Fried banana peppers start with slicing banana pepper rings and tossing them in a seasoned flour mixture. This coating allows the peppers to fry up crispy.
The rings are then placed in hot oil and fried until golden brown all over. The frying process locks in the peppers’ tangy flavor while creating a crunchy outer layer.
Banana peppers have a balanced taste that is mildly sweet yet sour and a little spicy. Their flavor richness comes through even more when fried due to being accentuated by crispy breading.
Banana peppers work well for frying since different ripeness levels contribute varying taste profiles. Their versatility pairs nicely with dips.
Fried Banana Peppers Ingredients
Fresh or Pickled Peppers: These provide the main flavor and act as the base for frying. Using fresh versus pickled affects the final taste and texture.
Flour: To create a light, crispy coating, flour is used to dredge the pepper rings before frying. Plain all-purpose flour works well.
Milk: For an even crispy coating to form, banana pepper rings are first dipped in milk prior to the flour. This allows the mixture to stick.
Saltine Crackers: Crushed saltines mixed with flour add extra crunch and savory notes when frying. The crackers enhance the coating.
Vegetable Oil: For frying the coated peppers, oil heated to the right temperature is needed to ensure an evenly cooked, crispy exterior develops.
How To Make Crispy Fried Banana Peppers
Prepare the peppers – wash and slice fresh ones into rings or ensure jarred ones are well-drained.
Make either a seasoned flour or cornmeal/cracker mixture in one shallow dish for coating. Place milk or buttermilk in another.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Commence frying by firstly dipping pepper rings in milk, then coating in flour mixture.
Then, gently add coated rings to the hot oil, frying small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Next, by using a slotted spoon, remove fried peppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Lastly, serve the crispy fried banana peppers while still warm for optimal flavor and texture. For extra zing, pair with ranch or cocktail sauce.
Enjoy the best fried banana peppers.
How To Store
Allow the fried peppers to cool completely down to room temperature after frying. Then for refrigeration and short term storage up to 3-4 days, seal in an airtight container.
Freezing provides longer preservation for future enjoyment. First, spread out the cooled peppers on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Once completely hardened within 2-3 hours, transfer to labeled bags or containers removing excess air before sealing tightly closed.
Frozen peppers maintain quality for around 6 months when stored this way in the freezer. No need to thaw before reheating – simply lay the peppers directly on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until piping hot.
Top Tips
Properly draining the peppers before coating is key to prevent splattering. Thoroughly patting dry aids this process.
Another important step is fully coating each pepper ring for a crunchy exterior. Ensure flour mixture evenly sticks to all surfaces.
When frying, do so in small batches for just 2-3 minutes to golden brown tenderness. Crowding risks uneven cooking.
Then promptly remove the rings using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
Indeed, serving the peppers piping hot captures their peak fresh flavor and snappy texture.
Moreover, fried banana peppers complement a variety of foods like burgers or salad nicely as an appetizer or side.
Lastly, a sprinkling of sea salt amplifies their zest, as do dipping sauces for customizable consumption.
How To Enjoy Best Fried Banana Peppers
The crispy peppers simply make a tasty standalone snack, similar to potato chips due to their satisfying crunch and zippy heat.
They work well as a topping that adds vibrant flavor to favorites like pizza, burgers or hot dogs – a lively alternative to standard toppings.
Instead of croutons, try the peppers sprinkled atop salads for contrasting texture and their tang perfectly complements greens.
Use fried banana peppers as a colorful and flavorful garnish to boost dishes such as chili, soups, nachos or sandwiches.
Stuffing the peppers with ingredients such as rice, corn or queso, then baking or frying makes for a stellar appetizer.
Finally, fermenting chopped banana peppers with garlic translates their zing into a unique hot sauce imparting gusto to any meal.
Ingredients
6-8 fresh banana peppers or 16 ounces jar of mild banana peppers, drained
1 cup all-purpose flour or seasoned flour
Milk or buttermilk
Saltine crackers or cornmeal
Vegetable oil for frying
Ranch dressing or cocktail sauce for dipping