Description
These air fryer armadillo eggs are crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with seasoned sausage and creamy cheese. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. They are ideal for game day, parties, or a satisfying low-carb snack. Ready in about 40 minutes, they deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork sausage
- 12 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking and proper bacon crisping.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, pressing it in gently so it is level with the edges without overflowing.
- Divide the ground sausage into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin oval patty and wrap it evenly around each stuffed jalapeño half, sealing the edges completely so no cheese is exposed.
- Wrap each sausage-covered jalapeño with 2 slices of bacon, slightly overlapping and securing the ends underneath to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Place the wrapped armadillo eggs seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for airflow. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Flip carefully using tongs and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices and melted cheese to settle.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for best crisping; thick-cut bacon may require additional cooking time.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- For less heat, soak jalapeños in cold water for 30 minutes after seeding.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Nutrition
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