Transform your fresh banana peppers into crispy, golden perfection with this simple air fryer recipe. These lightly breaded and seasoned peppers make an irresistible appetizer, side dish, or snack that’s ready in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer banana peppers deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the peppers tender inside, without the need for deep frying in oil. This healthier cooking method reduces calories while amplifying the natural sweetness of banana peppers. The simple seasoning blend enhances their mild, tangy flavor without overpowering it. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – serve them as an appetizer at parties, pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, or add them to sandwiches and salads for extra crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers Wash the banana peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the stems and slice the peppers into rings, approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. Remove all seeds and white membrane for a milder flavor, or leave some seeds if you prefer a bit more heat.
Step 2: Create the Coating Mixture In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Peppers Add the sliced banana peppers to the flour mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each pepper slice is completely coated with the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Arrange and Spray Place the coated pepper slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness.
Step 6: Air Fry Cook the banana peppers for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. The peppers should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Step 7: Serve Remove the air fryer banana peppers immediately and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
Choose fresh, firm banana peppers for the best results. Avoid peppers that are wrinkled or have soft spots. Make sure to dry the peppers completely after washing to help the coating adhere properly. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cooking in batches ensures even browning and maximum crispiness. For extra flavor, experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or Italian herbs mixed into the flour coating. If you prefer spicier peppers, leave some seeds intact or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the flour mixture.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment: Air fryer, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons
Notes
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pepper slices. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes to prevent overcooking. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. These air fryer banana peppers are best served immediately while they’re hot and crispy, but they can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen banana peppers? Fresh banana peppers work best for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly, then pat dry completely before coating to prevent excess moisture from affecting the crispiness.
What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer banana peppers? Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip complement the mild flavor of banana peppers perfectly.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking? The peppers should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. They’ll sound slightly hollow when tapped with a fork and should hold their shape well.
Can I make these ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prep the coated peppers up to 2 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and air fry just before serving.
What’s the difference between banana peppers and sweet peppers for this recipe? Both work wonderfully in this recipe. Banana peppers have a slightly tangy flavor, while sweet peppers are milder and sweeter. Choose based on your taste preference.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover air fryer banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness when reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes rather than using the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked peppers for up to 1 month, though they may lose some of their crispy texture upon reheating. The uncooked, coated peppers should not be stored as the coating will become soggy.
Conclusion
Air fryer banana peppers prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. This easy recipe transforms humble banana peppers into a crispy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of the air fryer’s efficient cooking method and the seasoned flour coating delivers restaurant-quality appetizers right from your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy snack, or wanting to add some crunch to your meal, these air fryer banana peppers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try and discover how the air fryer can elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.