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These crispy cinnamon-sugar banana chips made in the air fryer are an addictive snack that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare for busy days. They bring a sweet crunch that’s perfect for nibbling any time you want a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
I made these after discovering too many overripe bananas languishing on the counter. Now they are a regular snack at our house and disappear faster than I can pull them from the basket.
Ingredients
- Firm bananas: that are slightly underripe give you the best crispiness and hold their shape after cooking
- Good quality coconut oil or melted butter: to coat the slices for added richness and help the cinnamon-sugar stick
- Granulated sugar: provides just enough sweetness and helps the chips caramelize in the air fryer
- Ground cinnamon: offers a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with bananas and turns a simple snack into a treat
Instructions
- Preheat The Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature
- Slice The Bananas Thinly:
- Peel the bananas then slice into thin 1/8 inch rounds. Thinner slices will yield crispier chips, so take your time with this step
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed to coat the bananas with a balanced sweetness and spice
- Coat Banana Slices:
- Gently toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil or butter. This step helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds flavor while promoting crispness
- Apply The Cinnamon Sugar:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the banana slices and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly without breaking them
- Arrange Slices In Air Fryer:
- Place banana slices in a single layer inside the basket making sure none overlap to allow hot air to circulate and crisp all sides. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size
- Cook Until Crispy:
- Air fry the banana slices for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly
- Cool Completely:
- Once golden brown and crisp, remove from the air fryer and transfer to a wire rack to cool. They will continue to harden as they cool down ensuring maximum crunch
I remember making this with my kids on a rainy afternoon, and their smiles validated every minute spent on these little bites.
Storage Tips
Store cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature to retain crispness. Avoid refrigerating or sealing them when warm as moisture buildup can soften the chips. Consume within two days for best texture and flavor
Ingredient Swaps
Try using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener with extra depth. Use butter for a richer taste or avocado oil for a neutral oil option. Swap ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal twist
Serving Ideas
Perfect on their own as a snack or crushed over yogurt or oatmeal for added crunch. Serve alongside a cheese platter to balance savory notes with sweetness. Mix with nuts and dried fruits for a quick homemade trail mix
Success with this recipe means getting the right banana firmness and slice thickness so every chip comes out perfectly crisp and sweet. I love having these ready to grab for afternoon energy or whenever my sweet tooth strikes, and friends always ask for the recipe after trying them.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of bananas work best?
Slightly underripe bananas are ideal because they hold their shape better during cooking and crisp up nicely without becoming mushy.
- → Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used as a coating to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and adds a rich flavor.
- → How thin should the banana slices be?
Slices about 1/8-inch thick work best to ensure the chips become crispy rather than soft or chewy.
- → Why should I flip the chips halfway through cooking?
Flipping allows both sides to cook evenly and become uniformly crisp without burning on one side.
- → How should I store leftover chips?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain crispness.