“`html
If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress, the Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized beauties combine the creamy tang of cream cheese with the sweet heat of pepper jelly, the smoky crunch of turkey bacon, and the melty goodness of cheddar—all wrapped up in a soft tortilla and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a snack that’s both exciting and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find but powerhouse players when it comes to creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. Carefully chosen to complement each other, they come together effortlessly to make these pinwheels truly crave-worthy.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This provides a smooth, rich base that balances the sweetness and heat from the pepper jelly.
- Pepper jelly (1/2 cup): Sweet, spicy, and packed with vibrant flavor to give the pinwheels a zesty kick.
- Cooked turkey bacon (1/2 cup, crumbled): Adds a smoky crunch without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh and slightly pungent, they brighten up the filling visually and taste-wise.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts perfectly for a gooey, cheesy contrast.
- Large flour tortilla (1): Acts as the tender, pliable wrap that holds everything together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all those wonderful flavors.
How to Make Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Base
Begin by mixing the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly in a bowl. This combination is your flavor foundation, where the creamy smoothness perfectly complements the pepper jelly’s sweet heat, setting the tone for every bite to come.
Step 2: Incorporate the Tasty Fixin’s
Next, stir in the crumbled turkey bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Each ingredient adds texture and depth—the smoky bacon, fresh onion bursts, gooey cheese, and balanced seasoning all mingling beautifully in the mixture.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Lay your large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface, then spread the creamy, savory mixture evenly all across it. Roll the tortilla tightly, making sure to keep everything snug. This step is key to getting perfectly shaped pinwheels once sliced.
Step 4: Chill for a Better Slice
Wrap the rolled tortilla and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. The chilling helps the pinwheels set up so they slice cleanly without squishing out, making them beautifully round and easy to eat.
Step 5: Slice into Pinwheels
Remove the tortilla roll from the fridge and slice it into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. Each piece promises a perfect mouthful of that irresistible combination.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Place the pinwheels in your air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little room between them. Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until the tortillas become crispy and golden, adding a wonderful crunch that contrasts the creamy filling inside.
How to Serve Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the pinwheels just before serving for a fresh visual pop and herbaceous note. A light drizzle of extra pepper jelly on the side can add an enticing glaze and extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with crisp vegetable sticks or a tangy coleslaw to create a balanced appetizer spread. A simple green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette also works beautifully to refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels on a rustic wooden board interspersed with small bowls of dipping sauces such as ranch or honey mustard for variety. For parties, try stacking them on tiered stands for an eye-catching display that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, though you might want to reheat them to regain their crispy exterior.
Freezing
You can freeze the un-air-fried rolled tortilla after chilling by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and air frying as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pinwheels back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This method restores their fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture far better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon adds a fattier, crispier texture and a robust smoky flavor, which works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook and crumble it well before mixing.
Is the pepper jelly very spicy?
That depends on the brand and type you choose. Most pepper jellies blend sweet and spicy elements, but you can opt for mild or extra spicy varieties to tailor the heat level to your liking.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use a plant-based cheese, and swap turkey bacon for a smoky tempeh or mushroom bacon. Just ensure your pepper jelly is also vegan-friendly.
Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?
While the air fryer crisps these pinwheels efficiently, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as crisp, but still delicious.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! Preparing the filling up to a day ahead saves time and allows flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until you assemble and roll the tortillas.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe. It’s a delightful bite full of flavor contrasts that are easy to love and hard to stop eating. Whether for a casual snack or adding excitement to your party platter, these pinwheels offer a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!
“`
Print
Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, sweet and spicy pepper jelly, savory turkey bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese, all rolled in a soft flour tortilla and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for quick snacks or party bites, they offer a flavorful contrast of textures and tastes in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 large flour tortilla
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly until fully combined and smooth, creating a sweet and spicy base for the pinwheels.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Tortilla: Lay the flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across its entire surface, leaving a slight margin at the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Roll the Tortilla: Carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape, making sure the filling stays inside and the roll is firm to hold its shape for slicing.
- Chill the Roll: Place the rolled tortilla in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes; this step firms up the filling and makes slicing easier and cleaner.
- Slice into Pinwheels: After chilling, remove the roll from the fridge and slice it into 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces, arranging them evenly for air frying.
- Air Fry the Pinwheels: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they become golden, crispy, and heated through.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of pepper jelly based on your preferred level of sweetness and spiciness.
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or a vegetarian alternative if desired.
- Chilling the roll before slicing helps maintain the shape and prevents filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
