. This sauce cuts the heat and adds tang.
Serving suggestions & party tips
- Serve hot with the dipping sauce and lime wedges.
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole on the side for creaminess.
- Pair with vegan ranch, salsa, or chipotle aioli for variety.
- Present on a platter with toothpicks — these poppers look great and disappear fast.
Party hack: Keep a warm oven at low heat (200°F) and place finished poppers there in a single layer to keep crisp while you finish batches.
Try This Easy And Testy Recipe:-
Best Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup Made in Crockpot
Easy Air Fryer Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Potatoes
Vegetarian Carbonara with Oyster Mushrooms: Perfect Meatless Dinner
Nutrition & calories
You asked for calories, so here you go. Using the provided numbers and vegan swaps, each popper runs about ~137 kcal. That estimate depends on your vegan cheese brand and whether you use oil vs. vegan butter. If you want precise macros, weigh your specific brands and calculate with an app. IMO, these poppers make a reasonable treat for party snacking.
Storage & make-ahead
- Make ahead (stuffed, not cooked): Fill peppers and store them in the fridge on a tray covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Air fry right before guests arrive for best texture.
- Leftovers (cooked): Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
- Freeze: Freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Pro tip: The coating crisps best when you avoid stacking poppers before cooking.
Variations & swaps (keep it creative)
- Vegan sausage crumbles: Mix a tablespoon into the filling for a savory hit.
- Sweet & smoky: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the filling for contrast.
- Gluten-free: Use gf panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Cheesy-less: For nut-free or lower-fat versions, substitute mashed white beans blended with nutritional yeast and spices.
Ever thought jalapeño poppers could be a blank canvas? They truly are.
How these compare: air-fried vs baked vs deep-fried
- Air fryer: Crispy with less oil, quick, and consistent. I prefer this for parties.
- Oven-baked: Great for large batches, slightly less crisp than air fryer. Use broil to finish.
- Deep-fried: Ultra-crispy but heavy and oil-intense. Save for indulgence nights.
Short verdict: I pick the air fryer 9 times out of 10 because it gives the best crunch-to-effort ratio. No debate.
Troubleshooting (real kitchen problems & fixes)
- Filling oozes out? Don’t overfill. Press a bit of filling inward and tap off excess crumbs.
- Crumbs burn before cheese melts? Lower the temp by 10–15°F and add a minute or two.
- Poppers stick to basket? Spray the basket lightly with oil or use parchment liners approved for air fryers.
Final thoughts (short & punchy)
These vegan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers deliver party-level crunch, melty filling, and a spicy kick — all without dairy. They look fancy, taste indulgent, and take just 30 minutes from zero to served. Who knew plant-based poppers could steal the snack table?
So, are you hosting or just snacking solo? Either way, make a batch and watch them vanish. Want a printable recipe card or a cheese-free filling alternative? I got you 🙂.
egan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers — Perfect Party Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1 — Prep the jalapeños
- Wash and dry the jalapeños. Slice each pepper lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes with a small spoon. Lay halves cut-side up on a tray. If you want more heat, leave a few seeds in. Simple.
- Step 2 — Make the vegan cheese filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine vegan cream cheese, vegan cheddar, vegan mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. The filling should feel spreadable but firm enough to mound.
- Step 3 — Stuff the jalapeños
- Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeño half generously. Slightly mound the filling so you get that oozy, melty look after cooking.
- Step 4 — Prepare the crispy coating
- In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted vegan butter, and vegan Parmesan (or nutritional yeast). Toss until the crumbs absorb the butter and look evenly coated.
- Step 5 — Coat the poppers
- Sprinkle or press the breadcrumb mix over each stuffed jalapeño. Press gently so the crumbs adhere to the cheese. Don’t over-press; you want a loose, crunchy texture.
- Step 6 — Air fry to perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the basket, cut-side up, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry 8–10 minutes, or until the crumbs turn golden and the filling bubbles. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 7 minutes. Remove and cool for a couple minutes before serving.
- Oven option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra crunch.
- Quick homemade dipping sauce
- While the poppers cook, whisk together vegan yogurt, vegan mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill briefly. This sauce cuts the heat and adds tang.