If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s both light and downright addictive, look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe. These little slices pack a punch with their mild heat and garlicky seasoning, perfectly crisped in the air fryer to give you a satisfyingly crunchy bite every time. It’s a deliciously easy way to enjoy banana peppers with a crispy twist that’s ideal for snacking, dipping, or even jazzing up your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple is the secret to making this Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe so approachable and tasty. Each component brings something special to the bowl — from the gentle heat and vibrant flavor of the banana peppers to the garlic and sea salt that coat every bite with savory goodness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This creates the light, crispy coating that clings to each pepper slice perfectly.
- 2 tsps garlic powder: Adds a lovely depth of aromatic and savory flavor that complements the peppers beautifully.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the banana peppers.
- 2 tsps sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the mild heat from the peppers.
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed: The star of the dish, these peppers bring a tender-crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve that perfect crispness in the air fryer without excess oil.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and combining the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. This flavorful coating will be the key to creating those crispy edges that make this dish so irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
Wash, dry, and carefully slice your banana peppers into coins about a quarter-inch thick. Removing the seeds reduces bitterness and helps keep each bite smooth and pleasant. The uniform thickness ensures even cooking and crispiness in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat the Pepper Coins
Toss the sliced pepper coins into your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each slice is lightly but completely coated for maximum flavor and crunch. The flour mix clings well, giving that signature crunch when cooked.
Step 4: Preheat and Spray Your Air Fryer
Give your air fryer a quick preheat to around 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote crispy edges without sogginess.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange your coated banana pepper coins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them — this helps the hot air circulate and crisps each slice evenly. Cook for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides turn golden and delicious.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan can elevate your crispy banana pepper coins with a burst of fresh, bright flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy, savory coating.
Side Dishes
These crispy coins make an excellent side for sandwiches, burgers, or even as a crunchy topping for salads. Pairing them with a creamy dip like ranch, garlic aioli, or a tangy yogurt sauce takes the snack experience to another level of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe on top of warm toast with melted cheese or scatter them over nachos for an unexpected crunch and flavor boost. They’re versatile and bring excitement to even the simplest meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the cooled banana pepper coins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp for up to 3 days, making for a great snack ready to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these pepper coins for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen for the best crispiness.
Reheating
The air fryer is your best friend for reheating. A few minutes at 350°F will revive the crispiest texture without drying them out, unlike a microwave, which might leave them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While banana peppers are perfect for their milder heat, you can experiment with other sweet or mild peppers. Just adjust cooking time slightly if your slices are thicker or thinner.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the peppers?
Removing the seeds isn’t mandatory but helps reduce bitterness and creates a smoother eating experience, especially with banana peppers that can sometimes have tougher seeds.
Is it necessary to use flour in this recipe?
The flour coating is key to achieving that crisp outer layer. Without it, the peppers might cook but won’t get that signature crunchy texture that makes this recipe stand out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that you like. The texture and flavor will remain delightfully close to the original.
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Great dips include ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even a cool yogurt-cilantro sauce. They add a creamy contrast that complements the crispy, savory banana pepper coins perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the perfect crunch paired with the bold, bright flavor of banana peppers, and this Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe delivers just that. It’s simple, quick, and made with everyday ingredients that come together to create a snack you’ll want to reach for again and again. Give it a try and watch how it transforms snack time into a little celebration of flavor and crunch!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins recipe offers a deliciously crunchy snack or side dish made from fresh banana peppers coated in a seasoned flour mixture and air fried to perfection. With a quick preparation and cooking time, it’s an easy, flavorful way to enjoy the mild heat and crisp texture of banana peppers without deep frying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Produce
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Coat the Peppers: Slice the banana peppers into coins and remove the seeds. Lightly toss or dredge the pepper slices in the flour mixture, coating each piece thoroughly to achieve a crispy exterior once air fried.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated banana pepper coins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil spray to help them crisp up beautifully.
- Air Fry: Cook the peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the banana pepper coins from the air fryer and serve immediately as a tasty, crunchy snack or side dish.
Notes
- For best results, remove the seeds to reduce bitterness and enhance crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by adding extra spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Use olive oil spray light-handedly to keep the coating from becoming soggy but still promoting crunch.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
- This recipe can be easily modified to use sweet peppers for a milder flavor.
