There’s something so satisfying about a crispy, sweet snack that you can feel good about eating. And let me tell you, these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a total game-changer. They’re crunchy, naturally sweet, and have just the right touch of warm cinnamon flavor. Plus, since they’re air-fried, you don’t have to worry about deep-frying or unhealthy additives. Just simple, wholesome ingredients and a delicious homemade treat!
I first made these banana chips on a whim when I had a couple of ripe-but-not-too-ripe bananas sitting on my counter. I wanted something crunchy, a little sweet, and (most importantly) easy. Enter the air fryer—my go-to for quick, no-fuss snacks. A little cinnamon-sugar magic, a few minutes in the air fryer, and boom—perfectly crisp, golden banana chips. And let me tell you, once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Healthier than store-bought – No preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, just real ingredients.
- Quick and easy – From prep to snack time in under 20 minutes.
- Crispy and delicious – That perfect balance of crunch and natural banana sweetness.
- Perfect for snacking – Eat them as is, sprinkle them on yogurt, or toss them in trail mix.
Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
First things first—let’s get those bananas ready. You want ripe but firm bananas for this recipe. If they’re too ripe, they’ll turn mushy instead of crisping up. Look for bananas that are just starting to develop brown specks but are still firm to the touch.
How to slice:
- Thin and even is the key! Aim for 1/8-inch thick slices.
- A mandoline slicer works best for uniform slices, but a sharp knife does the trick too.
- Lay the slices on a paper towel and gently pat them dry. This helps remove excess moisture so they crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness
Now comes the fun part—flavoring the banana slices!
In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- (Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and depth)
Next, brush each banana slice lightly with coconut oil or melted butter. This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and gives them that perfect golden crisp. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the banana slices.
Pro tip: Don’t go overboard with the sugar! A light sprinkle is all you need since the bananas are already naturally sweet.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Time to fire up that air fryer! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the banana chips cook evenly and get that crispy texture we’re going for.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook – Time to Crisp Up!
Now that our banana slices are coated in that delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, it’s time to air fry!
How to arrange the banana slices:
- Lay the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Make sure none of them overlap—this is key to even crispiness!
- If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches instead of crowding the basket.
Once your bananas are all set, air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes. But here’s the trick—flip them halfway through (around the 5- or 6-minute mark) so they crisp up on both sides.
Watch Closely to Avoid Burning
Banana chips go from perfectly golden to overdone fast—especially in the last few minutes. Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on them.
How to tell they’re done:
- The chips should be golden brown, dry to the touch, and slightly crisp.
- They may still feel a tiny bit soft in the center when hot, but they’ll crisp up more as they cool.
If they still feel too soft after 12 minutes, you can air fry them for another 1-2 minutes, but don’t overdo it! They’ll harden more once they sit out.
Step 5: Cool and Serve – The Final Touch
Once your banana chips are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack (or a plate lined with paper towels). Let them cool for 5–10 minutes.
Here’s why this step is important: as they cool, they firm up into that perfect crunchy texture. If you eat them right away, they might still be a little soft—but give them a few minutes, and they turn into the crispy, sweet snack of your dreams!
Ways to Enjoy Your Banana Chips
These air-fried banana chips are so versatile! Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:
- Snack straight from the bowl – because let’s be honest, they’re addictive!
- Sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy, cinnamon-sweet topping.
- Mix into trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness (after they cool).
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they start to lose their crispiness, just pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to freshen them up!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Chips
- Use just-ripe bananas – If they’re too soft, they’ll turn mushy; too green, and they won’t be sweet enough.
- Keep the slices thin – 1/8-inch thickness is perfect for that crispy texture.
- Avoid overlapping – Give each slice room to breathe so they cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time as needed – Air fryers vary, so check on them often.
- Cool completely before storing – This prevents sogginess and keeps them crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making the perfect batch of air fryer banana chips? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions (and answers!) to help you along the way.
1. Why aren’t my banana chips crispy?
If your banana chips are turning out chewy instead of crispy, there could be a few reasons:
- They might be too thick—try slicing them thinner next time (about 1/8-inch thick).
- Excess moisture can prevent crisping, so make sure to pat them dry before air frying.
- Not cooking long enough—give them a few extra minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let them cool completely! They continue to crisp up as they cool.
2. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas—if they’re too soft or overripe, they won’t hold their shape and will turn mushy instead of crisping up. Save those extra-ripe bananas for banana bread instead!
3. How do I store homemade banana chips?
Once your banana chips have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they lose their crispiness, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to refresh them.
4. Can I make these banana chips without added sugar?
Absolutely! Bananas are naturally sweet, so you can skip the sugar altogether if you prefer a more natural snack. Just brush with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon for a simple, wholesome treat.
5. What’s the best way to serve these banana chips?
They’re delicious on their own, but you can also:
- Toss them into yogurt or oatmeal for extra crunch.
- Mix them with nuts and dried fruit for a homemade trail mix.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness.
- Dip them in melted chocolate for a decadent treat!
6. Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a low-temperature oven (250°F/120°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried chips, but they’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts – A Crunchy, Sweet Treat You’ll Love!
And there you have it—crispy, cinnamon-sugar banana chips made right in your air fryer! They’re quick, easy, and so much healthier than store-bought versions, with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free snack, a crunchy topping for your favorite dishes, or a fun way to use up bananas before they get too ripe, this recipe is a must-try.
Happy snacking!
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CINNAMON-SUGAR AIR FRYER BANANA CHIPS
- Total Time: 25–30 mins
Description
These crispy, naturally sweet banana chips are made with simple ingredients and an air fryer! A perfect healthy snack, they are lightly coated with cinnamon and sugar for a delicious crunch.
Ingredients
For the Banana Chips:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas – Peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch rounds.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter – Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and promotes crispiness.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Brings warm, aromatic flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Pinch of nutmeg – For an extra layer of spice.
- Dash of sea salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup drizzle – For natural sweetness (add after cooking).
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). A mandoline slicer or sharp knife works best for consistency.
Pat the banana slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them crisp up better.
2️⃣ Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon.
Lightly brush both sides of the banana slices with coconut oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the banana slices.
3️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
4️⃣ Arrange and Cook
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning. The banana chips should be golden brown and slightly crisp when done.
5️⃣ Cool and Serve
Remove the banana chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Enjoy as a snack or add them to yogurt, oatmeal, or trail mix!
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Extra Crunch Tip: If the banana chips soften over time, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with peanut butter, dip in melted chocolate, or sprinkle over smoothie bowls!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15–20 mins
