I’ve always loved having a crunchy snack on hand, something sweet but not overpowering, that I can munch on guilt-free. Banana chips have always been a favorite of mine, but making them at home always felt like a challenge—too greasy, too hard, or too bland. Then I discovered the magic of the air fryer. Suddenly, creating perfectly crisp, golden banana chips was not only possible but also incredibly simple.
Now, whenever I want a quick snack, I reach for bananas and my air fryer. The process is fun, and the aroma of lightly sweetened bananas filling the kitchen is irresistible. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into my chips gives me peace of mind that I’m making a healthier choice for both myself and my family.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bananas: The star of this recipe. Choose firm, slightly underripe bananas for the best texture. Overripe bananas tend to get too soft and won’t crisp up properly in the air fryer. Firm bananas allow for thin, even slices that turn into wonderfully crunchy chips.
Lemon juice: A little squeeze of lemon juice helps prevent the banana slices from browning too quickly. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the natural sweetness of the bananas, keeping the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Coconut oil or vegetable oil: A light brushing of oil on the banana slices helps them crisp evenly without becoming greasy. Coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor, while neutral vegetable oil keeps the focus entirely on the bananas.
Cinnamon (optional): If you like a warm, spicy touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the banana slices before air frying. It adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Salt (optional): Just a tiny pinch can enhance the banana flavor and give a slight contrast to the sweetness. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in taste.
Ingredients List
- 2 firm bananas
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Banana Chips
Slice the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Consistent thickness is key to getting all chips crispy at the same time.
Prepare the Slices
Place the banana slices in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and lightly toss to coat. If using oil, cinnamon, or salt, add them now and gently mix to ensure each slice is evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures the banana chips cook evenly and develop that perfect crispiness.
Arrange Slices in the Air Fryer
Lay the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them to ensure they cook uniformly.
Air Fry the Banana Chips
Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them toward the end as cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove the chips and let them cool on a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up even more. Once cooled, enjoy as a healthy snack or store in an airtight container for later.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Slice bananas as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
- Slightly underripe bananas work best for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches if needed.
- Use a light coating of oil to enhance crispiness without greasiness.
- For a sweeter snack, sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar or drizzle honey after baking.
- Store fully cooled chips in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
Ripe bananas are softer and may turn out chewy rather than crisp. Slightly underripe bananas yield the best crunchy texture.
How long do air fryer banana chips last?
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to 1 week.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 225°F (110°C) for 1–2 hours, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Do I need to use oil?
Oil is optional but recommended for better crispiness and flavor.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of cayenne can create interesting flavor variations.