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Crispy and incredibly quick these air fryer banana peppers turn simple peppers into a crunchy golden snack Ever since I discovered how easy they were to make they have become a top request at family gatherings and game nights
My first batch disappeared in minutes my kids rushed to the kitchen after smelling them crisp up and now they are always on our movie night table
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: brings the crunch and helps everything stick look for unbleached for a heartier bite
- Garlic powder: adds a savory punch make sure it is fresh for best flavor
- Ground black pepper: gives subtle warmth grind it yourself if possible for the best aroma
- Sea salt: lifts all the flavors and gives a satisfying finish try flaked sea salt for texture
- Fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers: they add both mild heat and vibrancy pick glossy and firm ones
- Olive oil spray: helps everything brown evenly use a good quality spray for best results
Instructions
- Mix the Seasoned Flour:
- In a medium sized bowl combine flour garlic powder ground black pepper and sea salt whisk thoroughly to make sure every bit of flour is seasoned evenly
- Prep the Peppers:
- Slice the banana peppers lengthwise and remove seeds then pat them dry with a paper towel this step helps the flour stick better and keeps the coating extra crisp
- Coat the Peppers:
- Place pepper slices in the flour mixture and toss well to cover every piece let the coated peppers rest for five minutes so the flour has time to hydrate and adhere
- Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit arrange the coated peppers in a single layer in the basket do not crowd them or they will steam instead of crisp
- Crisp the Peppers:
- Lightly spray olive oil over the peppers making sure both sides are coated air fry for eight minutes flipping halfway until deeply golden brown and extremely crunchy
- Drain and Cool:
- Move the hot peppers onto a sheet lined with paper towels so any extra oil is absorbed let them cool five minutes so the coating stays crisp when serving
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the finished peppers to a platter add a small bowl of ranch or your favorite dip next to them these are fantastic as a starter or a crunchy side
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My favorite part is how the garlic powder flavors the flour my daughter always asks for extra crispy edges because the seasoned coating is her favorite bit we once brought a batch to a neighborhood picnic and it disappeared faster than the cookies
Storage Tips
Air fryer banana peppers keep best uncovered at room temperature for up to an hour If you want to save a batch store them in a paper towel lined container they will keep their crisp for about a day I love popping leftovers in a hot oven to refresh that crunchy surface never cover tightly in plastic wrap or the crust will turn soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find banana peppers try sweet Italian frying peppers or mild jalapenos for a spicier kick You could swap the flour for gluten free blend or even finely ground cornmeal for extra crunch Smoked paprika or onion powder are tasty additions to the flour if you feel like experimenting
Serving Suggestions
These are delicious with classic ranch but they also pair well with sriracha honey mustard or a cool herby yogurt dip Sometimes I serve them alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a fun side that is a hit with both kids and adults
Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations
Banana peppers are commonly pickled in American cuisine but this crispy air fryer version borrows from Southern fried vegetable traditions In summer use farm stand peppers for extra juicy sweetness During football season or holidays I always double the recipe and serve them as part of a snack platter
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A thin crisp is easy to achieve with this recipe and makes for an irresistible snack Enjoy the crunch while the peppers are still warm for the very best flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the flour coating from falling off?
Let the flour-coated peppers sit for five minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere.
- → Can I use other types of peppers?
Sweet peppers or mild chilies make a great substitute for banana peppers in this method.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Creamy ranch is classic, but blue cheese dressing or a spicy aioli also complement the flavor nicely.
- → How do I make the coating extra crispy?
Ensure even oil spray on all sides and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for maximum crispness.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
They are best fresh, but you can reheat them at 350° F for a few minutes to restore crispness.