Save to Pinterest Crispy banana chips dusted with cinnamon sugar are the perfect answer for anytime snacking These air fryer treats turn pantry basics into something special with just the right blend of sweetness and spice I often make a double batch and every time the bowl is empty within hours The warm cinnamon aroma always brings everyone to the kitchen
I remember my first attempt years ago craving a sweet snack during movie night We were all surprised at how quickly the banana chips vanished
Ingredients
- Bananas: Go for ripe but firm bananas to ensure they crisp up rather than turn mushy Overripe bananas tend to be sticky
- Coconut oil: Use melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor and help everything stick A high quality virgin coconut oil adds subtle fragrant notes
- Granulated sugar: Classic white sugar for sweetness though you can switch it up for brown or coconut sugar for more complex flavor
- Ground cinnamon: This brings warmth and a cozy spice Opt for fresh ground cinnamon for the brightest taste
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness and round out the flavor
Instructions
- Peel and Slice:
- Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds about one eighth inch thick For crispier chips use a mandoline slicer to get even slices which helps everything cook at the same pace
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl stir together the sugar cinnamon and salt Break up any lumps to make sure the spice coats the chips evenly
- Coat in Oil:
- Carefully toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil Try not to break the slices Lay them flat in a large bowl and gently flip them until each piece has a light sheen
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over the coated banana slices Toss everything gently again so each round is dusted on all sides
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred fifty degrees Celsius Allow it to fully preheat for even cooking
- Arrange Slices:
- Place the banana slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket Keep space between slices so air can circulate and avoid overlapping or crowding for optimum crisp
- Air Fry and Flip:
- Cook for fifteen to eighteen minutes flipping each chip halfway through baking Watch closely for the last few minutes because they can change from golden to too dark quickly
- Cool and Crisp:
- Move the banana chips to a wire rack as soon as they come out of the air fryer Let them cool before serving to help them get even crunchier
Save to Pinterest My favorite part of this recipe is the scent of warm cinnamon flooding the kitchen The first time my nieces helped me coat the banana slices we ended up laughing over sticky fingers and barely had patience to wait for the chips to cool
Storage Tips
Let the banana chips cool completely before storing Put them in an airtight container to keep them crisp They will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature If they lose crunch or become a bit chewy just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to refresh
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a richer caramel note If you are sensitive to coconut swap in a neutral oil like avocado oil For a fun flavor twist add just a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the cinnamon mixture
Serving Suggestions
Layer these chips over your morning oatmeal for extra texture and flavor Sprinkle on top of non dairy yogurt bowls or scoop them alongside berry parfait Serve at parties as a healthier sweet snack that even picky eaters grab for more than once
Cultural and Historical Context
Plantain and banana chips are enjoyed worldwide from street vendors in Southeast Asia to lunch boxes in the Caribbean This air fryer version puts a playful modern twist on a long loved classic skipping the deep frying for a lighter result
Seasonal Adaptations
Choose bananas that are just barely ripe for extra crunch Try a fall twist by adding ground nutmeg or ginger to the coating Add a chopped nut topping like pecans after air frying for an autumn snack mix
Success Stories
Every time I bring these banana chips to school potlucks they disappear Nobody can believe they did not come from a fancy store Friends now text me asking for the recipe whenever they see ripe bananas on their counters
Freezer Meal Conversion
These banana chips are best eaten fresh but you can flash freeze them on a tray then store in a freezer bag Re crisp before eating by putting in the air fryer for a few minutes at a low temperature
Save to Pinterest For your next snack attack try these banana chips for a crunchy treat that is simple to make and loaded with cozy spice Enjoy every bite
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep banana chips crispy?
Let chips cool on a wire rack to ensure maximum crispness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- → Can other oils be used instead of coconut oil?
Yes, you can use light olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral flavor, keeping in mind any dietary preferences.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Add a pinch of chili powder for spice or swap in brown sugar for a deeper sweetness and caramel note.
- → What kind of bananas work best?
Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent sogginess and achieve a crisp result. Slightly underripe bananas add extra crunch.
- → How long do these chips stay fresh?
Chips stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Re-crisp in the air fryer if needed.