Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings You’ll Crave
These air fryer banana peppers offer a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors. Each ring is coated in a seasoned breading, achieving a golden and satisfyingly crisp texture when air-fried. The interior remains tender, providing a gentle sweetness and a mild, peppery note. Served alongside a creamy, herb-infused dip, this dish makes for an appealing appetizer or a flavorful side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
- * 4-5 medium banana peppers, sliced into 1/2-inch rings, seeds removed if desired
- * 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- * 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- * 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- * 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- * 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- * 2 large eggs, beaten
- * 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
- * 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- * Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- * For the Creamy Herb Dip:
- * 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- * 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- * 1 teaspoon dried dill
- * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- * 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- * Pinch of salt and black pepper
- * Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the banana peppers by washing them thoroughly. Slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings and remove any visible seeds for a milder flavor, if preferred. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine.
- In the second bowl, whisk the beaten eggs with milk until well combined.
- In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Working in batches, dredge each banana pepper ring first in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured ring into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, transfer the ring to the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating. Place the coated rings on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of breaded banana pepper rings in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the rings with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- While the peppers are cooking, prepare the creamy herb dip. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Remove the cooked banana pepper rings from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Repeat with remaining batches.
- Serve the air-fried banana peppers immediately with the creamy herb dip. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and black pepper, if desired.
Notes
* For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
* Adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to your preference, adding more or less spice.
* If you prefer a less tangy flavor, you can soak the sliced banana peppers in cold water for 15-20 minutes before patting them dry and breading.
* These are best served immediately to enjoy their optimal crispness.
* Experiment with other dried herbs like parsley or chives in the dip for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 8g