Air-Fried Jalapeño Popper Bites

COOK TIME: 30 min
SERVES: 6-12

Spice up your appetizer game with these crispy, cheesy jalapeño poppers, each stuffed with a savory Simek’s Angus meatball. Perfect for game day or entertaining, these air-fried bites are packed with bold flavors, from the rich filling of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese to the crunchy panko coating. Paired with a tangy yogurt-based dip, this easy-to-make recipe will be a hit at any gathering.

INGREDIENTS

Meatball-Stuffed Jalapenos:

12 Simek’s Angus Beef Meatballs
6 large jalapenos (halved and seeds removed)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray (for air frying)

Tangy Dip:

1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Jalapeños:
1. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Fill the Jalapeños:
1. Place a thawed Simek’s Angus meatball inside each jalapeño half.
2. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the meatball, pressing down gently to fill any gaps and cover the meatball.
Bread the Stuffed Jalapeños:
1. Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each stuffed jalapeño first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
Air-Fry the Stuffed Jalapeños:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the breaded jalapeños with cooking spray on all sides.
3. Place the stuffed jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Prepare the Tangy Dip:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped dill or parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the dip sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
1. Serve the air-fried Jalapeño Popper Bites with Angus Meatballs hot with the tangy dip on the side.