Air-Fryer Pepperoni: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

how to cook pepperoni in air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook pepperoni chips, which are a popular low-carb snack. The chips are easy to make and only require one ingredient – pepperoni! The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 5-8 minutes to cook at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The chips are best served with a dip and are perfect for a party or a movie night.

Characteristics Values
Number of servings 15 pieces
Calories 148-150 kcal
Protein 5-7g
Fat 13-14g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 32mg
Sodium 520-528mg
Potassium 22-84mg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 2-7mg
Iron 0.1-0.5mg
Carbohydrates 0.1g
Cooking time 5-8 minutes at 360-400 °F
Cooking method Place pepperoni slices in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Serving suggestions Serve with dips such as chive and onion cream cheese, ranch dressing, or guacamole.

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Air fryer pepperoni chips recipe

Air fryer pepperoni chips are a delicious, low-carb snack that can be made in a matter of minutes. The chips are crispy and salty, making them perfect for munching on their own or dipping into your favourite sauce.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is a packet of pepperoni slices. It is recommended to buy pre-sliced pepperoni, and if you can find them, the thinner the better.

Method

  • Set your air fryer to 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spray the air fryer basket or tray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the pepperoni slices in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. It is fine if the slices overlap slightly, but they must not be stacked.
  • Cook the pepperoni slices for 5-8 minutes.
  • Using tongs or a spatula, transfer the cooked pepperoni slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
  • Allow the pepperoni chips to cool and crisp up.
  • Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Tips

  • If you are cooking for a crowd, you will need to work in batches.
  • The chips will continue to crisp as they cool, but they are best served immediately after cooking.
  • For a tasty dip to serve with your pepperoni chips, try chive and onion cream cheese, ranch dressing, or guacamole.

Enjoy!

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How to serve air-fried pepperoni

Air-fried pepperoni makes for a great snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As Chips

Air fryer pepperoni chips are a popular choice—they're crispy, salty, and perfect for munching on. You can buy pre-sliced pepperoni to save time on preparation. Simply place the slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for around 5-8 minutes at 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to work in batches, especially if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Once cooked, transfer the pepperoni chips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. You can serve them as they are, or with a dip of your choice. Some popular dip options include chive and onion cream cheese, ranch dressing, or chipotle avocado mayo.

With a Salad or as a Pizza Topping

Air-fried pepperoni can also be crumbled or chopped up and used as a salad topping. Its savoury, spicy flavour will enhance the taste of your salad. Alternatively, you can use it as a pizza topping. Just be sure to let the pepperoni cool down a bit before adding it to your salad or pizza to avoid wilting the greens or melting the cheese.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

For a more substantial meal, you can use air-fried pepperoni slices in sandwiches or wraps. Try pairing it with ingredients like lettuce, tomato, onion, and a spread of your choice. You can even toast the sandwich or wrap in your air fryer to get those delicious grill marks and add a bit of crunch.

As a Charcuterie Board Item

If you're hosting a get-together or just feel like having a fancy snack, air-fried pepperoni can be a great addition to a charcuterie board. Arrange the pepperoni slices on a board along with other meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, and dips. This way, your guests or family members can enjoy a variety of flavours and textures.

Remember, air-fried pepperoni is best served fresh, so it's recommended to cook it just before serving. However, if you do have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days.

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How to cook pepperoni in a Ninja Foodi

To cook pepperoni in an air fryer, you will need to place the pepperoni slices in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer and only slightly overlapping if necessary. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pepperoni in batches.

The Ninja Foodi has multiple cooking modes, including Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, and Reheat. When cooking pepperoni chips in the Ninja Foodi, you should use the Air Crisp feature. Set the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 minutes. If you are using a Ninja Foodi digital air fryer oven, it may only take 5 minutes to cook the pepperoni chips.

After cooking, remove the pepperoni chips from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. You can serve the pepperoni chips immediately or allow them to cool first. They will crisp up even more as they cool. You can also store them in an airtight container for later.

Air fryer pepperoni chips are a perfect low-carb snack and can be served with your favorite dip. They are crispy, salty, and delicious. However, be aware that there may be some smoke while cooking pepperoni in an air fryer, so it is recommended to have a fan on or nearby to dissipate the smoke.

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How to avoid smoke when cooking pepperoni in an air fryer

To avoid smoke when cooking pepperoni in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and free from any leftover grease, oils, or crumbs from previous cooking sessions. Grease and oil can splatter and circulate onto the heating element, creating smoke. A slice of bread at the bottom of the drawer can help soak up excess grease.

Secondly, avoid overcrowding the basket. If the basket is too full, hot air cannot circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and potential burning, which causes smoke. Work in batches if you have a large quantity of pepperoni to cook.

Thirdly, be mindful of the temperature and cooking time. Cooking at too high a temperature or for too long can lead to overcooking and burning, resulting in smoke. Adjust the temperature and time according to the specific model of your air fryer and the quantity of pepperoni you are cooking.

Additionally, ensure your air fryer has adequate ventilation. Place it in a well-ventilated area with sufficient air circulation around the vents. If smoke does occur, turn off the power, ventilate the room, and remove any burnt or excess grease.

By following these steps, you can minimise the likelihood of smoke when cooking pepperoni in an air fryer.

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How to store air-fried pepperoni

Air-fried pepperoni is best stored in an airtight container. You can place the cooked pepperoni in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 1-2 days.

The cooking process for air-fried pepperoni involves placing the pepperoni slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking for about 5 to 8 minutes at 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit, and then transferring the cooked pepperoni to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. It is important to let the pepperoni cool completely before transferring it to the airtight container.

If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the pepperoni in batches. You can also overlap the slices slightly if necessary, but be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.

It is recommended to serve the pepperoni chips immediately after cooking, as they tend to lose their crispness over time. However, if stored properly in an airtight container, they can maintain their crispness for a short period.

Additionally, you can sprinkle seasonings such as oregano, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes on the pepperoni chips before serving, but this is optional.

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Frequently asked questions

Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they only slightly overlap if necessary. Cook for 5-8 minutes at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The chips will crisp up after they cool, so allow them to rest for 5 minutes on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Air-fried pepperoni chips are a great low-carb snack and are delicious with dips. Try serving with chive and onion cream cheese, ranch dressing, or guacamole.

Spray the basket with non-stick spray before placing the pepperoni inside.

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