Air Fryer Banana Peppers

If you’re looking for a tangy, crispy, and addictively delicious snack or side dish, these Air Fryer Banana Peppers are about to become your new favorite! Whether served as an appetizer, salad topper, or crunchy side, they deliver bold flavor with a light, crisp texture—no deep fryer required.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Golden – Perfectly crisp without excess oil.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.
Versatile – Great for snacking, salads, or sandwiches.
Naturally Low-Carb – A flavorful veggie-based bite.
Customizable – Choose your coating and spice level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peppers:

• 1 cup banana pepper rings (jarred or fresh, drained and patted dry)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray

Optional for Serving:

• Ranch or marinara sauce
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh herbs

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or fork
• Paper towels
• Whisk or fork

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers
If using jarred banana pepper rings, drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
If using fresh peppers, slice into rings and remove seeds.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
In one bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a second bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Peppers
Dip each pepper ring in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumbs.
Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Spray the basket with cooking spray and place coated banana peppers in a single layer.
Spray the tops of the peppers lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Top with Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Dry Peppers Thoroughly – Moisture can prevent crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches for even browning.
Use Panko – For extra crunch in every bite.
Add Heat – Mix in cayenne or chili powder to the flour for a spicy kick.
Double Dip – For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Burger or Sandwich Topper – Adds a crispy, tangy kick.
Side Dish – Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Taco Topping – Add texture and flavor to tacos or wraps.
Snack Time – A fun and flavorful alternative to chips.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 7–10 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—will lose crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

2. Are banana peppers spicy?
They’re mild with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor—great for all palates.

3. Can I use whole banana peppers?
Yes, just slice into rings and remove the seeds before breading.

4. What sauces go best with them?
Ranch, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or even blue cheese dressing work great.

5. Can I bake these instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Banana Peppers are the ultimate crunchy snack or zesty side. With a quick breading and a blast of hot air, they transform into golden bites full of flavor and fun. Whether you’re making them for game day, movie night, or a flavorful topping, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your crispy creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 410mg

Print