Description
Make crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Banana Peppers with a light coating, perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the main coating that gives the peppers their crunchy texture. You can replace it with a gluten-free flour blend if you are adhering to a gluten-free diet.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Garlic powder brings a robust flavor to the peppers, enhancing their taste significantly. For a fresher option, you could use minced fresh garlic but keep in mind it might alter the texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: This ingredient adds a hint of heat without overwhelming the mild flavor of the banana peppers.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Feel free to reduce the amount if you are watching your sodium intake.
- 1 pound fresh banana peppers: The star of the dish! Choose peppers that are firm and free from blemishes. For a twist, you might experiment with different types of peppers that suit your flavor profile.
- Olive oil spray: A light misting of oil helps the flour adhere to the peppers and achieve that perfect golden brown color. Alternative oils like avocado or coconut oil can also work well.
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 350° F. This is an important step that helps ensure even cooking and browning of the peppers.
- Coat the Peppers: Take your sliced banana peppers (ensuring you have removed the seeds) and dip them into the flour mixture. For a thicker coating, allow them to sit for 5 minutes after coating.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the coated banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the peppers with olive oil. This step is key to obtaining that crispy texture.
- Air Fry: Cook the banana peppers in the air fryer for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the banana peppers to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let them drain for a few moments to remove excess oil, allowing them to cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve: These crispy treats can be served warm with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Banana Peppers as a snack or topping for other dishes!