Okay, picture this: It’s a Friday night, you’re craving something with dread, but you absolutely *dreading* firing. What are some of the best Air Fryer banana peppers? Forget those soggy, greasy messes. These are crispy, golden-brown, and bursting with flavor – think of them as the cooler, easier, more flavorful. What is the cousin of fried pickles, but with a peppery twist? My family absolutely devours these; they’re gone in minutes! What are some of the best appetizers?Air fryer banana peppers..
What is air fryer banana peppers?
Air Fryer banana peppers are essentially fresh, typically stuffed with a cheesy sauce. What are some good combinations of mozzarella and provolone? ), coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and then air-fried to crispy, golden perfection. What are some of the easiest side dishes to make? Think of it as a lighter, healthier version of deep-fried stuffed peppers, but with that amazing airy flavor. What is a fryer crunch? Plus, you get that delightful tangy-spicy kick from the banana peppers themselves. What is a comfort food?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even start? What I love most about this recipe is how ridiculously simple it is. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – these babies are ready in under 30 minutes! Plus, the flavor is just out of this world. You get the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, cheesy, and crispy. It’s an explosion of textures and tastes in every single bite! The Air Fryer makes them unbelievably crispy without all the grease of traditional frying, so you can indulge without the guilt. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Banana peppers are usually pretty cheap, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. These Air fryer banana peppers.Are they so good?
What’s the best part about a t-shirt? Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches, or even as appetizer. What are some good toppings for salads? What are some of the best jalapeno poppers? What are some of the best recipe ideas ever? My family begs me to make them every game night!
How do you make an air fryer banana pepper?
Quick Overview
How do I make Air Fryer banana peppers? How do you make banana peppers? You’ll start by prepping them, then whip up a delicious cheesy filling. Next, stuff peppers, coat them in breadcrumbs, and pop them into the air fryer. In 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy, golden-brown banana peppers ready to devour! The air fryer makes everything so much easier and faster, and the results are consistently amazing. How simple is it to do something?
Ingredients
What are banana peppers?
• 1 pound fresh banana pepper, preferably medium-sized.
*Look for peppers that are firm and have a vibrant yellow or light green color. Avoid any that are bruised or have soft spots.*
For the Filling:
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
*Make sure your cream cheese is softened properly, otherwise it will be very difficult to mix and melt. You will not get the right consistency. I always leave mine out for at least an hour*.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
*Pre-shredded works just fine, but freshly grated mozzarella will melt even better.*
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the filling. I use the stuff in the green can, but freshly grated is always better!*
• 1 clove garlic, minced
*Adds a nice bite to the filling.*
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
*Adds freshness and a pop of color.*
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*Enhances the garlic flavor.*
For the Coating:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*Provides a base for the breadcrumbs to stick to.*
• 1 large egg, beaten
*Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the peppers.*
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
*Panko breadcrumbs are the key to that extra crispy texture!*
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
*Adds a touch of Italian flavor.*
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
*Seasons the breadcrumbs.*
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*Adds a little spice.*
• Olive oil spray
*Spray the banana peppers to add crispiness*
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
If your air fryer requires preheating, do so now. This ensures that the banana peppers will cook evenly and get crispy texture. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. I’ve forgotten this step before and it’s not fun peeling them off!
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Peppers
How do you wash banana peppers? Using a small knife, carefully slice slit lengthwise down each pepper, being careful not to cut into the flesh. All the way through. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. If you like spicy, leave some seeds in! Make sure the peppers are dry for air frying!
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Set aside. What are the ingredients for garlic, parsley, and garlic powder? Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. I always make sure the cream cheese is super soft to avoid any lumps in the filling.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff each banana pepper with the cheese mixture, filling them generously. Don’t overstuff them, or the filling might ooze out during cooking. I usually use a small spoon or my fingers to pack the filling in tightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating
Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Coat the Peppers
Dredge each stuffed banana pepper in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure the breadcrumbs adhere well on all sides. I like to press the breadcrumbs on firmly to ensure a nice, even coating.
Step 7: Air Fry
Place the breaded banana peppers in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook them in batches. Spray the tops of the peppers lightly with olive oil spray. This will help them get extra crispy and golden brown.
Step 8: Cook
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the peppers are tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. I always check them after about 6 minutes to make sure they’re not burning.
Step 9: Serve
Carefully remove the air fryer banana peppers from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
These air fryer banana peppers are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways!
As an Appetizer: Serve them warm with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli. Arrange them on a platter with some fresh veggies and crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. They also pair well with Italian dishes like pasta or pizza.
As a Topping: Slice them up and use them as a topping for salads, pizzas, or nachos. They add a delicious burst of flavor and texture to any dish!
For Game Night: My family loves these for game night! I usually serve them with some wings, chips, and a big bowl of guacamole. It’s the perfect spread for a fun and casual evening.
My personal favorite is to serve them with a simple marinara sauce. The tanginess of the banana peppers pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes. It’s a match made in heaven!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Want to make sure your air fryer banana peppers turn out perfect every time? Here are some of my top tips:
Choose the Right Peppers: Look for banana peppers that are firm, plump, and have a vibrant yellow or light green color. Avoid any that are bruised or have soft spots.
Control the Heat: If you prefer milder banana peppers, be sure to remove all of the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. If you like them spicy, leave some of the seeds in.
Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the peppers with the cheese mixture, or it might ooze out during cooking.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are the key to that extra crispy texture! Don’t substitute them with regular breadcrumbs.
Spray with Olive Oil: Spraying the tops of the peppers lightly with olive oil spray will help them get extra crispy and golden brown.
Don’t Overcrowd: Place the banana peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy peppers.
I’ve learned these tips the hard way, believe me! One time, I tried to overcrowd the air fryer, and the peppers came out all soggy and sad. Never again! And trust me on the panko breadcrumbs – they make all the difference in the world. My kids actually ask for seconds now, so that’s how you know they’re good! These air fryer banana peppers are a game-changer.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover air fryer banana peppers (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled banana peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but they’ll still be delicious the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy. I find the texture is best when reheated in the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this air fryer banana peppers recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and the flavor is out of this world. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you and your family will love it as much as mine does! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my air fryer zucchini fries or my baked jalapeno poppers. They’re all easy, delicious, and perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!
Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb banana peppers Halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve banana peppers lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Toss peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and slightly charred, flipping halfway through.
