Ingredients

2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, plus more for topping
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
10 oz cream cheese
4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
4 jalapeños, seeded, diced, plus 24 sliced for topping

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined, creating a cohesive mixture.

Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Take a heaping tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture and place it into each muffin cup. Firmly press the mixture into the pan to create a well in the center of each cup. This will form the base of your jalapeño bites.

In another large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a consistent flavor throughout.

Set your air fryer to 340°F. Let it preheat, which ensures that your jalapeño bites will cook evenly and achieve a nice texture.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each breadcrumb-lined cup in your muffin tin. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled cup, and add a slice of jalapeño to the top for an extra kick.

Carefully place the muffin tin in the air fryer. Bake the jalapeño bites for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Once done, let the jalapeño bites cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm as a deliciously spicy and cheesy snack or appetizer.