Crispy Air Fryer Banana Chips

This crispy Air Fryer Banana Chips recipe transforms ordinary bananas into addictive, crunchy snacks without deep frying. Perfect for using up slightly overripe bananas, these chips deliver the perfect balance of natural sweetness and warm cinnamon in every bite.

I discovered this recipe last summer when my kids were constantly asking for snacks but I wanted something healthier than potato chips. Now they request these banana chips weekly and even help make them!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe but firm bananas: sliced into ⅛ inch rounds. Choose bananas with just a few brown spots for the perfect balance of sweetness and structure.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter: Coconut oil adds a tropical note that complements the banana perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Coconut sugar provides a deeper caramel flavor if available.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference in the final flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bananas:

Peel and slice the bananas into thin uniform ⅛ inch rounds. Consistency in thickness ensures they will crisp up evenly in the air fryer. Too thick and they remain soft in the center; too thin and they may burn quickly.

Create the coating mixture:

Mix the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly in a small bowl until well combined. Toss the banana slices gently with the melted coconut oil or butter ensuring each slice is lightly coated. Then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture turning the slices to coat both sides evenly.

Preheat your air fryer:

Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the bananas start cooking immediately when placed in the basket which helps achieve the perfect crisp texture.

Air fry to crispy perfection:

Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket being careful not to overlap them. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes flipping each slice halfway through cooking. Watch closely during the last couple minutes as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly.

Cool and enjoy:

Transfer the chips to a wire cooling rack immediately after removing from the air fryer. They will continue to crisp as they cool completely. The cooling process is essential for achieving that satisfying crunch.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching how dramatically the bananas transform during the cooling process. What looks slightly soft coming out of the air fryer magically crisps into perfect chips as they cool. My daughter calls it kitchen science and always wants to check on them every few minutes.

Perfect Ripeness Matters

The key to great banana chips lies in selecting fruit at the perfect stage of ripeness. Look for bananas that are yellow with small brown spots. These will have developed enough sweetness but still maintain enough structural integrity to slice cleanly. Completely yellow bananas without spots will work but might taste less sweet while heavily spotted bananas will be harder to slice evenly and may stick to the air fryer basket.

Storage Solutions

These homemade banana chips will stay crispy for up to one week when stored properly. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. If you live in a humid climate consider adding a small piece of paper towel to the container to absorb excess moisture. For longer storage place in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks though they might lose some crispness over time.

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Flavor Variations

Experiment with different flavor profiles to keep this snack exciting. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warming spice blend. For a tropical twist sprinkle with a little unsweetened shredded coconut before air frying. Chocolate lovers can drizzle cooled chips with melted dark chocolate and allow to set for a more decadent treat. My family particularly enjoys adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the sugar mixture which creates an addictive sweet and salty combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How thin should I slice the bananas?

Slice the bananas into ⅛-inch rounds for even cooking and crispiness.

→ Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Yes, melted butter works perfectly as an alternative to coconut oil for coating the banana slices.

→ How do I prevent the chips from sticking together?

Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together.

→ How do I store the banana chips?

Once cooled completely, store the chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

→ What can I use instead of sugar?

You can use alternatives like coconut sugar or skip the sugar for a natural sweetness from the bananas.

→ How long will the chips stay crisp?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the chips should remain crisp for up to a week.