Introduction

These crispy Air Fryer Banana Peppers are a tasty and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. Air frying gives them a satisfying crunch with much less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a flavorful and lighter treat.

A white bowl lined with crinkled light brown parchment paper holds a generous stack of golden-brown onion rings, each coated with a crunchy, textured breading speckled with black pepper. Nestled among the rings is a small round wooden bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce, sprinkled lightly with ground black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two yellow bell peppers placed near the top corners of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 pound fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 2: Slice the banana peppers into rings and remove the seeds. Toss them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each ring is fully coated. Let the coated peppers rest for 5 minutes to help the crust stick.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the coated banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Step 4: Spray the banana peppers generously with olive oil spray on both sides to promote crispiness.
Step 5: Air fry the peppers for 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked peppers to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour for a spicy kick.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot banana peppers after air frying for a cheesy twist.
Try using mild Italian peppers or jalapeños for different heat levels and flavors.
Make sure to slice peppers evenly for consistent crispiness; thinner slices will be crunchier.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the peppers roast instead of steam.
Allow the coated peppers to rest before air frying to help the flour coating adhere better.

Storage

After cooling, store leftover crispy banana peppers in a paper towel-lined container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them from becoming soggy. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight bag for up to 2 months. To reheat and restore crispness, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How to Serve

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a pile of golden crispy onion rings with a crunchy texture and black pepper sprinkled on top. The onion rings are layered naturally, some stacked on others, filling the bowl. A small brown ceramic cup filled with white dipping sauce speckled with black pepper sits nestled among the onion rings in the top-left part of the bowl. The bowl is lined with crinkled light brown parchment paper, and two bright yellow bell peppers are placed nearby on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use hot peppers instead of banana peppers?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild to moderately hot peppers like jalapeños. Just be mindful of the heat level and slice them thinly to balance spice and crispiness.

Should I peel banana peppers before air frying?

No peeling is necessary. Simply wash, slice, and remove seeds. The skins soften during air frying and contribute to a satisfying texture and crunch.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Letting the flour-coated peppers rest for about 5 minutes before air frying helps the crust set and stick. Also, spraying olive oil on both sides before cooking locks in the coating and enhances crispiness.

Can I double the recipe in my air fryer?

You can double the recipe but cook the peppers in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain proper airflow and crisp texture; cooking in a single layer is best.