Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. Set aside. (The jalapeño seeds can be very hot. If your skin is sensitive wear latex gloves).
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the whipped cream cheese, shredded cheese and bacon crumbles until combined. Spread the mixture into each pepper half, dividing it equally between the 8 pepper halves. Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over the cream cheese mixture on each jalapeño.
Place the stuffed pepper halves on the crisper plate in the air fryer basket.
Press the Air Fry function on your TurboBlaze™, reduce the heat to 360F degrees and cook for 10 minutes, until tops turn golden.
Carefully remove jalapeños from the basket and enjoy.
Store any leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container.
Notes
Serving size: 1/2 recipe (4 stuffed pepper halves)WW Points: 4Check the WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)2PointsPlus (Old plan)Breadcrumb Options: For the crispiest poppers, opt for Panko breadcrumbs; however, regular breadcrumbs work well too if that's your preference. Crushed cornflake crumbs would also work.Cheese Options: I used reduced fat Mexican cheese blend but feel feel free to use whatever you prefer and have on hand: cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, or Pepper Jack for extra spice.Low-Carb Twist: For a low-carb version, skip the panko and wrap the poppers in a slice of bacon for an extra flavor boost.Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free jalapeño poppers, simply substitute regular panko with gluten-free panko.Whipped Cream Cheese: Is regular cream cheese that goes through an additional process of whipping, which incorporates air into the mixture, making it lighter and fluffier. It is much easier to spread than regular cream cheese. I used chive flavored but you could always use plain and season it any way you desire - with, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped green onions, chopped chives, cayenne pepper, etc.You could make your own light whipped cream cheese at home. Allow a block of lower fat cream cheese to come to room temperature. This makes it easier to whip into a light and fluffy texture. Here's a simple recipe for savory whipped cream cheese you could use in this Easy Healthy Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe:DIY Savory Whipped Cream Cheese Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
Taste the whipped cream cheese and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or more of any of the savory ingredients to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Use the mixture immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. It will firm up slightly in the refrigerator but remains spreadable.
Make Ahead: Make these ahead by preparing and stuffing the peppers, but wait to add the sprinkle of Panko until you are ready to cook. This will keep the Panko from getting soggy from the cream cheese mixture.Extra Spicy: Adding a bit cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce is a great way to kick up the spice level in this jalapeño popper recipe.Vegetarian: Skip the bacon to make these stuffed jalapeños vegetarian or substitute your favorite imitation bacon bits or vegan-friendly bacon alternative.