Fried Banana Peppers
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. Banana peppers work well for frying since different ripeness levels contribute varying taste profiles. Their versatility pairs nicely with dips.
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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- Properly draining the peppers before coating is key to prevent splattering when frying. Thoroughly patting dry aids this process, whether you're making pan-fried banana peppers or other variations.
- Another important step is fully coating each pepper ring for a crunchy exterior. Ensure the flour mixture evenly sticks to all surfaces, whether you're preparing deep-fried banana peppers or using an air fryer.
- When frying, do so in small batches for just 2-3 minutes to achieve golden brown tenderness. Crowding risks uneven cooking, whether frying stuffed banana peppers or regular rings.
- Promptly remove the rings using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels. This ensures the texture stays crispy, whether you've made fried stuffed banana peppers or classic rings.
- Serving the peppers piping hot captures their peak fresh flavor and snappy texture.
- Fried banana peppers pair wonderfully with various foods like burgers or salads, making them a versatile appetizer or side.
- Lastly, a sprinkling of sea salt amplifies their zest, as do dipping sauces for customizable consumption.