Tangy Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins for Snacking (Print Version)

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a tangy, crunchy snack. Learn my easy recipe for these addictive air-fried bites, perfect for any occasion or a quick craving!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 16 oz jar sliced banana peppers, well-drained
02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - Cooking spray (for air fryer)

→ Dipping Suggestions (Optional)

11 - Ranch dressing
12 - Marinara sauce

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get organized! Grab three shallow dishes. In the first, put your all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk those eggs until they're nice and smooth. For the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix; you want those flavors evenly distributed. Honestly, this step makes the whole process so much smoother, less mess, more fun. I always forget to use a big enough dish for the Panko, and then it spills everywhere when I'm coating. Oops!
02 - Now for the fun part! Take your drained banana pepper coins and pat them *really* dry with a paper towel. This is super important for maximum crispiness, trust me. Then, working in small batches, dredge each pepper coin in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, making sure it's completely coated. I always get my fingers messy here, but it's part of the charm! Don't be shy with the Panko – it's what gives them that incredible crunch.
03 - While you're coating, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is a game-changer for getting that immediate crisp. If the air fryer isn't hot enough, the peppers just kind of... steam a bit, and we're going for CRUNCH! Give it about 5 minutes to get up to temp. I remember the first time I made these, I skipped this step, and the result was definitely less than stellar. Learn from my mistakes, hon!
04 - Once your air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the bottom of the basket with cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of your breaded banana pepper coins in the basket, making sure they aren't touching. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness! Give them another light spritz of cooking spray over the top. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Keep an eye on them, because every air fryer is a little different!
05 - Remove the first batch of your golden Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins and set them aside on a wire rack so they stay crunchy. Don't just dump them on a plate, or they'll get soggy! Repeat the air frying process with any remaining breaded peppers, ensuring you spray the basket and the peppers each time. This might take a couple of batches depending on the size of your air fryer, but trust me, it’s worth the wait for that perfect texture.
06 - Once all your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. They're best enjoyed warm, right out of the air fryer, when that crunch is at its peak. I love serving them with a side of ranch dressing or a simple marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy peppers, the crunchy coating, the creamy dip – it’s just a symphony of textures and flavors. Honestly, I usually sneak a few right off the rack before they even make it to the table!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; it's the number one killer of crispiness!
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best results.
03 - Gluten-free Panko works surprisingly well for a similar crunch, though the texture is slightly different.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese makes them look and taste extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - 3 shallow dishes
03 - whisk
04 - paper towels
05 - wire rack

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 8g

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