The wafting aroma of sweet, cinnamon-kissed bananas fills the kitchen, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. As the air fryer hums, thin, golden slices of banana crisp up to perfection, promising a delightful crunch with every bite. It’s a captivating moment—watching the humble banana morph into an addictive, healthier snack that delights kids and adults alike. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make.
What makes this recipe shine
This dish stands out not just for its taste, but for its simplicity and versatility. The delicate sweetness of the bananas pairs beautifully with the warm, fragrant cinnamon and the lightly caramelized sugar. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a crunchy topping for yogurt, or a guilt-free dessert, these banana chips hit all the high notes. “These chips are a family favorite! They’re so addictive, I can’t keep them around,” one delighted reader would share.
How this dish comes together
Creating your own cinnamon-sugar air fryer banana chips is a quick and gratifying experience. You’ll begin by slicing fresh bananas into thin rounds—aim for about 1/8-inch thickness for that perfect crunch. While you prepare the cinnamon and sugar, heat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This crisping process will elevate those sweet slices to a delightful, golden finish.
What you’ll need
To whip up this delicious snack, gather the following ingredients:
- Bananas
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Cooking spray or oil
For the best flavor, opt for ripe bananas; their natural sweetness enhances the dish. If you want to customize the flavor, consider using coconut sugar for a richer taste, or a splash of vanilla extract in your cinnamon-sugar mix.
How to cook it
- Start by slicing your bananas thinly—think about 1/8-inch slices.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar until well blended.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss the banana slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlaps.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when they are golden and crispy.
- Allow them to cool before serving; this helps to enhance their crunchiness.
Serving suggestions
These crunchy treats can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other snacks. For a fun twist, top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with the banana chips for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, serve them alongside a dipping sauce—think melted chocolate or a creamy peanut butter dip. You could even toss them into your morning oatmeal for added crunch!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To maintain the delicious crispness of your banana chips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, but know that they may lose their crunch. For best results, enjoy them fresh or within a few days. You can always reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up again.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your banana slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking; thicker slices may remain chewy rather than crispy.
- Keep an eye on the chips in the last few minutes to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in heat intensity.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of honey before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this helps achieve that coveted crispy texture.
- Experiment with various spice blends, such as pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Creative variations
Feel free to experiment with your banana chips! Swap in other spices like cardamom or ginger for a new taste. You could also sprinkle in cocoa powder prior to air frying for a chocolaty snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling the finished chips with a bit of melted chocolate and sprinkling sea salt over them for a sweet-salty treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
While fresh bananas work best for achieving that delightful crunch, you can use frozen bananas if you thaw and drain them completely before slicing.How do I know when the banana chips are done?
Watch for a golden-brown color and a crisp texture; they should feel dry without any moisture.Can I make these in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Deliciously crunchy air fryer banana chips flavored with cinnamon and sugar, perfect as a snack or dessert.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Slice the bananas thinly into 1/8-inch rounds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar until well blended.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Toss the banana slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Cool before serving to enhance crunchiness.
Notes
For a twist, consider adding vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar or using coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
