Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a delightful and easy snack that will brighten up your meal. With their crispy exterior and tender inside, these little pepper coins are both fun and delicious. They’re perfect for a quick appetizer or a side dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you serve them on game day or at a cozy family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is fantastic for a number of reasons. First, it’s super easy and requires just a few everyday ingredients. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills to make these tasty pepper coins. Plus, they cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great choice when you need something fast. Family-friendly and full of flavor, this dish will surely please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make It
Making crispy banana pepper coins is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preparing the coating mix and then dip the pepper slices to give them that delicious crunch. The air fryer will do the hard work, ensuring they turn out golden and crispy without all the extra oil.
What You Need
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsps garlic powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsps sea salt
1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
olive oil spray
Cooking Steps
- In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Dip each sliced banana pepper into the flour mixture, coating them well.
- Place the coated peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve It
These crispy banana pepper coins are versatile and can be served in many fun ways. Try pairing them with a cool dip, like ranch or a creamy dressing. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats or a fun addition to tacos. Consider serving them alongside fresh veggies for a colorful platter, or enjoy them as a leisurely snack while watching your favorite show.
How to Store It
To keep leftovers fresh, place any uneaten pepper coins in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can usually stay good for about 2-3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, spread the cooled pepper coins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back their crispiness!
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh peppers for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less garlic powder.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this helps them cook evenly.
- Try using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Cook in batches if you have a large quantity to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Variations & Swaps
- Add spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat.
- Swap out the banana peppers for other sweet peppers or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Try a cheesy version by adding grated cheese to the flour mix before coating.
FAQs
Can I make these banana pepper coins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coated pepper coins a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge before air frying. This makes it easy to serve them fresh when you’re ready.
Can I freeze the banana pepper coins?
Yes! After cooking and cooling, freeze the pepper coins on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last about a month, and you can air fry them from frozen!
How should I reheat leftover crispy banana peppers?
The best way to reheat is in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore their crispy texture. You might want to avoid the microwave, as it can make them soft.
What can I serve with banana pepper coins?
These crispy coins pair well with various dips like ranch dressing, guacamole, or even a cheesy dip. They also make a fun side dish with burgers or grilled chicken.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents the peppers from getting crispy. Also, be sure to coat them evenly for better flavor. Not spraying with olive oil can lead to less crispy texture, so don’t skip that step!
Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins
Ingredients
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsps sea salt
For the Peppers
- 1 lb fresh banana peppers or sweet peppers, sliced and seeds removed
- olive oil spray for spraying
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Dip each sliced banana pepper into the flour mixture, coating them well.
Cooking
- Place the coated peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
