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Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a golden, crunchy snack bursting with mild heat and tangy zest. These bite-sized banana pepper slices are lightly coated with olive oil, seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then dusted with cornstarch or flour and air fried to perfection. Perfect as a healthy standalone snack or a zesty topping for salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, this recipe is quick, simple, and a guilt-free indulgence with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Peppers

  • 45 fresh banana peppers, washed and sliced into 1/4-inch thick coins

Coating & Seasonings

  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for gluten-free use cornstarch or rice flour)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Banana Peppers: Wash your banana peppers thoroughly and slice them into even 1/4-inch thick coins to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior without fragility.
  2. Coat with Oil and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, toss the banana pepper slices with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and any additional preferred seasonings, mixing well for even flavor distribution.
  3. Dust with Flour or Cornstarch: Add your choice of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and gently toss the pepper coins again. This light coating is essential for achieving maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
  4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the banana pepper coins in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space between pieces for optimal air circulation and even browning.
  5. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the coins halfway through. Watch closely near the end to avoid over-browning until the coins turn golden and crunchy.
  6. Cool and Serve: Transfer the crispy banana pepper coins to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool slightly to enjoy their full crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh banana peppers for firmer flesh that crisps better.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
  • Optionally spray lightly with oil instead of tossing to avoid over-oiling.
  • Flip the coins midway during air frying to crisp all sides.
  • Adjust cooking time if slices are thicker or thinner for desired texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Freeze cooked coins in a single layer; reheat air fryer directly from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana peppers, air fryer snack, crispy pepper coins, healthy snack, gluten free appetizer, quick snack, air fryer recipe