Homemade Pepperoni Chips. Forget about the same old potato chips and get ready to fall in love with these protein-packed crisps that come together faster than your favorite playlist. Perfect for low-carb enthusiasts or anyone looking for a flavorful alternative to the usual snack fare, these pepperoni chips are a game-changer.
With just a handful of ingredients and an air fryer, you can transform simple slices of pepperoni into crispy, delectable chips that are hard to resist. Sprinkled with Parmesan and your choice of seasonings, they’re customizable and sure to be a hit whether you’re enjoying a solo snack session or dazzling guests at your next gathering. Let’s get cooking and turn those pepperoni slices into the crispiest, most flavorful chips you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pepperoni slices (usually around 6 ounces)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Your favorite seasoning blend (Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, etc.), to taste
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Paper towels
- Plate or tray
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). Allow it to heat up for a few minutes if your model requires preheating.
- Prepare the Pepperoni: If your pepperoni slices are overlapping or sticking together, separate them before cooking. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and get crispy.
- Cook the Pepperoni: Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t burn, as cooking times can vary slightly based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the pepperoni slices.
- Drain the Grease: Once the pepperoni chips are crispy and slightly browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease. Let them cool for a minute or two; they will crisp up even more as they cool.
- Season: While the chips are still warm, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese and your choice of seasoning. The heat from the pepperoni will help the Parmesan cheese to slightly melt and stick to the chips, adding a delicious layer of flavor.
- Serve: Once they’ve cooled down a bit and are crispy to your liking, your pepperoni chips are ready to enjoy! They’re best served immediately while they’re still nice and crunchy.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a snack on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They’re also great as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within a day or two for optimal crispiness.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different types of seasoning to match your taste preferences. Some people enjoy a spicy kick with chili powder or cayenne pepper, while others might prefer a herby touch with oregano or basil.
