Keto Jalapeno Poppers | Whole30

Jump to RecipeSave to FavoritesPrint

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Crispy bacon. Cream Cheese mixture. A hint of spice. Is your mouth watering yet? If I just described your perfect low-carb appetizer, you are in the right place. My crispy jalapeno poppers are wrapped in bacon and fried to perfection in my air fryer in just minutes!

No air fryer? No problem! I’ve included an oven baking method as well. Using low-carb, keto, & Whole30 ingredients, this recipe is diet-friendly, party-friendly, and just so gosh darn good!

What Makes This Recipe Work

Growing up, I loved going to Sonic and ordering their Crispy JalapeƱo Poppers. Although those poppers are absolutely delicious, they are filled with a ton of calories and unwanted ingredients.

Since switching to a healthier lifestyle, I wanted to remedy my craving and create a jalapeƱo popper that is dairy-free, keto and Whole30 compliant. With just over 2 net carbs per popper, these stuffed jalapeƱos are the perfect low-carb snack!

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped JalapeƱo Poppers

Ingredients

  • JalapeƱos
  • Bacon: I always check the label to make sure my bacon is sugar-free!
  • Dairy-free cream cheese: I use Kite Hill, but Miyokos makes one and so does Trader Joe’s!
  • Chopped onions
  • Coconut aminos
  • Salt/pepper
  • Paprika

Air Fryer JalapeƱo Poppers

I LOVE my air fryer! Making these keto jalapeƱo poppers in the air fryer gets them super crispy, without any of the greasiness that typically comes from frying. If you have an air fryer, get ready for the best jalapeƱo poppers ever!

  1. Cut the jalapeƱos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.Ā 
  2. Mix together the dairy-free cream cheese, diced onion, paprika, dairy-free mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Fill each jalapeƱo half with the cheese mixture. Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
  4. Spray the air fryer basket and arrange to where the peppers are not touching.Ā 
  5. Cook at 390F for 10-15 depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
Bacon Jalapeno Poppers in the air fryer

Keto JalapeƱo Poppers Oven Method

Cooking these bacon-wrapped jalapeƱo poppers in the air-fryer is my favorite way to get them super crispy. However, if you don’t have an air fryer you can make these in the oven and they will still turn out delicious!

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Cut the jalapeƱos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.Ā 
  3. Mix together the dairy-free cream cheese, diced onion, paprika, dairy-free mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.Ā 
  4. Fill each jalapeƱo half with the cream cheese mixture. Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
  5. Arrange the peppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and browned.
Keto Jalapeno Poppers on a plate with ranch dressing

Peachy Tips & Tricks

  • Secure the jalapeƱo popper with a toothpick if you are cutting the bacon in half. Securing the bacon will keep it in place because if not, as it cooks it will shrink and fall off the pepper. If you don’t want to cut the bacon, just wrap the whole slice around the pepper multiple times so it stays in place.
  • Air fryers are all sodifferent so make sure to change your cook time to accommodate how crispy you like the bacon.
  • Dairy: If you are not dairy-free, feel free to sub regular cream cheese and mozzarella.
  • Dipping: These poppers pair perfectly with my homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper dipped in ranch dressing
Are Nut Cheeses Whole30 Compliant?

This is a question that is asked a lot by theĀ Whole30Ā community. Below isĀ the Whole30Ā creator’s answer:

ā€œNut cheeses and dips ARE compliant on the program, with a strong caveat that these should be used with caution, especially if you know you rely on cheese as comfort or stress-relieving food, OR if cheese is a trigger for other food cravings (like wine or crackers). As with Larabars or almond butter,Ā Whole30Ā HQ and our Coaches all recommend that program participants use with caution, and think critically about whether including these foods in theirĀ Whole30Ā is a healthy choice, given their contexts and goals.ā€

How do I store JalapeƱo Poppers?

Store your poppers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Are JalapeƱo Poppers Keto Friendly?

Yes! This is an awesome low-carb appetizer! Each popper just has 2 net carbs!

Shop My Post

Want More Healthy Keto Appetizers?

Keto Jalapeno Poppers | Whole30

By: Ashley McCrary
These bacon-wrapped keto jalapeƱo poppers are the perfect low-carb appetizer with only 2 net carbs per serving! Make your poppers in the air fryer or oven!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 peppers

Ingredients  

  • 6 slices bacon cut in half
  • 6 jalapeƱos cut in half and seeds removed
  • 8 oz. of dairy-free or regular cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup dairy free mozzarella or regular mozzarella will work
  • 2 tsp coconut aminos
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt/pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons diced onions

Instructions 

JalapeƱo Popper Air Fryer Method

  • Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.Ā 
  • In a medium bowl mix together the dairy-free cream cheese, diced onion, paprika, dairy-free mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.Ā 
  • Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
  • Spray the air fryer basket and arrange to where the peppers are not touching.Ā 
  • Cook at 390F for 10-15 depending on how crispy you like your bacon.

JalapeƱo Popper Oven Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribs.Ā 
  • In a medium bowl mix together the dairy-free cream cheese, diced onion, paprika, dairy-free mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.Ā 
  • Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Cut the slices of bacon in half crosswise and wrap each pepper half in a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to secure the bacon.
  • Arrange the peppers on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and browned.

Video

Notes

  • If you are cutting the bacon, be sure to secure it with a toothpick. If not, as the bacon cooks it will shrink and fall off the pepper. If you don't want to cut the bacon, just wrap the whole slice around the pepper multiple times so it stays in place.
  • All air fryers are different so make sure to change your cook time to accommodate how crispy you like the bacon.
  • If you are not dairy-free. feel free to sub regular cream cheese and mozzarella.
  • These poppers pair perfectly with my homemade ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @healthylittlepeach or tag #healthylittlepeach!

About Me

Mother, wife, cookbook author, recipe creator an open book

Welcome to Healthy Little Peach. Iā€™m Mac, the lady behind the recipes. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle that consists of a mix of healthy whole foods, and full-fat comfort meals. Life is too short not to enjoy good food while maintaining a healthy body and mind. Here you will find gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and even full-fat comfort recipes. Letā€™s have fun in the kitchen together!

View More Delicious Recipes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating