Introduction
Craving a crunchy, sweet, and healthy snack? These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are the perfect treat! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these banana chips are a great alternative to store-bought snacks loaded with preservatives. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture while keeping them low in oil and calories. Plus, the combination of cinnamon and sugar adds a delicious warmth and sweetness that makes them irresistible.
Whether you need a quick snack for the kids, a topping for your morning oatmeal, or a crunchy addition to your yogurt, these banana chips will become a favorite. Best of all, they are easy to make with minimal effort!
Let’s dive into this simple, healthy, and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel the bananas and slice them thinly and evenly (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
- Try to keep the slices uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Place the banana slices in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prevent Browning
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the banana slices and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- This step is important as it helps prevent the bananas from turning brown too quickly.
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the banana slices and gently toss them to coat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the bananas, making sure each slice is well covered.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them, as they need space for air circulation.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
- The banana chips should be golden brown and crispy when done. If they are still soft, continue air frying in 2-3 minute increments until they reach the desired crispiness.
Variation
- Honey-Glazed Banana Chips: Instead of cinnamon-sugar, brush the banana slices with honey before air frying for a naturally sweet alternative.
- Spicy Banana Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Chocolate Banana Chips: Sprinkle cocoa powder over the banana slices before air frying for a chocolaty twist.
- Savory Banana Chips: Skip the sugar and cinnamon and season the banana slices with salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika for a savory snack.
Cooking Notes:
- Choosing the right bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but firm—overripe bananas will turn mushy in the air fryer.
- Slicing matters: Thinner slices will be crispier, while thicker slices will be slightly chewy.
- Air Fryer Temperature: Keeping the temperature around 300°F (150°C) prevents the bananas from burning while ensuring they get crispy.
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store the banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they lose their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them on their own as a snack.
- Sprinkle them over yogurt or oatmeal for added crunch.
- Serve with peanut butter or Nutella for a delicious dip.
- Crush them and use as a topping for ice cream or smoothie bowls.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a healthy, on-the-go snack.
Tips:
✅ Use parchment paper: To prevent banana slices from sticking to the air fryer basket, use a small sheet of parchment paper with holes punched in it.
✅ Let them cool completely: Banana chips continue to crisp up as they cool. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes after air frying before eating.
✅ Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
✅ Re-crisping tip: If your banana chips soften over time, air fry them at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 minutes to bring back their crunch.
✅ Try different flavors: Experiment with spices like pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or cardamom for unique flavors.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 17-20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup of Banana Chips)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 2g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs
1. Why are my banana chips not crispy?
If your banana chips are soft, they may have been sliced too thick or need extra air frying time. Try cooking them for an additional 2-3 minutes or letting them cool completely before eating.
2. Can I make these banana chips without sugar?
Yes! You can skip the sugar and just use cinnamon for a naturally sweet flavor. Alternatively, try drizzling honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
3. How do I store homemade banana chips?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they become soft, reheat in the air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
4. Can I use overripe bananas?
It’s best to use firm, ripe bananas. Overripe bananas are too soft and will not crisp up properly in the air fryer.
5. Can I make banana chips in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1-2 hours, flipping every 30 minutes until they are crispy. The air fryer is just a faster method.
Conclusion
Making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips at home is a fun, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a crunchy snack without preservatives. These chips are naturally sweet, easy to make, and incredibly versatile—perfect for snacking, topping, or even gifting. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can enjoy a batch of crispy banana chips that everyone will love!
Try this recipe today, and enjoy a guilt-free, crunchy treat! 🍌✨