Deep-Fried Banana Peppers Are The Crispy, Tangy Appetizer You've Been Missing

You can't deny it, food that crunches is just undeniably more fun. Think about it: Potato chips, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, they're all our favorite appetizers for a reason, and we think it's about time banana peppers had a seat at the table, too. Because once they're deep-fried, banana peppers turn perfectly crunchy and tangy with just a little bit of kick, plus they don't weigh you down the way heavier fried snacks can, which makes them the perfect choice for when you're waiting for a bigger main course.

The technique for achieving a good deep-fried banana pepper is simple: Just coat some drained pepper rings in seasoned flour, then fry them until golden and crisp. And high heat is crucial here — not using a high enough heat is a deep frying mistake you want to avoid. Make the oil too cool, and the batter may be soggy. On the flip side, make the oil too hot, and you'll burn it. Find a good, hot middle ground — many cooks aim for an oil temperature around 370-375 degrees Fahrenheit — to make sure you're giving your banana peppers a crunchy bite.

We're using banana peppers for a reason here. While they might look similar to their cousin pepperoncini, they have their own personality and are in fact much less bitter, and these key differences between banana peppers and pepperoncini mean you shouldn't use them interchangeably. The fact that they are milder, too, is what makes banana peppers a great choice for deep frying — they have a much more gentle spice level, which pairs perfectly with a creamy dip.

Once you nail the basic deep-fried banana pepper, it's time to get creative with some additions to the flour mixture. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you like it hotter, or sprinkle in some dried oregano or thyme for a bit of an Italian or Greek take. Then, it's all about the dip. These deep-fried peppers pair amazingly with so many dips, including some really simple sauces that only need two ingredients — think honey and Dijon, ketchup with curry powder, or sweet chili with lime juice. In fact, this is the kind of appetizer that's made for socializing, so why not make a spread of dips to give everyone as many choices as they can try? These peppers have game night, family cookout, or casual dinner party written all over them. Their bright and tangy flavor would easily complement richer foods like burgers and ribs, or plates of pasta. 

Alternatively, these crunchy pepper rings would make for an excellent crispy addition to a good homemade sandwich or salad. And because they come jarred and pre-sliced, they don't require a lot of planning in advance. They could be pulled out of the pantry as a last-minute idea and end up serving as a dish that feels both delicious and impressive. We won't tell anyone it's this low-effort if you don't!