Air Fryer Buffalo Banana Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Banana Peppers are a crispy, flavorful snack that’s quick to prepare and deliciously addictive. This recipe uses simple seasonings and the air fryer to create a healthier alternative to fried peppers. Perfect for a snack or appetizer with a creamy dip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well.
- Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 350° F (175° C).
- Step 3: Dip the sliced banana peppers into the seasoned flour mixture, coating them thoroughly. Let them sit for 5 minutes to develop a thick coating.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray olive oil evenly over both sides of the peppers.
- Step 5: Air fry for 8 minutes or until the peppers are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through if needed for even cooking.
- Step 6: Transfer the cooked peppers onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 7: Serve the banana peppers on a platter with a small bowl of ranch dressing or your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the peppers by dipping them in water or beaten egg before coating with the flour mixture.
- Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the flour for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Sweet peppers can be substituted if banana peppers are unavailable, adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- Serve with a variety of dips like blue cheese, aioli, or spicy mayo for different flavor profiles.
Storage
Store leftover air-fried banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350° F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen banana peppers for this recipe?
Fresh banana peppers work best for crispiness. Frozen peppers tend to release moisture when cooked, which can make them soggy. If using frozen, pat them dry thoroughly before coating and adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
You can try gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary slightly. Cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and flour can also add extra crunch.
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Banana Peppers Recipe
Crispy and flavorful air-fried banana peppers coated in a seasoned flour mixture, perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer. These golden brown peppers are light, crunchy, and pair wonderfully with a creamy ranch dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsps sea salt
Peppers
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
- Olive oil spray
Dipping Sauce (optional)
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt thoroughly to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the peppers.
- Coat the peppers: Dip the sliced and deseeded banana peppers into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each slice is well coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the flour to adhere and form a thicker coating.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the coated banana peppers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray olive oil over both sides of the coated peppers to help them crisp up and brown during air frying.
- Air fry the peppers: Cook the banana peppers in the preheated air fryer for 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil and cool: Transfer the cooked banana peppers to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Arrange the peppers on a platter or in a bowl, and serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to remove the seeds from the banana peppers to reduce bitterness and heat.
- You can adjust the seasoning in the flour coating based on personal preference, adding cayenne pepper or paprika for extra spice.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can cause uneven cooking and sogginess.
- Use olive oil spray sparingly to keep the recipe healthier but still achieve crispiness.
- If you do not have an air fryer, these peppers can also be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Keywords: air fryer banana peppers, crispy banana peppers, healthy snacks, air fried peppers, vegetarian appetizer, easy air fryer recipes
