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Crunchy Jalapeno Popper Fritters

Crunchy Jalapeno Popper Fritters

Dive into the irresistible world of Crunchy Jalapeno Popper Fritters, a delightful appetizer that perfectly captures all the beloved flavors of a classic jalapeno popper in a craveable, crispy fritter format. This recipe is your key to unlocking a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 12 fritters
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh jalapenos seeded and finely diced (about 6-8 medium jalapenos)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 ounces crumbled cooked bacon (about 2-3 strips)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Plate lined with paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined and creamy. Stir in the finely diced jalapenos, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
    8 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 ounces crumbled cooked bacon, 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 pound fresh jalapenos
  2. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg and milk.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
  4. Gently fold the cream cheese and jalapeno mixture into the batter until it is just incorporated. The batter will be thick, which is perfect for holding its shape.
  5. Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.
    vegetable oil
  6. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of batter per fritter. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to maintain the oil temperature.
  7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the hot oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  8. Serve your Crunchy Jalapeno Popper Fritters hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.

Notes

To store any leftover Crunchy Jalapeno Popper Fritters, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispiness when refrigerated.
To reheat, the best method to restore some crispiness is to place the fritters on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until heated through and slightly crisped. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make them soft. If you wish to freeze them for future meals, allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen using the oven method, increasing the cooking time slightly.