Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe!

Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-8 banana peppers (fresh or pickled)

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Peppers

1. Wash the peppers: If you’re using fresh banana peppers, wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. If you’re using pickled banana peppers, simply drain them.

2. Cut the stems off: Use a sharp knife to cut the stems off each banana pepper. Slice the peppers lengthwise (from top to bottom) to expose the seeds. For a milder taste, remove the seeds with a spoon or your fingers; if you prefer a spicier kick, leave them in.

3. Season the peppers: Drizzle the banana peppers with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the peppers. Toss the peppers gently to coat them evenly with the seasonings.

Step 2: Air Fry the Banana Peppers

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

2. Place the peppers in the basket: Arrange the banana peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them to allow air circulation for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.

3. Cook the peppers: Air fry the peppers for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The peppers should become tender with some slight charring around the edges.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately: Once the peppers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. These air fryer banana peppers can be eaten as a snack, side dish, or added to sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

2. Optional toppings: You can drizzle them with ranch dressing, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha or hot sauce.

🌶 Tips for Success:

• Air fry in batches: If your air fryer is small, cook the peppers in batches so they can cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket.

• Adjust heat level: If you like your peppers to be milder, remove the seeds. If you enjoy extra spice, leave the seeds in.

• Crispier texture: Lightly spray the peppers with cooking spray before air frying to get a crispier exterior.

• Cooking time may vary: Depending on the size of the peppers and your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end.

🍴 Serving Suggestions:

• As a snack: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy dipping sauce.

• Topping for dishes: Use them as a topping for pizza, tacos, or a sandwich for extra flavor and spice.

• In a salad: Add them to a fresh salad for a spicy, crunchy element.

• With grilled meats: Pair them with grilled chicken, burgers, or steak for a delicious side dish.

🥒 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use pickled banana peppers?

A1: Yes, you can use pickled banana peppers! They add a tangy flavor, and you can skip the seasoning if you prefer. Just be sure to drain them before air frying. Pickled peppers will cook more quickly than fresh peppers, so check them at around 5-6 minutes.

Q2: How do I make the peppers less spicy?

A2: To make the peppers less spicy, remove the seeds before cooking. The seeds are where most of the heat is concentrated. Alternatively, you can also soak the peppers in water for a few hours to reduce some of the spiciness.

Q3: Can I leave the peppers whole instead of slicing them?

A3: Yes, you can leave the banana peppers whole. Just be sure to poke a small hole in each one with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape while they cook. This will help prevent them from bursting open in the air fryer.

Q4: How do I store leftover air-fried banana peppers?

A4: Store any leftover banana peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to bring back their crispy texture.

Q5: Can I make these peppers ahead of time?

A5: While banana peppers are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep them ahead of time by seasoning and slicing them. Store them in the fridge and air fry them just before serving.

Q6: Can I add cheese to the banana peppers?

A6: Yes! You can stuff the banana peppers with cheese (like cheddar or cream cheese) before air frying them for a cheesy treat. For a more indulgent option, add some melted cheese after cooking.

Q7: Can I air fry other types of peppers this way?

A7: Yes, you can use this recipe for other mild peppers like poblano, Anaheim, or sweet peppers. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the peppers, and you can follow the same seasoning and air frying process.

Q8: How can I make these peppers spicier?

A8: If you want to add more heat, you can leave the seeds in or sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder over the peppers before air frying. You can also drizzle hot sauce over them once they’re cooked.