High Protein Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Crispy, tangy, and incredibly addictive—these Air Fryer Banana Peppers are the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish! Lightly breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, they deliver a zesty kick without the grease. Whether served with a dipping sauce or on their own, they’re a crunchy treat you’ll make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Healthier Alternative – No deep frying, just crispy goodness from the air fryer.
Zesty & Flavorful – Banana peppers bring a tangy twist to your snack lineup.
Perfect for Entertaining – A unique and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Customizable – Make them mild or spicy with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peppers:
10–12 banana peppers (mild or hot, depending on preference)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
2 large eggs
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray

Optional Dipping Sauces:
Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli
Spicy mayo
Greek yogurt dip with herbs

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Small bowls (for dredging)
Whisk or fork
Tongs
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Rinse the banana peppers and pat dry.
Cut into rings or halves (remove seeds for less heat).
Set aside while you prepare your breading station.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Place flour in one bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Peppers
Dip each pepper piece into flour, then egg, then panko mixture.
Press gently to help the coating stick well.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place breaded banana peppers in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Dip
Remove from air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or chopped herbs for a flavor boost.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Peppers
Use Panko – It gives the best crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
Spray Lightly – A little oil spray helps the breading brown and crisp.
Cut Uniformly – Even pieces cook at the same rate.

Serving Suggestions
As a Snack – Enjoy with dipping sauces for a quick bite.
With Burgers – Add to the plate for a crunchy, tangy side.
In a Wrap – Tuck into wraps with veggies and protein for texture.
Topped on Salads – Use as a crispy topping for extra flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Best texture is achieved fresh.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but may soften the breading.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pickled banana peppers?
   Fresh banana peppers are best. Pickled ones can be used but may require patting dry and adjusting cooking time.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   You can bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
4. Are these spicy?
   Banana peppers are usually mild, but you can use hot varieties or add chili flakes for extra heat.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Banana Peppers are a crispy, tangy treat that’s both healthy and irresistible. They come together fast, require minimal ingredients, and are easy to customize to your taste. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your air fryer rotation.

Give them a try and dip into the delicious crunch!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 310mg

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