Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins
Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a quick, flavorful, and healthy snack made by coating thinly sliced banana peppers in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air frying until golden and crunchy. Perfect as a zesty appetizer, side, or finger food, these mildly spicy and tangy coins offer bold flavor with less oil and great texture. Easily customizable for dietary preferences, they can be ready in under 15 minutes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with ingredient substitutions)
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 fresh banana peppers, sliced into 1/4 inch coins, seeds removed if preferred
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or flax eggs/aquafaba for vegan option)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Spices and Flavorings
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: cayenne pepper or chili flakes to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Optional herbs: dried oregano, basil, or thyme to taste
Other
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer
- Prepare the banana peppers: Slice the fresh banana peppers evenly into approximately 1/4 inch thick coins. Remove the seeds if you prefer less heat. Even slicing ensures uniform cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Set up your dredging station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour (or almond flour), one with beaten eggs (or flax eggs/aquafaba), and one with the breadcrumb mixture seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any optional spices or herbs. For a cheesy twist, mix Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the pepper coins: Dip each banana pepper coin first into the flour, tapping off the excess, then into the eggs to help the coating stick, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Air fry the coated coins: Place the coated banana pepper coins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for maximum airflow. Lightly spray the coins with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coins are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the crispy pepper coins from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli, or use as a side or salad topping.
Notes
- Slice banana peppers evenly for consistent cooking and crispness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; spaces between pieces allow better airflow and crispiness.
- Use a light spray of oil to enhance browning and crunch without excess grease.
- For extra crunch, double coat the coins by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step before air frying.
- Best eaten fresh to enjoy the maximum crisp texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a conventional oven to retain crispiness; avoid microwaving which softens the coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 10-12 pepper coins)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: banana peppers, air fryer snack, crispy appetizer, gluten free, healthy snack, spicy finger food, quick appetizer