Okay, friends, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Air Fryer Banana Peppers. I know, I know, it sounds a little… unexpected. But trust me on this one, because once you try these, you’ll be hooked! I used to be all about jalapeño poppers, but these have officially stolen the show. They have this tangy, slightly sweet heat that’s just absolutely addictive. Plus, they’re SO much easier to make! Think crispy, slightly blistered banana peppers stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

What is air fry banana peppers?

So, what *are* Air Fryer Banana Peppers, exactly? Well, it’s essentially a spin on stuffed peppers, but instead of using bell peppers, we’re using banana peppers. Think of it as a delicious, slightly spicy appetizer or snack that’s ready in minutes. The banana peppers are hollowed out (seeds removed – unless you’re feeling extra spicy!), stuffed with a mixture of Cream Cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, then air fried until they’re tender and the filling is melty and golden brown. They’re naturally a little tangy, so they have a wonderful flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Seriously, I could eat these every day. They have a certain something that is different than other poppers and you will too!

Why you will love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to love this Air Fryer Banana Peppers recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. You get that slight kick from the banana peppers, balanced perfectly by the creamy, cheesy filling. It’s such a delightful combination of textures and flavors. I’ve also found that what I love most about this is how incredibly EASY it is! Seriously, it takes maybe 15 minutes to prep everything, and then the air fryer does all the work. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a ton of time.

And let’s talk about cost-efficiency, shall we? Banana peppers are generally pretty inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your fridge. It’s a budget-friendly way to impress your family and friends! I’ve made them for parties, casual get-togethers, or just a simple weeknight snack. Trust me, they’re always a hit!

Are jalepeno poppers good for a kick? What is your favorite recipe for a Plus, it is such a fun experience, and the flavors are so fun too.

How do I make air fry banana peppers?

Quick Overview

How do you make air fry banana peppers? How do I prepare banana peppers? What is the best way to make a creamy, cheesy filling for peppers? It only takes a few minutes for them to become tender and the filling to get all melty and bubbly. Is this a good recipe for beginner cooks?

Ingredients

For the Banana Peppers:

• 6-8 large banana peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed. I like to get ones that are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.

For the Creamy Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened. Make sure it’s *really* soft, or you’ll have a hard time mixing it!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise. I use light mayo to cut down on calories, but you can use regular if you prefer.
• 1 clove garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat).
• Salt and pepper to taste.

What is the best step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Peppers

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s preheating, prepare your banana peppers by slicing them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or your fingers to carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle, you don’t want to tear the peppers. I like to give them a quick rinse under cold water after seeding them, just to make sure I get all the little bits out.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise. Set aside. What are the ingredients for minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper? Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. I find it’s easiest to use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand. What are some lumps of cream cheese?

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

What’s your favorite way to serve banana peppers? I like to mound it up a little bit. If you have leftover filling, you can always spread it on crackers or toast later.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the stuffed banana peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Is it necessary to work in batches? Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden brown. How do air fryers work? I’ve learned that its okay to keep them for a longer time too!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the banana peppers from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a few minutes. What are some things to do before serving The filling will be very hot! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or hot sauce, if desired.

What should I serve it with?

Air Fryer Banana Peppers are great on their own as an appetizer or snack, but they also come in a variety of flavors. What are the best side dishes to serve with a salad? What are some of the best flavor combinations? What is the best part about it?

As an Appetizer: WhatServe with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. What are some great side dishes to serve with a dollop of sour cream?

Alongside a Main Course:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, burgers or steak? They also add a zesty kick to tacos or fajitas.

Game Day:What are some crowd pleasers? I usually make a big batch for game day gatherings and they disappear in minutes.

My family loves to eat them as a snack. I always make sure to whip up a quick batch whenever they are hungry! They will love you for it!

How do I make a perfect air fryer?

How do you take your Air Fryer banana peppers to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting this recipe? These have been learned over YEARS of making these poppers!

What is the best way to choose the right peppersWhat are the best banana peppers? How do peppers cook? In size, it is uniform. The freshness of peppers are very important in the process.

How do you soften cream cheese?Is this crucial? If the cream cheese is too cold, it won’t mix properly and you’ll end up with a lumpy filling. I usually leave mine out at room temperature for at least an hour before I start cooking.

Don’t overfill the peppers.While it’s tempting to pack peppers with as much filling as possible, overfilling them can cause damage. How do I prevent fillings from spilling out during cooking? I’ve learned this the hard way! Leave a little bit of space at the top of each pepper.

Adjust the Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so keep a close eye on your peppers. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly. If they’re not cooking fast enough, increase the temperature a bit. I know this seems like common knowledge, but it can be easy to forget.

Add Some Heat: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also use a spicier variety of banana pepper, or add a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Get Creative with the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and spices. I’ve tried adding crumbled bacon, chopped jalapenos, or even a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning to the filling. Bacon has been a game changer. You can try all types of flavors when you get creative!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Banana Peppers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here is some advice to keep them fresh!

Refrigerator Storage: To prevent them from getting soggy, place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. Make sure the container is air tight!

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat these peppers is in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the filling can become watery and the peppers can lose their texture. However, if you must freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute FAVORITE Air Fryer Banana Peppers recipe! I truly believe you’re going to love this one. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. What more could you ask for? The combination of the tangy peppers and creamy filling is just divine, and the air fryer makes them perfectly tender and slightly crispy in no time. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family and I do!

If you’re looking for other easy air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks or Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Happy cooking and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!