Crispy, tangy, and downright addictive, these Air Fryer Banana Peppers are the ultimate snack—quick, easy, and seriously delicious.
Let me set the scene: It’s Saturday afternoon. The sun’s out, the game’s on TV, and you’re craving something crunchy. But not just any snack. You want that perfect mix of salty, tangy, and crispy—without deep-frying anything (because who has the energy for all that cleanup?).
That’s exactly how these Air Fryer Banana Peppers became a staple in my kitchen.
I first discovered fried banana peppers at a local food fair—greasy, golden, and oh-so-tasty. But I’ll be honest, the post-snack sluggishness? Not my vibe. Fast-forward to me experimenting with my
These have since become my go-to for game days, movie nights, or anytime I want something a little indulgent but still on the lighter side.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe?
- Crispy, Not Greasy: Thanks,
air fryer . You nailed it. - Fast & Fuss-Free: From start to finish in under 20 minutes. Perfect for last-minute snack attacks.
- Versatile AF: Game day, BBQ sides, or an afternoon craving—these peppers just work.
- Tangy & Flavorful: That briny bite from pickled banana peppers? Chef’s kiss.
- Customizable: Like heat? Add spice. Want cheesy? Toss on some parmesan.
Bonus? They’re a conversation starter. Every time I serve them, someone asks for the recipe.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s what makes this snack simple yet so addictive:
- Pickled Banana Peppers: Tangy, slightly sweet, and ready to crisp up. Drain them well—nobody wants soggy snacks.
- All-Purpose Flour (or Almond Flour): For that golden crunch. Almond flour keeps it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- Seasoned Salt: Adds flavor without overpowering the peppers. Want a kick? Swap in Cajun seasoning.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve that crispy finish without the deep-fryer mess.
Pro Tip: Feeling adventurous? A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth, while cayenne turns up the heat.
How To Make Air Fryer Banana Peppers?
Step 1. Preheat the
Crank it up to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Starting hot means extra-crispy results.
Step 2. Coat the Peppers
Grab a ziplock bag, toss in your flour and seasoned salt, then add the drained banana peppers. Seal it up and give it a good shake—like you’re making a cocktail but for snacks. Shake until every pepper’s got a nice, light coating.
Step 3. Spritz for That Golden Finish
Give the coated peppers a light mist of cooking spray (or brush with oil). This step is key for getting that fried-like texture without the grease.
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Step 4. Air Fry ‘Em Up
Place the peppers in your
Step 5. Serve, Dip & Devour
Once they’re golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate or cooling rack. Grab your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, marinara, spicy aioli—and dig in while they’re still warm.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but just in case.)
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back into the
air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that crunch. - Microwave? Hard pass. It zaps the crispiness and leaves you with limp peppers. No thanks.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free? Almond flour’s your friend. Same crunch, no gluten.
- Extra Spicy: Mix a little cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes into the flour.
- Cheesy Goodness: After air frying, sprinkle parmesan over the hot peppers for a salty, cheesy twist.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe’s already vegan. Just double-check your pickled peppers for additives.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Banana Peppers?
These crispy bites play well with others. Try pairing them with:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, chipotle aioli, honey mustard, or a spicy marinara.
- Game Day Spread: Stack them alongside wings, sliders, and a big ol’ bowl of nachos.
- Toppings: Toss on top of salads, grain bowls, or even burgers for an unexpected crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh banana peppers instead of pickled?
Absolutely! They’ll be milder in flavor, but still delicious. Just slice, coat, and air fry.
How do I make these even crispier?
Double-coat the peppers: flour > quick dip in beaten egg > flour again. Then air fry as usual.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch is a classic, but spicy aioli or creamy blue cheese are total game-changers.
Ready to Make the Crispiest
These are everything a snack should be—crunchy, tangy, and way too easy to keep popping in your mouth. So grab that
Happy snacking!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 cups pickled banana peppers thoroughly drained
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt or preferred spice blend
- Cooking spray or a light coating of oil
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
Prepare the Coating:
- In a large ziplock bag or mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt. Add the drained banana peppers, seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and shake or toss until the peppers are evenly coated.
Apply Oil for Crispiness:
- Lightly spray the coated banana peppers with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture during air frying.
Air Fry the Peppers:
- Arrange the coated peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure uniform crisping.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once golden and crispy, transfer the banana peppers to a wire rack or plate to cool slightly. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauces, such as ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
