Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers

• 12 large fresh jalapeño peppers
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Carefully slice each jalapeño pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes with a small spoon or knife to reduce heat if desired. Wear gloves to protect your skin from the chili oils.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeño half evenly with the cheese mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent spilling during cooking.
4. Set up a breading station: whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Dip each stuffed jalapeño half first into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray to help crisp the coating.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove carefully from the air fryer basket and let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Chef tips

• For a milder snack, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños; for extra heat, leave some seeds in.
• If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed tortilla chips or crushed cornflakes can be good crunchy substitutes.
• You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for more spice or mozzarella for a milder, gooey filling.
• Be careful when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation; washing hands thoroughly and wearing gloves is recommended.