Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels

I’ve always been a fan of experimenting with unexpected flavors. A few months ago, I found myself craving something that combined sweet and savory in the best way possible.

While trying to think outside the box for a quick appetizer, I remembered the jar of pepper jelly sitting at the back of my pantry—perfectly sweet with a kick of heat. The idea of pairing it with creamy cheese and crispy bacon in a pinwheel form suddenly clicked. Enter the Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels.

The savory turkey bacon combined with the creamy cheese and a subtle heat from the jelly makes each bite a delightful experience. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. Not to mention, the air fryer cuts down on prep time and makes them crispy without any of the guilt of deep-frying.

These pinwheels are my go-to when I need something that looks impressive but doesn’t take all day to prepare. They’re a great addition to any party or even just a fun snack for a lazy weekend at home. Give these a try, and you’ll quickly see why they’re one of my favorite recipes to share.

Short Description

These Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are a savory and sweet combination of cream cheese, turkey bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla and crisped up in the air fryer for a delicious bite-sized snack.

Key Ingredients

• 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
• 1 large flour tortilla
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Serrated knife
• Air fryer
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic spatula (optional for spreading)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pepper jelly. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix everything until it’s evenly blended. The combination of pepper jelly and cream cheese gives this filling a rich and tangy flavor, while the turkey bacon adds a savory crunch.

Step 2: Assembling the Pinwheels

Lay the flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread the filling evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small ½-inch border along the edges. This ensures the filling doesn’t spill over as you roll it up.

Once spread, gently start rolling the tortilla tightly from one side, applying a little pressure to keep everything compact. The tighter the roll, the better the slices will hold together.

Step 3: Chilling the Roll

Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the roll makes it firmer, so it’s easier to slice without the filling spilling out. This step is essential for neat, perfect pinwheels.

Step 4: Slicing Techniques

After the chilling time is up, take the roll out of the fridge. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels.

Clean the blade between cuts to prevent the filling from smearing. This will give you neat, perfectly sliced pinwheels.

Step 5: Air Fryer Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. While it’s heating up, arrange the pinwheels in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Leave space between each pinwheel for air to circulate and crisp them up evenly. If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches.

Step 6: Cooking Process

Air fry the pinwheels for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they get golden and crisp on both sides.

Once they’re golden brown and crisp on the outside, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. You should notice a beautiful crisp texture with a gooey center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Quick: From mixing to cooking, these pinwheels come together in under an hour.

Perfectly Balanced: The combination of sweet and spicy from the pepper jelly, savory bacon, and creamy cheese is irresistible.

Air Fryer Magic: Using the air fryer makes this recipe fast and easy, with a crispy texture that’s healthier than deep-frying.

Customizable: This recipe is versatile—add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. You could even use a low-fat cream cheese or different cheese for variation.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overstuffing the Tortilla: If you add too much filling, the tortilla may burst when rolling. Always leave a small border along the edges to avoid this. Solution: Spread the filling evenly, but sparingly, so that it rolls up without spilling over.

Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the tortilla makes slicing difficult, and your pinwheels might fall apart. Solution: Don’t rush it. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up the filling and make slicing easier.

Overcrowding the Air Fryer: If you overcrowd the basket, the pinwheels won’t cook evenly. Solution: Air fry in batches if needed, ensuring each pinwheel has enough space for air to circulate.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These pinwheels are perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or light lunch. Pair them with a fresh salad, like a tangy spinach and arugula mix, or serve alongside a zesty dipping sauce, like ranch or a garlic aioli.

They’re also great on a charcuterie board for entertaining, adding a bit of flavor contrast to cheeses and meats.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but still taste great the next day.

Reheating: To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispy texture. You can also heat them in the microwave for a quicker option, but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes! Regular bacon will work just as well. Just cook and crumble it before adding it to the filling.

2. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls, chill them, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before slicing and cooking.

3. What other flavor variations can I try?
You can experiment with different types of jelly (like raspberry or apricot), or try adding spinach or bell peppers for a more savory twist.

4. Do I need to use an air fryer?
Not at all! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free tortilla to make the recipe gluten-free while keeping the same great taste and texture.

Tips & Tricks

– For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños into the filling.
– If you want a creamier filling, mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt.
– Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier flavor.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the turkey bacon with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie-packed filling.

Cheese Variations: Use different cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Sweet & Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling if you like things extra spicy!

Final Thoughts

These pinwheels have quickly become one of my favorites to make whenever I need something easy and flavorful. The air fryer gives them just the right amount of crispiness while keeping the inside creamy and savory.

It’s amazing how such a simple combination of ingredients can turn into something so delicious. And, of course, they’re versatile enough to be customized based on your cravings, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, these Pepper Jelly Air Fryer Pinwheels are always a hit!