Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers

This crispy air fryer banana pepper coins recipe transforms humble peppers into addictive, crunchy treats without the guilt of deep frying. The light flour coating gets perfectly golden in the air fryer while the peppers maintain their delightful tang and slight sweetness.

I first made these when looking for ways to use up the banana peppers from my summer garden. Now my family requests them whenever we have movie nights instead of popcorn.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect crispy coating that adheres well to the peppers without being too heavy
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth that complements the natural sweetness of the banana peppers
• Ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that balances the tanginess
• Sea salt: Enhances all flavors and helps create that irresistible snacking quality
• Fresh banana peppers: The star with their mild heat and slight sweetness – use firm peppers with bright color
• Olive oil spray: Helps achieve even browning without excess oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Seasoned Coating:

Thoroughly combine flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt in a medium bowl until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This seasoned mixture will create the perfect crust on our banana peppers.

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for at least 3 minutes. Proper preheating ensures the peppers start cooking immediately when placed inside, resulting in the crispiest texture.

Coat the Peppers:

Dip each banana pepper slice into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides. Gently shake off excess flour and arrange them on a plate, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Arrange and Oil:

Place the coated pepper slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Lightly but thoroughly spray both sides with olive oil spray, which helps achieve golden brown perfection.

Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:

Cook the peppers for 8 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and crispy texture. For extra crispiness, you can shake the basket halfway through cooking time.

Drain and Cool:

Transfer the cooked pepper coins to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes, which helps them reach their maximum crispiness and prevents burning your mouth.

Save

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the air fryer transforms the texture of banana peppers. That first satisfying crunch followed by the slight tanginess makes them completely irresistible. My nephew, who normally avoids vegetables, ate an entire batch himself last weekend.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

These crispy banana pepper coins pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces beyond the classic ranch. Try them with homemade garlic aioli for a gourmet touch or honey mustard for a sweet and tangy combination. My personal favorite is a simple sriracha mayo, which adds just enough heat without overwhelming the pepper flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover pepper coins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To regain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F. Avoid using the microwave, which will make them soggy. For best results though, try to enjoy them fresh as they tend to lose some of their magic texture after storage.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different seasoning blends in your flour mixture to create unique flavor profiles. Italian seasoning with a touch of grated parmesan creates Mediterranean-style peppers. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that works wonderfully with the natural pepper flavor. For a Mexican-inspired version, try adding cumin, chili powder, and a bit of lime zest to the coating mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy banana pepper coins make a fantastic appetizer but they also work wonderfully as a garnish for soups, salads, or sandwiches. Try sprinkling them over tomato soup for added texture and flavor, or use them to top a grilled chicken sandwich for an unexpected crunch. They also make excellent garnishes for Bloody Marys or as a creative topping for deviled eggs.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other peppers instead of banana peppers?

Yes, you can substitute with sweet bell peppers, jalapeños (for more heat), or shishito peppers. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner peppers.

→ How do I store leftover air fried banana peppers?

Store cooled peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ What dipping sauces work well with these banana peppers?

Besides ranch dressing, try marinara sauce, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for excellent flavor pairings.

→ Can I make these banana peppers gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The texture may vary slightly but they'll still be delicious.

→ Why are my banana peppers not getting crispy enough?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed. Also, ensure you're spraying enough oil on both sides of the coated peppers before air frying.

→ Can I prepare these banana peppers in advance?

You can slice and coat the peppers up to 2 hours before cooking, but for best results, air fry them just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.