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This jalapeno popper grilled cheese is made with just 6 ingredients and cooks perfectly in the air fryer. It’s crispy, super creamy, and cheesy.
Serve with chips and macaroni salad for the perfect lunch or dinner.
The difference between this sandwich and classic grilled cheese is that this one contains cream cheese and jalapenos. If you like it spicy, make sure to include the jalapeno seeds but if not, discard the seeds.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread – I used sourdough bread but any type of bread will work.
- Jalapeno – Fresh or canned jalapenos work for this recipe. If using canned jalapenos, make sure to drain completely.
- Cream Cheese – Plain full fat cream cheese softened at room temperature.
- Butter – Unsalted or salted butter works just make sure it’s softened.
- Cheese – Feel free to use American yellow cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Garlic – Fresh or granulated garlic works, however, I prefer using granulated garlic for this recipe.
Top Tips For The Ultimate Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
- It is important that you use softened butter otherwise you may tear the bread slices while you butter it.
- Keep in mind that every air fryer is different so cooking times can vary. Start checking the grilled cheese at the 4-minute mark.
- Not a fan of jalapeno peppers? Use any type of pepper you prefer.
- Feel free to include crispy bacon strips or tomato slices if you wish.
- For parties, I like to cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into little pieces and serve them on a platter. Makes the best appetizer!
I Don’t Have An Air Fryer, Can I Still Make This?
Yes, of course! Heat a small skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the skillet buttered side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Can I Use Mayo Instead Of Butter?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that mayo will give the sandwich a mayo taste.
Storage
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400 degrees F.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
- Tuna Salad Sandwich
- Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Tried this air fryer jalapeno grilled cheese recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 jalapeno , deseeded and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons butter , softened
- 4 bread slices
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated garlic, and jalapeno peppers. Mix until well combined.
- Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Stack 1-2 cheese slices on one piece of bread (not the buttered side) and then spread the jalapeno mixture on top of the cheese slices. Place another slice of cheese on top of the jalapeno spread and then close the sandwich.
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket with buttered sides facing out. Cook at 400 degrees F. for 5 minutes then flip and cook for 3 minutes.
- Allow the sandwich to cool for a few minutes then slice it in half or diagnally and enjoy!
Notes
- It is important that you use softened butter otherwise you may tear the bread slices while you butter it.
- Keep in mind that every air fryer is different so cooking times can vary. Start checking the grilled cheese at the 4-minute mark.
- Not a fan of jalapeno peppers? Use any type of pepper you prefer.
- Feel free to include crispy bacon strips or tomato slices if you wish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
