Name: Crispy Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced and seeds removed; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp salt; 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or 1 sheet puff pastry

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I love making these crispy air fryer jalapeño popper pinwheels whenever I want a quick, cheesy snack with a little heat. They come out perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside with a creamy, flavorful filling inside, and I always enjoy how simple they are to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it delivers bold flavor with very little effort. I make everything in one bowl, roll it up, and let the air fryer do the work. I also appreciate how these pinwheels are great for sharing, easy to customize, and ready in under half an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced and seeds removed
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or 1 sheet puff pastry

Directions

I begin by preheating my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, I mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and evenly combined.

I then unroll the crescent dough or puff pastry onto a flat surface and gently seal any seams. I spread the cheese mixture evenly across the dough, making sure it is well covered from edge to edge.

Next, I roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 1-inch pinwheels. I arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.

I air fry them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. After cooking, I let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings And Timing

I usually get 10 to 12 pinwheels from one batch. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 10 minutes, so the total time is approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add extra cheese for a richer filling or use a blend of spicy and mild peppers to adjust the heat level. When I want extra flavor, I mix in a small amount of smoked paprika or chili powder.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

I often prepare and slice the pinwheels in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

How spicy are these pinwheels?

I find the spice level to be moderate, and it depends on the jalapeños I use. Removing the seeds keeps the heat more balanced.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

I bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes when I do not use an air fryer.

What dough works best for this recipe?

I like using crescent roll dough for a softer texture, but puff pastry works well when I want extra flakiness.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

I freeze them before cooking and air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

I enjoy making these crispy air fryer jalapeño popper pinwheels because they are quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. They are one of my favorite go-to recipes for gatherings or easy snacking, and they always turn out delicious.