If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy and bursting with bright, tangy flavor, this Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine perfectly crispy banana pepper slices, coated in a lightly seasoned flour blend and cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. It’s a delightful treat that’s quick to prepare, wonderfully addictive, and a fantastic way to enjoy banana peppers with a satisfying crisp that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whether you’re stocking your pantry or freshening up your produce basket, these simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe. Each item plays a key role — from the seasoning that builds savory depth, to the banana peppers which offer vibrant color and that signature tangy crunch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This creates the perfect crispy coating that seals in the pepper’s natural juices.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a savory punch and aromatic warmth that complements the peppers.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just the right amount of heat to balance the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while adding a subtle briny touch.
- 1 pound fresh banana peppers (or sweet peppers), sliced and seeds removed: The star of the show, these peppers bring their vibrant color and mild zing.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy finish without excess oil.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by combining the flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk it all together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour—this seasoning blend is what brings a flavor-packed crust to every banana pepper coin.
Step 2: Slice and Seed the Peppers
Wash your banana peppers thoroughly, then slice them into round “coins,” about a quarter-inch thick. Removing the seeds is key—not only to reduce any bitterness but also to ensure each piece crisps up beautifully without sogginess from excess moisture inside.
Step 3: Coat the Pepper Coins
Working in batches, toss the sliced banana peppers in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated but shake off any excess flour—too much can lead to a cakey texture instead of that perfect crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. This helps the batter crisp up evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Air Fry the Coated Banana Peppers
Place the coated banana pepper coins in the air fryer basket in a single layer — it’s important they don’t overlap so they can crisp properly. Spray the top lightly with olive oil spray. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, gently shake the basket or flip the pepper coins to ensure every side gets golden and crunchy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once done, transfer the crispy banana pepper coins to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes — these little bites will be hot and crispy, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over your crispy banana pepper coins for a pop of color and extra flavor layers. A light drizzle of tangy ranch or creamy garlic aioli can elevate them into an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Side Dishes
These crispy coins pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside grilled chicken or a juicy burger for an exciting twist. They’re also fantastic with light green salads or as a crunchy element in a sandwich to add texture and zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by stacking the banana pepper coins on mini skewer sticks or arranging them around a vibrant dip platter. Pair with different dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or tangy tzatziki to turn your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe into a party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll remain crispy for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t highly recommended since the crispiness may be compromised. However, if you must, flash freeze the coated banana pepper coins on a sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This method restores the golden crispy exterior much better than a microwave, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While banana peppers are ideal for their sweetness and mild heat, sweet peppers or even mild jalapeños can work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly if the pepper thickness varies.
Is it necessary to remove the seeds?
Removing the seeds is recommended to avoid bitterness and to help each coin crisp perfectly. Plus, seeds can retain moisture that prevents a crunchy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Both options still yield a crispy finish.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
How do I prevent the flour coating from falling off?
Make sure your banana pepper coins are dry before coating and don’t overcrowd the basket during cooking. Also, shake off excess flour to ensure the coating adheres well and crisps evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe is a total winner that transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy snack. It’s fun to make, super satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as an everyday treat. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to these crispy, zesty bites again and again!
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
Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a delightful and healthy snack made by coating fresh banana pepper slices in a seasoned flour mixture and air frying them to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish with a flavorful crunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Main Ingredient
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the banana peppers:
Add the sliced and deseeded banana peppers to the flour and spice mixture. Toss them well until each slice is evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes for optimal cooking results.
- Air fry the pepper coins:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated banana pepper slices in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispiness. Lightly spray the pepper coins with olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the slices halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Serve immediately:
Once golden and crispy, carefully remove the banana pepper coins from the air fryer and serve hot as a snack or side dish. Enjoy their spicy and crunchy texture!
Notes
- Be sure to remove all seeds from the banana peppers to reduce bitterness.
- Use fresh banana peppers for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute sweet peppers if you prefer less heat.
- For extra crispiness, cook in smaller batches without overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic powder or salt if desired.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or aioli for added flavor.
