Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 medium jalapeño peppers
  • 16 strips smoked turkey, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
  2. Slice the 8 jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes, then pat the inside of the peppers dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir until the mixture is velvety and uniform.
  4. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each pepper half, filling them to the brim but leaving a tiny margin at the edge to prevent overflow.
  5. Wrap one strip of smoked turkey tightly around each stuffed pepper and secure the seam with a toothpick.
  6. Lightly brush the exterior of each popper with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  7. Arrange the poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if they don't fit in one layer) and cook at 370°F (188°C) for 12-15 minutes until the turkey is dark golden, the cheese is bubbling, and the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).