If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of kick, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe combines creamy, tangy, and smoky elements all rolled up in a golden, melty delight. Whether it’s for a casual party, a game day appetizer, or simply a treat to impress your friends and family, these pinwheels fly off the plate and never fail to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet crucial to achieving the perfect bite. Each brings its own unique flair—creamy texture, a touch of spice, savory crunch, and that all-important golden crisp from the air fryer.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The luscious base that binds everything together with rich creaminess.
- Pepper jelly (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite flavor for that sweet heat contrast that wakes up the palate.
- Cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (1/2 cup): Adds smoky, crispy texture that perfectly complements the softness of the cheese.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Freshness and subtle bite that brighten each pinwheel.
- Large flour tortilla (10–12 inch): The trusty vessel that holds together all the goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully into gooey pockets that enhance every bite.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to round out the flavors just right.
How to Make Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing softened cream cheese with vibrant pepper jelly, crumbled turkey bacon, and chopped green onions in a medium bowl. This creamy, slightly sweet, and smoky spread is what makes these pinwheels stand out. Don’t forget to season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Step 2: Build the Pinwheels
Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border to ensure neat rolling. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, adding an irresistible melted finish once air fried.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Roll the tortilla up tightly from one end, creating a beautiful spiral of flavors inside. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling is a magic step that helps the filling set, making slicing easier and neater.
Step 4: Slice and Air Fry
Once chilled, unwrap and slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in the basket—avoid stacking to ensure even crisping. Air fry them for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden and cheesy edges start to bubble.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pinwheels to cool just a bit so you don’t burn your mouth (though we know it’s tempting). These warm, melty bites are perfect for sharing as appetizers or snacks anytime you crave something irresistibly flavorful.
How to Serve Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh note. You can also drizzle a tiny touch of additional pepper jelly on top for an extra glossy, sweet finish that really stands out visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For hearty gatherings, they shine alongside a bowl of homemade soup or a vibrant veggie platter to complete the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress on presentation, serve the pinwheels on a wooden board with small bowls of pepper jelly and sour cream for dipping. Or thread a toothpick through each piece and arrange vertically on a tall glass for a playful finger food display everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their texture and flavor well, making them perfect for quick snacks the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange un-air fried pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry directly from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll always have a batch ready to pop in the air fryer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat pinwheels in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes. This helps recapture their flaky crispness without making them soggy, unlike reheating in a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jelly besides pepper jelly?
Absolutely! While pepper jelly brings a perfect sweet-spicy zing, you can experiment with other jellies like jalapeño, red pepper, or even a mild apricot jelly for a different twist.
Is turkey bacon necessary, or can I substitute it?
Turkey bacon adds a smoky crunch with less fat, but you can swap it for regular bacon, ham, or even cooked sausage crumbles to suit your taste preferences.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake pinwheels on a lined baking sheet for about 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap out the flour tortilla for a gluten-free tortilla to accommodate dietary needs without losing the delicious experience.
How spicy are these pinwheels?
The spice level depends on the pepper jelly you choose. Some brands are mild, while others pack more heat, so choose according to your preferred spiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements that will quickly become your go-to appetizer or snack. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every golden bite. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch how fast they disappear—your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time!
Print
Irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Cream cheese is combined with sweet and spicy pepper jelly, savory turkey bacon, and fresh green onions, spread on a flour tortilla, rolled up, chilled, sliced, and then air fried to golden perfection with melted cheddar cheese. This recipe yields warm, flavorful, bite-sized snacks that are sure to delight your guests or satisfy your snack cravings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly (any flavor you love)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 1 large (10–12 inch) flour tortilla
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the pepper jelly, cooked and crumbled turkey bacon, and chopped green onions until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Build the Pinwheels: Place the flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the spread filling.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Wrap the rolled tortilla snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the roll, making it easier to slice into neat pinwheels.
- Slice and Air Fry: After chilling, unwrap the tortilla and slice it into 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking. Air fry them for 5–7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheddar cheese melts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly after air frying. Serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or satisfying snack that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Feel free to use any flavor of pepper jelly to customize the sweetness or spice level.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the turkey bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth spread.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to get evenly crispy pinwheels.
- Pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before air frying for convenience.
