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Discover the simplicity and flavor of Air Fryer Banana Peppers! This recipe transforms fresh banana peppers into a deliciously tender and slightly spicy snack with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a side dish, these air-fried peppers will become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Perfectly Spicy and Flavorful: These banana peppers have just the right amount of heat, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Their natural flavor is enhanced by the simple seasoning of salt and garlic powder.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With only a few ingredients and a short cook time in the air fryer, you can have these delicious peppers ready in just minutes. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a healthy snack or side dish.
Healthy and Light: Air frying uses minimal oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Enjoy the rich taste of roasted peppers without the extra calories.
Versatile Side Dish: These air fryer banana peppers pair well with a variety of main dishes. Serve them alongside grilled meats, add them to salads, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.
Great for Parties and Gatherings: Impress your guests with a unique and flavorful appetizer. These peppers are easy to make in large batches, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Banana Peppers: Fresh banana peppers are the star of this recipe. They offer a mild to medium heat level, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice without it being overwhelming.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps to roast the peppers perfectly, giving them a slightly crispy texture.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the banana peppers.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic element, complementing the peppers beautifully.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Air Fryer: Essential for achieving the perfect roasted texture with minimal oil.
Knife: For cutting the stems off the peppers and slicing them in half.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the peppers.
Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise measurements of oil, salt, and garlic powder.
Spoon: Useful for removing the seeds from the pepper halves.

How To Make Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Start by washing the banana peppers thoroughly.
Cut off the stems and slice each pepper in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds from each pepper half.
Drizzle the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
Toss the peppers to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Arrange the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
Once the peppers are nicely browned and tender, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

As a Side Dish: Serve these air fryer banana peppers alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a flavorful and spicy side.
In Salads: Chop the roasted peppers and add them to a fresh salad for a burst of flavor and a bit of heat. Try more delicious salad recipes.
With Dips: Enjoy the peppers with your favorite dips like hummus, ranch, or sour cream onion.
On Sandwiches: Add these peppers to sandwiches or wraps to elevate the taste with their unique flavor.
As a Topping: Use them as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads to add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tips For Success

Choosing Peppers: Select firm, bright-colored banana peppers without any blemishes or soft spots. Fresh peppers will yield the best flavor and texture.
Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the peppers into uniform halves to ensure even cooking. This helps all pieces cook at the same rate and prevents some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Removing Seeds: Use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds easily. Removing the seeds not only reduces the spiciness slightly but also ensures a smoother texture.
Even Coating: Make sure to toss the peppers well with olive oil and seasonings to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform taste and perfect roasting.
Air Fryer Basket Arrangement: Arrange the peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Check for Doneness: Depending on the size of your peppers and the power of your air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the peppers and check for a nice browning and tender texture.
Adjusting Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add a pinch of black pepper, paprika, or even a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Immediately: These peppers are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. They tend to lose some of their crispiness as they cool down.
Experiment with Fillings: If you want to get creative, try stuffing the pepper halves with cheese or a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs before air frying for a delicious variation.

Variations And Substitutions

Stuffed Banana Peppers: For a heartier dish, stuff the pepper halves with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs before air frying. You can also use a combination of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and finely chopped vegetables for a flavorful filling.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give the banana peppers an extra spicy kick.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the peppers during the last few minutes of air frying. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, crispy topping.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the seasoning mix. This will enhance the flavor profile and add a delightful herbal aroma.
Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly variation. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Oil-Free Version: If you prefer to avoid oil, you can skip it altogether. The peppers will still roast nicely in the air fryer, though they may be slightly less crispy.
Lemon Zest: Add a touch of freshness by sprinkling some lemon zest over the roasted peppers just before serving. The citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with the spiciness of the peppers.
Different Peppers: Try this recipe with other types of peppers like bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even jalapeños for different levels of heat and flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the roasted peppers for a sweet and spicy combination. This adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic powder or use freshly minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover air fryer banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat the banana peppers, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Option: If you are short on time, you can reheat the peppers in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind that they may not retain their crispiness as well as when reheated in the air fryer or oven.
Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze roasted banana peppers, they may become a bit softer after thawing. If you wish to freeze them, place the cooled peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thawing: To thaw frozen banana peppers, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best banana peppers for this recipe?

Select firm, bright-colored banana peppers that are free from blemishes or soft spots. Fresh peppers will yield the best flavor and texture.

Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute banana peppers with bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even jalapeños for different heat levels and flavors. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the peppers.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, preheating the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe. Simply place the peppers in the air fryer and set the temperature and time as directed.

Can I add other seasonings to the banana peppers?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as black pepper, paprika, or even grated Parmesan cheese. Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

What if I don’t have olive oil?

You can use other types of oil such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter as a substitute. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will still work well for roasting the peppers.

Are these peppers very spicy?

Banana peppers have a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover air fryer banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, you can skip the oil if you prefer. The peppers will still roast nicely in the air fryer, although they may not be as crispy as when cooked with oil.

What are some serving suggestions for these peppers?

Air fryer banana peppers make a great side dish or snack. They can also be added to salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed with dips like hummus or ranch. For more ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions section above.

Can I freeze the roasted banana peppers?

While it’s possible to freeze them, the texture may soften after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Other Easy Recipes To Make With Peppers

Air Fryer Charred Poblano Peppers: Enjoy the smoky, rich flavor of perfectly roasted poblano peppers made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Blistered Shishito Peppers: These air fryer shishito peppers are blistered to perfection, making a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer.

Air Fryer Sweet Mini Peppers: Sweet and colorful mini peppers roasted in the air fryer are a delightful and easy-to-make treat.

Microwave Cooked Bell Peppers: Quickly cook bell peppers in the microwave for a convenient and nutritious side dish.

Air Fryer Stuffed Jalapenos: Stuffed with cream cheese, these little jalapenos are so delicious and addictive, perfect as a party appetizer.

Grilled Sweet Bell Peppers: Grilled bell peppers bring out a natural sweetness and smoky flavor, ideal for any barbecue.

Sautéed Bell Peppers with Garlic: This easy sautéed bell peppers recipe delivers tender and flavorful peppers, perfect as a side or addition to various dishes.

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