Hey y'all! If you love cheesy, spicy snacks that are a cinch to whip up, these Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels are about to be your new favorite treat. With a crispy, golden crust and a creamy, zesty filling, they're the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game nights, potlucks, or whenever you're craving a savory bite. Ready to spice things up in your kitchen? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick and easy air fryer recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Creamy, cheesy filling with the perfect spicy kick from fresh jalapeños.
- Super crispy outside, ooey-gooey inside—an irresistible combination!
- Perfect as a party appetizer, snack, or even a fun side dish for dinner.
- Easy to customize and make ahead for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet refrigerated crescent dough (8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Jalapeno Popper Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough sheet into a rectangle. Spread the jalapeño popper filling evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Step 3: Roll Up and Slice
Starting with the long side, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed. Use a sharp knife to slice into 10-12 equal pinwheels.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying
Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each. Brush lightly with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Step 5: Air Fry
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm. Top with chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the filling.
- Chill the dough log for 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Use thick-cut bacon pieces for added texture and flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add roasted corn or sautéed onions for a meatless twist.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for more cheese pull.
- Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with a little hot honey before serving.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Cutting board
Storage Instructions
Let any leftover pinwheels cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Eating fresh is best, but you can also freeze baked pinwheels for up to 1 month—just reheat directly from frozen.
Pairing & Serving Ideas
- Serve with ranch dressing or creamy sriracha dip for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Perfect as a fun party appetizer alongside other finger foods.
Pro Tips
- Trim parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for best results.
- Let pinwheels cool for just 1-2 minutes before serving so the filling is set but still melty.
FAQ
Can I make Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels a few hours in advance, then air fry right before serving for maximum crispiness.
What dough works best for this recipe?
Refrigerated crescent dough sheets are perfect, but you can substitute with puff pastry for a flakier pinwheel.
How spicy are these pinwheels?
They're moderately spicy with seeded jalapeños, but you can adjust the heat by keeping some seeds or adding more jalapeños to fit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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2In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapenos, bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
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3Unroll the crescent dough sheet on a lightly floured surface and press seams together. Spread the jalapeno popper filling evenly over the dough.
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4Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
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5Place pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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6Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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