Go Back
Vegan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

egan Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers — Perfect Party Food

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?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 137
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. Step 1 — Prep the jalapeños
  2. 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.
  3. Step 2 — Make the vegan cheese filling
  4. 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.
  5. Step 3 — Stuff the jalapeños
  6. Use a small spoon to fill each jalapeño half generously. Slightly mound the filling so you get that oozy, melty look after cooking.
  7. Step 4 — Prepare the crispy coating
  8. 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.
  9. Step 5 — Coat the poppers
  10. 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.
  11. Step 6 — Air fry to perfection
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Quick homemade dipping sauce
  15. 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.

Notes

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.