About This Recipe
Meet your new favorite weeknight bite: jalapeño popper–stuffed mini meatloaves with creamy centers, crispy edges, and gooey cheddar on top. Made in the air fryer and finished with a sprinkle of crumbled beef bacon, these no-breadcrumb bites deliver big flavor with low carbs—perfect as a fun dinner, meal prep, or game-day appetizer.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (85%)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced
- Beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Egg
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Optional binder: almond flour (if mixture feels loose)
- For serving: sliced scallions or cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line the basket with parchment or lightly oil the grate.
- Air-fry beef bacon for 4–6 minutes until crisp. Cool and crumble; set aside.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, half the cheddar, finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for mild heat), a pinch of garlic powder, and a little salt.
- Season the meat: In another bowl, combine ground beef, egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. If the mixture feels too loose, mix in 2 tbsp almond flour (optional).
- Form the bites: Divide beef into 12 portions. Flatten each into a 3-inch patty, add about 1 tsp jalapeño filling to the center, then wrap and seal to form stuffed bites.
- Air-fry: Arrange in a single layer and cook 10–12 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Finish: Top each bite with crumbled beef bacon and the remaining cheddar. Air-fry 1–2 minutes more to melt and crisp the tops. Rest 3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with scallions or cilantro. Add lime wedges and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Keto Focus
No breadcrumbs needed—egg (and optional almond flour) binds the meat. A creamy cheese filling boosts fat for satiety while keeping carbs ultra-low, so each serving stays around 2g net carbs. Air frying delivers crisp edges without extra oil.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 41g
- Carbs: 2.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Net Carbs: 2.2g
Tips & Variations
- Heat control: Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes for mild; leave some in for extra spice.
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken work—cook to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Binder options: If skipping almond flour, try finely grated Parmesan to help the bites hold.
- Cheese twist: Use pepper jack for added heat or Colby for a milder, melty bite.
- Oven method: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 14–16 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes to brown the tops.
- Make-ahead: Shape and freeze on a sheet tray, then store in a bag. Air-fry from frozen at 360°F (182°C) for 12–15 minutes, adding cheese in the last 2 minutes.
- Serving ideas: Dip in ranch, chipotle mayo, or a keto-friendly jalapeño crema. Pair with a crisp side salad or cauliflower rice.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.