Air Fryer Pepperoni: Achieving The Perfect Crispiness

Air fryer pepperoni chips are a delicious, low-carb snack that can be made in a matter of minutes. They are perfect for dipping and can be served as a specialty item on a charcuterie board. The chips are full of flavour and cook up thin and crunchy in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making crispy pepperoni chips. It ensures that your pepperoni cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for this delicious low-carb snack:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is set up correctly and plugged into a power source. Different air fryer models may have specific requirements, so refer to your product manual for any unique instructions.

To preheat your air fryer effectively, turn it on and set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature for cooking pepperoni chips is 380°F to 390°F, so aim for that range when preheating. Allow your air fryer to heat up for at least three minutes. This duration may vary depending on your air fryer's model and specifications, so adjust accordingly.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pepperoni slices. It is recommended to use pre-sliced pepperoni, and ensure the slices are thin for optimal crispness. You can use a mandoline to slice the pepperoni yourself if you prefer thicker slices. Arrange the pepperoni slices on a tray or plate while the air fryer is heating up.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the pepperoni slices in the air fryer basket or tray. Remember to spritz the basket or tray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment for your pepperoni chips, ensuring they turn out crispy and delicious every time.

Arrange pepperoni in a single layer

Arranging the pepperoni in a single layer is an important step in making crispy pepperoni chips in an air fryer. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and allows the grease to drip off effectively. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for arranging the pepperoni in a single layer:

Firstly, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the pepperoni in batches. This will give you enough space to arrange the pepperoni slices without overcrowding. You can also overlap the pepperoni slices slightly if necessary, but try to keep this to a minimum.

Before placing the pepperoni in the air fryer, it is recommended to spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. This will prevent the pepperoni from sticking to the surface and make cleanup easier.

When arranging the pepperoni, place them in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Try to leave a small gap between each slice to allow for even cooking and proper crisping. If you are using a Ninja Foodi, you can use the air crisp basket specifically designed for this purpose.

If you are using a larger air fryer, you can arrange the pepperoni in a single layer on the fryer plate. You may want to cover it with a dehydrator rack to keep the pepperoni in place and prevent them from flying around during cooking.

Once you have arranged the pepperoni in a single layer, you are ready to start the air fryer and cook your pepperoni chips! Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the instructions provided by your chosen recipe.

Cook at 360-400°F for 5-8 minutes

Cooking your pepperoni chips at 360-400°F for 5-8 minutes is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crisp. Here's a detailed breakdown of this step:

Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pepperoni slices. Thinner slices will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Aim for a temperature between 360°F and 400°F, as this range ensures even cooking without burning.

When you place the pepperoni slices in your air fryer, ensure they are arranged in a single layer with minimal overlap. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each slice, promoting even cooking and crisping. If you have a large batch of pepperoni, you may need to cook in batches to maintain this single-layer arrangement.

For the specified temperature range, the cooking time should be around 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on your pepperoni during this time, as the high heat can quickly take them from perfectly crispy to burnt. Use tongs or a spatula to remove the pepperoni chips from the air fryer when they are done to avoid burning yourself.

Once you've removed the pepperoni chips from the air fryer, it's essential to let them cool. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. The cooling process also allows the pepperoni chips to continue crisping, so don't worry if they don't seem crunchy enough right out of the air fryer.

After a few minutes of cooling, your pepperoni chips should be ready to enjoy! They will be thin, crispy, and full of flavour. Serve them as a snack on their own or with your favourite dip. You can also use them as a creative, crunchy topping for salads or casseroles.

Drain grease with paper towels

Once you've cooked your pepperoni in the air fryer, the next step is to drain the grease using paper towels. This is an important step, as it will help to remove any excess grease from the pepperoni, ensuring a crispier texture.

To do this, simply remove the cooked pepperoni from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb the grease, so it's important to use enough to cover the plate. You can also place another layer of paper towels on top of the pepperoni to help soak up even more grease.

Let the pepperoni sit on the paper towels for at least one minute. This will allow the grease to drain off and the paper towels to absorb it. If you want to be extra thorough, you can even press the pepperoni between two layers of paper towels to really remove any excess grease.

Once you've drained the grease, you can serve the pepperoni chips hot or store them in an airtight container until you're ready to serve. They'll continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they're not perfectly crispy right out of the air fryer.

Serve with dip

There are several dips that you can serve with your crispy air-fried pepperoni chips. Here are some ideas:

Creamy dips

Cream cheese-based dips are a great pairing with pepperoni chips. You can try chive and onion cream cheese or ranch dressing for a dip. If you're feeling adventurous, dip your pepperoni chips in some cream cheese mixed with hot sauce! Other creamy dips that go well include pimento cheese dip, spinach and artichoke dip, and Keto Bacon Cheddar Dip.

Guacamole

For a delicious and healthy snack, pair your pepperoni chips with some guacamole. The cool and creamy avocado will provide a nice contrast to the spicy and crispy pepperoni.

Salsa

If you're looking for something with a kick, why not try dipping your pepperoni chips in some salsa? You can also use your pepperoni chips to scoop up salsa and eat it like a salad.

Hot sauce

For those who like it spicy, simply dip your pepperoni chips in your favourite hot sauce!

Other dips

Other dips that go well with pepperoni chips include the Best Ever 7 Layer Dip, which has layers of beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, olives, and green onions. You can also try a Bacon Cheeseburger Crock Pot Dip, Crock Pot Bacon Double Cheese Dip, or a Slow Cooker Sausage Spinach Dip.

So, there you have it! Plenty of dip options to choose from to enjoy with your crispy air-fried pepperoni chips.

Frequently asked questions