If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique snack with just the right amount of heat and irresistible crunch, let me introduce you to Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins. These little golden bites are a playful twist on traditional fried pickles: tangy banana pepper slices get a crisp, Parmesan-flecked panko coating and emerge from the air fryer perfectly light and crunchy. Whether you serve them with a zingy dip or pile them on top of salads or sandwiches, these banana pepper coins are sure to be your new favorite way to enjoy peppers!

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the fresh zip of banana peppers to the savory crunch of breadcrumbs, creating a snack that’s totally irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Banana Peppers: Mild, slightly tangy, and just the right shape, they’re the perfect vessel for a crispy coating.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg cling to each pepper coin, ensuring your breading sticks perfectly.
Large Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, giving your breadcrumb layer the staying power it needs.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs bring an incomparable crunch and lighter texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and helps the coins turn deeply golden.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for savory flavor in every bite.
Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a pop of color.
Salt: Enhances and brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Black Pepper: Offers just the right amount of kiss of spice to balance the peppers.
Olive Oil Spray: Delivers that fried-like crispness without the heaviness of deep frying.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins get an immediate blast of hot air for maximum crunch. Meanwhile, slice your banana peppers into neat ¼-inch rounds, taking care to remove all seeds for a smooth, spice-balanced bite.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three shallow bowls: the first with all-purpose flour, the second with your beaten eggs, and the third with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This assembly-line setup makes coating the coins super quick and keeps your kitchen tidy.

Step 3: Dredge, Dip, and Coat

This is where the magic happens! Dredge each banana pepper coin in flour (shake off any excess), then dip it in the egg, and finally press it gently into the breadcrumb mixture so every surface is perfectly coated. This triple-threat breading technique is what gives these coins their unforgettable crunch.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Place the coated banana pepper coins in a single, non-overlapping layer in your air fryer basket. This helps them get evenly crisp all over—no soggy sides! Give the tops a light spray of olive oil to help them turn extra golden without soaking them.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Cook the coins at 375°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping them carefully at the halfway point. Watch closely near the end, as different air fryers can vary. When your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are golden brown and crunchy, they’re ready to be devoured hot—don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss that fresh-from-the-fryer goodness!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins

Garnishes

When it comes to topping off your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds instant color and a hint of freshness. For extra tang, a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top looks gorgeous and ups the flavor ante. Try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a little acidic zip, too!

Side Dishes

These coins are fantastically versatile. Pair them with a classic ranch or zingy marinara for dipping for an easy party platter, or serve with a crisp, simple salad to balance out the richness. They also make a wonderful sidekick to your favorite sandwiches or wraps, adding crunch and personality to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an appetizers platter, pile the Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins on a wooden board alongside small bowls of assorted dips. Or, layer them on top of an open-faced burger or veggie sandwich for texture. For a touch of whimsy, thread a few on cocktail skewers with cubes of cheese and pickles for an easy, eye-catching snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place the coins in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, though the crunch is best on day one.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze your Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins in a single layer on a baking sheet. After they’re frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and some of their crunch for up to a month, perfect for a last-minute appetizer fix.

Reheating

To restore that telltale crisp, skip the microwave and pop the coins back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes. This method brings back the crunch and warms them through without burning or making them soggy. Enjoy them hot and crispy all over again!

FAQs

Can I use jarred banana peppers instead of fresh?

Fresh banana peppers work best for this recipe, as the jarred variety tends to have more moisture and acidity, which can prevent the breading from sticking and getting crispy. If you do try it with jarred, pat them very dry and expect a slightly different texture.

Are Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins spicy?

These coins are only mildly spicy, thanks to the naturally gentle heat of banana peppers. If you crave more kick, a pinch of cayenne in the breading will do the trick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Gluten-free panko is widely available and works wonderfully for keeping that essential crunch.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

For best results, be sure the banana pepper slices are dry before starting, and press the breadcrumb mixture in gently but firmly. Chilling the coated coins for a few minutes before air frying can also help the coating adhere beautifully.

What dips pair best with Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins?

This snack is super adaptable—ranch dressing and marinara sauce are both classic, but creamy chipotle dip, blue cheese, or even honey mustard are delicious choices for mixing up the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Ready to give your air fryer a flavorful workout? Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are here to brighten up snack time, game day, or any gathering. With their perfect crunch and tang, they’re guaranteed to win over fans of all ages. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with their bold flavor and satisfying texture just like I did!

Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a delightful appetizer or snack with a crunchy coating and a zesty kick. Perfectly golden and satisfyingly crispy, these vegetarian bites are great for parties or as a fun twist to your usual snack routine.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups banana peppers (sliced into ¼-inch coins, seeds removed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Prepare Coating Bowls: Set up three shallow bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge and Coat: Dredge the banana pepper coins in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry: Arrange the coated pepper coins in the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil, and air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with ranch or marinara dipping sauce.