Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stuffed the banana peppers, their vibrant color and unique shape drew me in, promising a dish that’s both simple and rewarding. These Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers are not just a quick recipe ready in 20 minutes; they’re a versatile delight that transforms a humble ingredient into a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. The beauty of using the air fryer is that we can achieve a delightful crunch without the guilt of excess oil. By embracing this method, you’re not only saving time but also feeling great about enjoying a lighter, gluten-free treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a game night, a casual gathering, or just because, I’m sure you’ll find these peppers as irresistible as I do. What flavors will you experiment with in your own batch? Why Are These Peppers So Irresistible? Crispy Twist: The air fryer provides a unique crunch that enhances the natural sweetness of the banana peppers, making them perfect for all occasions. Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can whip up these delightful snacks. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adapt the recipe—add parmesan for a cheesy flavor, or toss in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy a classic snack without the excess oil typically found in frying. This healthier version allows you to indulge without compromise. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve these as appetizers at your next party, or enjoy them solo—they’re sure to be a hit! Try pairing them with dips like ranch or garlic aioli for an added flavor boost, or check out my recipe for Banana Pudding Parfait for a sweet finish afterward. Banana Peppers Ingredients • For the Coating All-Purpose Flour (or Almond Flour) – Coats the peppers for a crispy texture; substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Garlic Powder – Infuses savory depth and enhances the overall flavor. Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; adjust according to your heat preference. Sea Salt – Elevates the flavor, balancing the natural sweetness of the banana peppers. • For the Peppers Fresh Banana Peppers – The star of the dish; choose firm and vibrant peppers for the best taste. • For Cooking Olive Oil Spray – Promotes even browning and crispness without the excess oil, making them healthier. Dive into these banana peppers and savor the delicious crunch they bring to your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers Step 1: Prep Peppers Begin by slicing fresh banana peppers into ¼-inch rings and carefully removing the seeds to tame the heat. Pat the pepper slices dry with a paper towel, as this helps eliminate excess moisture and ensures that the Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers achieve that perfect crunch during cooking. Step 2: Mix Coating In a medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option), garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, ensuring a flavorful coating for your banana peppers. Step 3: Dredge Peppers Carefully take each sliced banana pepper and coat it in the flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess flour to prevent gummy spots. This step is key for achieving a uniform and crispy texture, allowing the flavors to cling beautifully to each piece, enhancing your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers. Step 4: Air Fry Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispiness. Once preheated, lay the coated banana pepper slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil to promote browning, creating that irresistible crunch you desire. Step 5: Cook Air fry the banana peppers for 8-10 minutes. At the halfway point, give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and a crispy texture that will make these Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers a standout snack. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy banana peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps retain their crunch as they finish cooking slightly off the heat. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dips, such as ranch dressing or garlic aioli, and enjoy your delightful creation! How to Store and Freeze Banana Peppers Fridge: Store leftover crispy banana peppers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. They may lose some of their crunch, so reheat to restore texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked banana peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable plastic bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen banana peppers in the air fryer at 380°F for 4–6 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid Overfilling: If freezing in batches, make sure to space out the banana peppers to prevent them from sticking together—this keeps them crispier when reheating! Expert Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers Preheat Wisely: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking; this ensures a perfect crunch that will elevate your banana peppers to another level. Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches prevents sogginess and allows for even crispness throughout your banana peppers. Perfectly Dredged: Shake off excess flour after coating; avoiding gummy spots on your banana peppers leads to a beautifully crispy finish and enhances the overall experience. Freezer Trick: For extra crunch, consider freezing your coated banana peppers for about 30 minutes before air frying. This helps them crisp up even better! Use Fresh Peppers: Always choose firm, fresh banana peppers for the best results. Look for vibrant colors and a smooth surface to ensure maximum flavor. Custom Seasoning: Don’t shy away from experimenting with seasonings! Adjust the black pepper to your taste preference and feel free to add herbs or spices to customize your crispy banana peppers. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious flavors while saving time on busy nights! You can slice and seed the banana peppers up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the flour coating (mixing the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt) up to 3 days ahead and keep it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to cook, simply dredge the prepped banana pepper slices in the coating, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, and enjoy the same delightful crunch as if you made them fresh! What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers These crispy delights will bring a burst of flavor to your table, making any meal feel special and satisfying. Creamy Dip: Pair with a rich ranch or garlic aioli for a delicious contrast that highlights the peppers’ crunch. Salsa Fresca: Fresh pico de gallo will enhance the flavors, adding a zesty freshness that balances the peppers’ savory taste. Cheese Platter: A selection of tangy cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, beautifully complements the sweetness of the banana peppers. Stuffed Quesadillas: Use these banana peppers as a delightful filling in quesadillas, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Tacos: Top your favorite tacos with air-fried banana peppers for an exciting twist that adds a satisfying crunch. Mixed Green Salad: The freshness of greens with a citrus vinaigrette gives a refreshing note that contrasts with the crispy texture. Sweet Corn Salsa: This combination accentuates the crunchiness and adds a bit of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste experience. Beer Pairing: An ice-cold lager or pale ale will cleanse the palate and enhance the savory flavors, making your snack time even better. Consider serving these tasty banana peppers with a selection of your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will love! Variations & Substitutions for Banana Peppers Feel free to let your creativity shine as you make these crispy delights suit your taste preferences! Parmesan Peppers: Add grated parmesan to the flour mix for a cheesy twist that elevates the flavor. Spicy Buffalo Peppers: Toss finished peppers in hot sauce and melted butter for a fiery kick that adds excitement. Mediterranean Style: Swap garlic powder for za’atar and lemon zest, served with tzatziki for a refreshing dip. Keto-Friendly Variation: For a low-carb option, substitute flour with pork rind crumbs and increase the olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Sweet Heat: Mix a bit of brown sugar into the flour for a sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with a honey mustard dip. Herby Bliss: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the coating for an aromatic touch that complements the peppers. Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a delightful, smoky kick that enhances each bite. Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up an easy dip using Greek yogurt, garlic, and dill to serve alongside your crispy banana peppers. As you explore these variations, you might also find inspiration for other delicious snacks, like the refreshing Watermelon Banana Smoothie or the delightful Herby Ricotta Stuffed Peppers to round out your culinary adventures! Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting banana peppers? When selecting banana peppers, opt for firm, vibrant peppers. They should have a smooth surface without any dark spots or blemishes. This ensures that they are fresh and full of flavor, perfect for making delicious Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers! How do I store leftover banana peppers? Leftover crispy banana peppers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their crunch. To revive them, reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture before serving. Can I freeze banana peppers after cooking? Absolutely! To freeze your cooked banana peppers, first lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. After they’ve firmed up, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 4–6 minutes until they’re crispy again! What if my banana peppers come out soggy? If your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers turn out soggy, the likely culprit is overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Make sure to cook them in a single layer without overlapping. Also, ensuring they are well-dried before coating and considering a quick freeze before cooking can help achieve that desired crunch. Are there any dietary considerations for banana peppers? Banana peppers are naturally gluten-free, especially if you use almond flour instead of regular flour. If you have allergies, always check the ingredients of any additional seasonings or dips you might use. Additionally, it’s best to avoid feeding seasoned peppers to pets, as some seasonings may not be suitable for them. How long does it take to cook banana peppers in the air fryer? Cooking banana peppers in the air fryer typically takes about 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and to achieve that golden, crispy finish that makes these peppers so delightful! Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers That Steal the Show No ratings yet These Crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers are a quick, gluten-free snack that transforms humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing delight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Coating1 cup All-Purpose Flour Substitute with almond flour for gluten-free option1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to your heat preference1 teaspoon Sea SaltFor the Peppers6-8 pieces Fresh Banana Peppers Choose firm and vibrant peppersFor Cooking1 spray Olive Oil Spray Promotes even browning Equipment Air fryer Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Banana PeppersSlice fresh banana peppers into ¼-inch rings and remove seeds. Pat dry with a paper towel.In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour (or almond flour), garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.Coat each sliced banana pepper in the flour mixture and shake off excess flour.Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lay coated pepper slices in a single layer and lightly spray with olive oil.Air fry the peppers for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.Remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving with dips. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor extra crunch, consider freezing coated banana peppers for about 30 minutes before air frying. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
