Name: Air Fryer Banana Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup banana pepper rings (drained and patted dry); 1 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray (for air frying)

I’ve always had a soft spot for crispy snacks that are bold in flavor but light enough not to weigh you down. The first time I tried Air Fryer Banana Peppers, I was hooked. That tangy-sweet zing from the banana peppers, wrapped in a perfectly crunchy coating, is everything I love in a quick appetizer. And when it’s air fried? You get all the crisp without the grease. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

I love keeping a jar of banana peppers on hand because they’re so versatile, but this recipe gives them a brand-new spotlight. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want something fun to snack on during movie night, these air fryer banana peppers are fast, fun, and seriously addictive. Best of all, they’re super easy to make—no deep fryer, no splatter, and minimal mess.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe

These air fryer banana peppers strike the perfect balance between flavor and texture. They’re golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tangy on the inside. Because they’re air fried, they’re also a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. You can throw them together in under 20 minutes, and they’re totally customizable—spice them up, dip them in your favorite sauce, or toss them into wraps or burgers. Whether you’re a heat-lover or a crunchy snack addict, this one’s for you.

What Kind of Banana Peppers Should I Use?

For this recipe, I like to use mild pickled banana pepper rings from a jar. They’re tangy, already sliced into perfect rounds, and super convenient. You can also use fresh banana peppers if you want a bit more control over the flavor and saltiness. Just make sure to remove the seeds and slice them into thick rings so they hold their shape during air frying.

If you prefer a little heat, opt for hot banana peppers or even toss in a few jalapeño slices. The air fryer mellows out the sharpness while keeping the delicious pepper flavor intact.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have banana peppers on hand? No problem. You can switch things up easily:

Jalapeños or pepperoncini – for a similar texture but a different heat level.
Zucchini slices – for a non-spicy veggie version.
Pickles – yes, pickle chips crisp up beautifully and offer that tangy bite.
Buttermilk substitute – if you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

For the coating, gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds work great if you’re keeping things gluten-free or low-carb.

Ingredients for This Air Fryer Banana Peppers Recipe

Banana Pepper Rings
These are the stars of the show. Their bright, tangy flavor turns irresistible when crisped up in the air fryer. Pickled rings work best because they’re already sliced and full of zing.

Buttermilk
Used to soak the pepper rings and help the coating stick. It also balances out the sharpness with a creamy tang.

All-Purpose Flour
Creates the base layer for dredging. This helps the rest of the coating cling to each pepper ring and adds crispness.

Cornmeal
Gives the coating that signature grit and crunch. It adds texture and makes these bites golden and extra crispy.

Breadcrumbs (Panko or Regular)
Add lightness and even more crunch. Panko gives an airier texture, while regular breadcrumbs offer a heartier crust.

Paprika
Adds a warm depth of flavor and a slight smokiness to the coating.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
These seasonings bring savory notes that complement the pepper’s tang without overpowering it.

Salt & Pepper
Simple, essential, and used to season the coating mixture to bring everything into balance.

Cooking Spray
Helps the coating crisp up in the air fryer without adding excess oil.

Step 1: Drain and Dry the Banana Peppers

Start by draining the banana pepper rings from the jar. Use paper towels to pat them dry—this is key to making sure the coating sticks and they get crisp in the air fryer.

Step 2: Soak in Buttermilk

Place the dried pepper rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the peppers slightly and helps the coating bind.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Dredge the Peppers

Take the soaked peppers out of the buttermilk, let any excess drip off, and toss them into the dry mixture. Press gently to coat them well on all sides.

Step 5: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, then arrange the coated pepper rings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.

Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden

Spray the tops of the coated peppers with a little more cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Banana Peppers

The banana pepper rings take about 8 to 10 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 390°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides. If you like them extra crispy, you can extend the time by 1–2 minutes—but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Peppers

Pat them dry: This step is non-negotiable. Too much moisture will cause the coating to slip off and make them soggy.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between each ring for maximum airflow. Cook in batches if needed.
Use a good coating combo: The mix of flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs delivers that extra crunch.
Generously season: Spice up your coating to taste—cayenne, smoked paprika, or even ranch seasoning works great.
Spray the coating: A light spritz of cooking spray before air frying helps achieve that golden, fried look without the grease.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the drying step: Wet peppers = soggy coating. Always pat them dry before soaking in buttermilk.
Too much buttermilk left on the peppers: Let the excess drip off before dredging. A heavy coat can make the breading gummy.
Crowding the air fryer: If they touch or overlap, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Give them room.
Forgetting to flip: Midway flipping ensures both sides get equally crispy.
Using too little seasoning: Bland coating makes for bland bites—taste the breadcrumb mix before coating and adjust as needed.
Undercooking: If they look pale or soft, give them another minute or two.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Banana Peppers?

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing

Creamy and cool dips like ranch cut through the tanginess and add a smooth contrast.

Spicy Aioli

Whip up a sriracha or chipotle mayo dip for a smoky, spicy kick.

Burgers or Sliders

Top your burger with a few crispy banana rings for an unexpected crunch.

Loaded Nachos

Toss a few over melted cheese and chips for a game-day twist.

Charcuterie Boards

Add them to a platter of meats, cheeses, and crackers for a pop of flavor and texture.

Tacos or Wraps

Slide them into a soft taco or wrap to replace raw onions or pickles.

Grilled Sandwiches

Perfect with a melty grilled cheese or pressed panini.

Bloody Mary Garnish

Seriously—try adding one on a skewer with olives and celery for a bold brunch vibe.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the air fryer banana peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3–4 minutes—they’ll regain their crisp without getting soggy like they would in the microwave.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of pickled banana peppers can become mushy once thawed.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on roughly 1 cup of coated banana pepper rings):

Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 420mg

Please note: Nutrition may vary depending on your choice of coating, brand of peppers, and any additional dips or toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are banana peppers?

Banana peppers are typically mild and tangy with very little heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you’ll still enjoy these without worry.

Can I use fresh banana peppers instead of pickled?

Yes! Fresh banana peppers work well—just slice them into rings, remove the seeds, and soak them in buttermilk. They’ll have a less tangy flavor compared to the pickled kind.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

Not necessarily. You can substitute with regular milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This gives a similar tang and helps the coating stick.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. You can also try crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes for texture.

Why did my coating fall off?

This often happens if the peppers weren’t dried well or if there’s too much buttermilk on them before dredging. Also, pressing the coating gently helps it stay on during cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure to cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded. Overlapping the peppers will result in uneven cooking and less crisp.

What dipping sauces go best with these?

Ranch, blue cheese, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, and honey mustard all pair beautifully with the crispy tang of banana peppers.

Can I make them ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can coat the peppers and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before air frying. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking for best results.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Banana Peppers are the kind of snack that hits all the right notes—tangy, crispy, light, and endlessly snackable. Whether you’re serving them at a party, topping a burger, or just indulging in a crunchy afternoon treat, this recipe brings flavor and fun with every bite. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular in your snack rotation.