Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Jalapeno Poppers that can be made in either the air-fryer or oven for an easy appetizer. These are a dairy-free variation without the cream cheese, and stuffed with a seasoned ground turkey and wrapped in crispy bacon! Paleo, Whole30, and Keto approved!

No matter how you feel about football as a sport, I think we can all agree on the fact that football food is glorious. Delicious. And sometimes, just what you need on a random weeknight, Friday night, or Saturday afternoon.

This would be the case with me last week. I just received a copy of the new Whole30 Friends and Family cookbook, and the chapter on game day was the first one I looked at. And let me just tell you. I wanted to make absolutely everything in that chapter, and then I wanted that to be our dinner.

So that’s what I did…….. On a Thursday afternoon. First up: Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Jalapeno Poppers!

As soon as I saw these in the book, I knew I wanted to try in my Air-Fryer. I love the way that bacon gets so crispy and perfect in the air-fryer, plus it cooks so much faster!

How to make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

As I mentioned, you can make these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers one of two ways: in the air fryer or in the oven! Instead of using a cream cheese filling, we are also using a seasoned turkey filling that adds plenty of flavor and zing.

To start, you’ll slice the jalapeños in half, and scoop out any seeds. The filling is a mixture of ground turkey that resembles a meatball with almond flour, cilantro, an egg, chili powder, paprika, green onion, cumin, and oregano. We mix that together in a large bowl, then spoon in 1-2 tablespoons into each pepper half.

No need to pre-cook the turkey! From here you’ll wrap in a half slice of bacon, then bake for 25 minutes. Or place in your air fryer.

Adaptations

The recipe in the Whole30 Friends and Family book is actually for the oven only. I made it both ways, and do prefer the air fryer. But the oven is an option if you don’t have an air fryer!

The recipe also calls for ancho chili powder and cumin seeds. In it’s place I used regular chili powder and ground cumin. Still tasted great!

These will work perfectly for your next gathering, football party, or just an excuse when you’re craving some good appetizers.

Enjoy!

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

This recipe is slightly adapted from the book, Whole30 Friends and Family

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings 6

Author Amy Rains

5 from 5 votes

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Ingredients

• 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 finely chopped green onion
• 1 large egg whisked
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 10 jalapeno peppers
• 10 slices bacon

Instructions

1. For the oven: preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepare the jalapeno peppers by slicing in half lengthwise, then removing seeds. Place the peppers on the baking sheet.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, cilantro, green onion, egg, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and chipotle powder. Now mix in the turkey.

4. Spoon 1 to 2 tbsp of the turkey mixture into each pepper. Wrap the peppers in a slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick if needed.

5. Arrange the jalapenos on the baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through and bacon is crisp.

6. For the air-fryer: Place the jalapeno poppers in the bottom of the basket. You will need to cook these in 2 batches. Cook at 370 degrees for 12-15 minutes (depending on the air-fryer). Check at the 12 minute mark to see if the poppers are done cooking.

7. Serve plain, or with ranch dressing.