Air Fryer Charred Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Pots

AF-200 Crew BBQ Recipe

Air Fryer Charred Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Pots

These are what happen when a proper jalapeño popper and a Southern cornbread collide at a smokehouse. Soft buttery cornbread loaded with cream cheese, mature cheddar, smoky bacon and roasted jalapeños, baked until golden with bubbling cheesy tops. They sit somewhere between a side dish and a full-blown addiction, and they belong next to absolutely everything coming off the barbecue.

Air Fryer Charred Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Pots
Air Fryer Charred Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Pots preparation stage

You’ll Need

For the Cornbread
250g prepared cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread batter)
2 jalapeños, halved and finely diced
100g cream cheese, softened
100g mature cheddar, grated
5 rashers smoked streaky bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cracked black pepper

To Finish
Extra grated cheddar
Fresh chives, chopped

Optional but dangerous
Hot honey drizzle
Crispy onions
BBQ seasoning
Pickled jalapeños
Ranch dressing

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.

Prepare the cornbread batter according to the packet instructions or your preferred recipe.

Fold in the cream cheese, most of the grated cheddar, chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, spring onions,

smoked paprika, garlic powder and black pepper.

Spoon the mixture into lightly greased ramekins or small foil pots, filling each around three-quarters full.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the tops.

Place the pots into the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until risen, golden and cooked through, with bubbling cheese on top.

Brush the tops lightly with the melted butter while still hot.

Finish with chopped chives, crispy onions or a drizzle of hot honey if using.

Serve warm beside brisket, ribs, burgers, smoked chicken or a bowl of pit beans.

Lad Tip: Roast the jalapeños before mixing them into the batter if you've got a few extra minutes. It softens the heat slightly while adding a smoky sweetness that takes these little cornbread pots to another level. They're guaranteed to disappear before the first rack of ribs is carved.

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