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Air Fryer Banana Peppers

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  • Name: Air Fryer Banana Peppers

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 8-12 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

  • Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish

  • Cuisine: American

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Servings: 4

In the world of easy, healthy snacks, the air fryer has become a true game-changer. It has the magical ability to transform simple ingredients into crispy, crave-worthy treats with minimal oil. If you’re a fan of tangy, slightly spicy flavors and a satisfying crunch, then you are in for a treat. This recipe for Air Fryer Banana Peppers is about to become your new obsession.

Banana peppers, with their mild heat and vibrant tang, are often relegated to being a mere sandwich topping or pizza garnish. But when cooked in the air fryer, they undergo a spectacular transformation. They become tender on the inside while developing a blistered, crispy-edged exterior that is utterly addictive. This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer for game day, a low-carb snack, or a flavorful burger topper, these air-fried banana peppers deliver a punch of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh banana peppers

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Cooking spray

For Serving (Optional):

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

  • Medium mixing bowl

  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Peppers

Start by thoroughly washing the banana peppers under cool running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
You have two options for prepping the peppers, depending on your preference:

  1. Spears: Slice the stem end off each pepper. Then, slice them in half lengthwise. For longer peppers, you can cut them in half crosswise first, then slice each piece lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds and inner membranes. This method is great for maximizing the crispy surface area, perfect for dipping.

  2. Rounds: Simply slice the peppers into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds. This method is quicker and leaves some of the seeds inside, which can add a bit more heat. It’s ideal for using as a topping for salads, hot dogs, or pizzas.

Step 2: Season the Peppers

Place the prepared pepper spears or rounds into a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat evenly. This light coating of oil is essential for helping the spices stick and for promoting browning and crisping.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper over the peppers. Toss again until all the pieces are evenly and lightly coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes, if your model has a preheat function.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned banana peppers in a single layer in the basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd them to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the peppers halfway through the cooking time. The peppers are done when they are tender, slightly blistered, and the edges are beginning to brown and crisp. Cooking time can vary based on the size of your pepper pieces and your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Once the peppers have reached your desired level of crispness, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. They are best enjoyed immediately while they are hot and crispy.
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle them with a little grated Parmesan cheese while they are still hot, or serve with a side of cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

  • Spice Level Control: The heat in banana peppers is primarily concentrated in the seeds and inner white membranes. For a milder result, be thorough when scraping them out. If you love heat, leave them in when slicing into rounds.

  • Avoid Sogginess: The key to crispy results is ensuring the peppers are completely dry before adding oil and seasoning. Any residual water will steam them in the air fryer.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the golden rule of air frying. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which results in soggy peppers. Cooking in batches is always better than ending up with a limp result.

  • Customize the Seasoning: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend works wonderfully. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the other spices.

  • Storage and Reheating: While best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispness. Reheating in the microwave will make them soft.

Nutrition Information

(Please note: The following is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Serving Size: ¼ of the recipe | Calories: 55 | Total Fat: 3.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 150mg | Total Carbohydrates: 6g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 3g | Protein: 1g

A Note on Nutrition: Air Fryer Banana Peppers are a wonderfully healthy and low-calorie snack or side dish. They are very low in calories and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those monitoring their intake. The small amount of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. Banana peppers are also a good source of Vitamin C, which supports immune function, and capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat, which is known to have metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. By using the air fryer, you achieve a crispy, satisfying texture with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, making this a nutrient-dense and guilt-free culinary delight.

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