If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, then the Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe is exactly what you need. This easy-to-make dish takes fresh banana peppers, coats them in a simple yet flavorful batter, and cooks them to golden perfection in the air fryer for a guilt-free, crispy treat. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer or a crunchy side, these pepper coins deliver on texture, taste, and a little kick of spice that will keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe keeps things delightfully simple. Each component plays a crucial role: the all-purpose flour creates that perfect crispy shell, the garlic powder and sea salt add layers of savory flavor, and the fresh banana peppers provide a juicy, mildly spicy crunch that’s simply unforgettable.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the crispy coating that locks in the pepper’s natural juiciness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates every bite.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Brings subtle heat and depth to the batter mix.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the mild sweetness of the peppers.
- 1 pound fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed: The star ingredient, providing both vibrant color and natural juiciness.
- Olive oil spray: Helps create that perfect golden crisp without extra calories.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Begin by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl to combine your dry ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt into the bowl. Mix these together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfectly seasoned coating that’s ready to embrace the banana pepper slices.
Step 2: Slice and Seed the Peppers
Next, take your fresh banana peppers and slice them into uniform “coins.” Removing the seeds is key to maintaining a crisp texture and preventing any unexpected bitterness or excessive heat. These rounds will become those crunchy, flavorful bites everyone will love.
Step 3: Coat the Pepper Coins
Dip each banana pepper slice into the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the flour mixture adheres well. This coating not only helps the peppers crisp up beautifully but also locks in their natural moisture, delivering a juicy pop with every bite.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the coated banana pepper coins in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Give them a light spray with olive oil to encourage browning and crispness. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to crisp all sides evenly. The result is a golden, crispy snack that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe
Garnishes
Boost both flavor and presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over your crispy banana pepper coins. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a delightful tang that enhances the peppers’ natural zestiness.
Side Dishes
Serve these pepper coins alongside creamy dips like ranch or garlic aioli for dipping, or pair them with grilled chicken or fish to add a refreshing crunch to your meal. They also make a fantastic crunchy contrast on sandwich plates or burger platters.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your air-fried banana pepper coins on a charcuterie board complete with cheeses, cured meats, and nuts. They can also be tossed lightly in your favorite hot sauce before air frying for a spicy variation. The Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe is versatile enough to brighten up just about any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place your crispy banana pepper coins in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay tasty and ready to enjoy for up to two days, although they are best eaten fresh to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may slightly impact texture. To freeze, lay the pepper coins flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
Reheating
To bring your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe back to life, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This method restores the crunch without drying them out, making every bite as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers instead of banana peppers?
Absolutely! Mild peppers like sweet peppers or pepperoncini work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful of the thickness and heat level, adjusting cooking times slightly if needed.
Do I need to soak the peppers before coating?
No soaking is necessary. Fresh, properly sliced and seeded banana peppers have enough natural moisture to complement the batter beautifully without becoming soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! The Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just be sure to use a plant-based olive oil spray and check your seasoning ingredients.
How do I get the crispiest coating?
Using all-purpose flour combined with a light spray of olive oil in the air fryer basket helps produce the crispiest texture. Avoid overcrowding and flip or shake the peppers halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Banana peppers have a mild heat level, so this recipe offers just a gentle kick, perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of warmth without overwhelming spice.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe enough if you love snacks that combine bold flavor with satisfying crunch. It’s simple, fun to make, and delivers a delicious twist on traditional fried foods without the extra oil. Your taste buds are in for a treat, and I promise this will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a delightful and easy-to-make snack featuring fresh banana peppers coated in a seasoned flour mixture and air fried to golden perfection. This recipe offers a savory, crunchy treat that pairs well with dips or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp sea salt
Fresh Ingredients
- 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 thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed within the flour.
- Coat the peppers: Slice the fresh banana peppers into coins and remove the seeds. Add the sliced peppers to the bowl with the flour mixture and toss well to evenly coat all pieces.
- 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 the peppers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated banana pepper coins in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for maximum crispiness.
- Air fry the peppers: Cook the peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, about at 6 minutes, shake the basket gently or flip the pepper coins to promote even browning and crispness.
- Check and serve: Once the peppers are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy on their own as a crunchy snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the pepper coins by dipping them in a beaten egg before coating them in the flour mixture.
- You can substitute banana peppers with sweet bell peppers if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness. Leftovers may lose some texture when refrigerated.
