Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins are a fun, crunchy snack you can make in minutes. These little rounds smell bright and toasty as they cook, with a warm peppery bite and a golden crunch on the outside. If you want a quick family snack or an easy side to share, this recipe fits the bill. For more air fryer ideas, try our take on crispy air fryer onions for another simple, crunchy treat.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20–25 minutes from start to finish.
- Family Favorite: Mild banana peppers please kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and a small amount of oil.
- Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Great for game nights, school lunches, or a warm appetizer.
This recipe stands out because it keeps the peppers crisp, not soggy, and it fills the kitchen with a warm, herby scent. It brings a little comfort—like a homemade chip with a fresh pepper tang—and it pairs well with dips that remind you of cozy family evenings. The same crisping method also works well for larger bites, like our crispy air fryer chicken Parmesan.
Ingredients
- For the peppers:
- 6–8 banana peppers, washed and cut into 1/4‑inch coins (remove seeds if you prefer mild)
- For the coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free panko if needed)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory boost)
- For seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (light spray works too)
Notes: If you want less spice, remove all seeds and white membrane. Use unsalted butter or oil if you want a milder fat flavor.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes so it’s hot and ready. Preheating helps the coating crisp quickly.
- Slice the banana peppers into 1/4‑inch coins and pat them dry with paper towel to remove extra moisture. Dry peppers help the coating stick and become crisper.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each pepper coin in flour, shaking off the excess, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. A good press helps the crumbs stick during cooking.
- Lightly brush or spray the coated coins with oil on both sides. This small amount of oil turns the crumbs golden and crunchy in the air fryer.
- Place the coins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps so hot air can circulate. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Remove the coins and let them rest for 1–2 minutes to firm up. They will crisp a touch more as they cool.

Mini-tip: If your coating falls off, the eggs weren’t wet enough or the peppers were too damp. Dry them well and press the crumbs firmly.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins:
- Serve warm on a platter with ranch or a zesty garlic aioli for dipping.
- Add them to a sandwich or burger for a crunchy, tangy layer.
- Toss lightly with shredded Parmesan and fresh parsley for a simple side.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins:
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container lined with paper towel for up to 2–3 days. Paper towel absorbs steam and helps keep them crisper.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked coins in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350–375°F (175–190°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crunch. Avoid microwaving; it makes them soggy.
Tips to Make Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins:
- Pat peppers dry to help the coating stick.
- Use panko for extra crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air flow is key to crispness.
- Light oil spray gives a deep golden color without extra grease.
- Press crumbs firmly onto the pepper coins so they stay coated.
Variation (if any):
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and panko or crushed cornflakes for the coating.
- Spicy version: Swap banana peppers for halved jalapeños (remove seeds to lower heat) or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for a kick.
FAQs
How spicy are banana peppers?
Banana peppers are mild and tangy compared with jalapeños. If you want even less heat, remove all seeds and the white membrane before slicing.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange coins on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. The air fryer will be slightly quicker and crisper.
Will the coating stick to fresh, wet peppers?
The coating needs dry surface and a wet egg layer to stick. Pat peppers dry and press breadcrumbs firmly after the egg step to keep the coating on while cooking.
Conclusion
These Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins bring a warm, crunchy bite that feels like a small, homemade treat. They crisp up golden in the air fryer and fill the kitchen with a toasty, herby smell that makes everyone gather. Try them as a quick snack, a tasty side, or a fun party finger food — and tell us which dip became your favorite. If you love pepper chips, you might also enjoy the inspiration behind these—check out this Jalapeno Bottle Caps – Chili Pepper Madness recipe for a spicy twist. Please leave a comment, a star rating, and share on Pinterest or Facebook. What twist did you try? Let us know below!
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Crispy Air Fryer Banana Pepper Coins
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and crunchy banana pepper coins made in an air fryer for a delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 6–8 banana peppers, washed and cut into 1/4-inch coins (remove seeds if you prefer mild)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free panko if needed)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (light spray works too)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
- Slice the banana peppers into 1/4-inch coins and pat them dry with paper towel.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each pepper coin in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Lightly brush or spray the coated coins with oil on both sides.
- Place the coins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps for circulation.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Remove the coins and let them rest for 1–2 minutes to firm up.
Notes
If you want less spice, remove all seeds and white membrane. Serve with ranch or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
