There’s something so satisfying about a crispy, sweet snack that you can munch on without guilt. These Sweet Cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips check all the boxes—they’re naturally sweet, perfectly crunchy, and lightly coated in cinnamon for that extra touch of warmth. Best of all, they’re super easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.
If you’ve ever picked up a bag of store-bought banana chips, you’ve probably noticed they’re often fried in oil and loaded with preservatives. Making them at home not only gives you full control over the ingredients but also ensures a fresher, healthier version. Plus, with an air fryer, you don’t need to deep-fry anything—you get that same crispy texture with way less oil.
Let’s dive into this simple, foolproof recipe that will turn ripe bananas into a crunchy, addictive snack in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas – Choose bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. Overripe bananas will be too soft, and underripe ones won’t have enough sweetness.
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil – This helps the cinnamon stick to the banana slices and adds a slight richness. Olive oil spray works too if you want a lighter option.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional) – If you prefer a little extra sweetness, add sugar. You can also swap it with coconut sugar or omit it entirely for a no-added-sugar version.
Step 1: Prep the Bananas
Start by slicing the bananas into thin, even rounds—about ⅛-inch thick. The thinner you slice them, the crispier they’ll get. If they’re too thick, they may turn out chewy instead of crunchy. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer is your best bet for getting uniform slices.
Once sliced, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is key to removing excess moisture, which helps them crisp up faster in the air fryer.
Step 2: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Now for the fun part—coating the banana slices! Place them in a bowl and drizzle with melted coconut oil. Gently toss the slices to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Next, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and sugar (if using) over the bananas. Toss everything again until all the slices are well covered. The coconut oil helps the cinnamon and sugar stick, creating that delicious caramelized flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Now that your banana slices are coated and ready to go, it’s time to crisp them up in the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer is an important step, so set it to 300°F (150°C) before you begin. This temperature ensures that the banana chips cook evenly without burning.
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping—proper air circulation is key to getting them crispy. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Since air fryer models can vary, keep a close eye on them after the 8-minute mark. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a light golden brown and start looking crisp. If some slices seem to be cooking faster than others, remove them early and let the rest continue cooking.
Step 4: Cool and Store for Maximum Crunch
Here’s the secret to getting the crispiest banana chips—let them cool completely before eating. When they first come out of the air fryer, they may still feel slightly soft, but don’t worry! As they sit at room temperature, they’ll harden and develop that perfect crunch.
Once they’ve cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. These banana chips are best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum crunch, though they rarely last that long once you start snacking.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Slice Evenly for Uniform Crispness – Uneven slices will cook at different rates, leaving you with some burnt pieces and some undercooked ones. A mandoline slicer is the best way to ensure consistency.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking – Bananas naturally contain a lot of moisture, which can make them chewy instead of crispy. A quick pat with a paper towel helps remove excess moisture.
- Don’t Skip the Flip – Flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time helps them crisp up evenly on both sides.
- Keep an Eye on Them – Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so check them frequently in the last few minutes. If some slices are browning too fast, take them out early.
- Experiment with Flavors – Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of honey for a different twist on this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my banana chips chewy instead of crispy?
If your banana chips turned out chewy, they may have been sliced too thick or not cooked long enough. Try cutting them thinner (about ⅛-inch thick) and making sure to pat them dry before air frying. Also, remember that they will crisp up more as they cool.
2. Can I make these banana chips without added sugar?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of ripe bananas is usually enough, so feel free to skip the sugar. If you want an extra boost of sweetness without refined sugar, try using coconut sugar or a light drizzle of honey.
3. How do I store banana chips to keep them crispy?
Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as moisture can make them soft. They are best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum crunch.
4. Can I use underripe or overripe bananas?
For the best results, use ripe bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. Underripe bananas will be too starchy and not sweet enough, while overripe bananas will be too soft and might not crisp up properly.
5. Can I bake these banana chips instead of air frying?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them and let them cool completely to crisp up.
6. What other seasonings can I use?
Cinnamon is a classic, but you can also try nutmeg, pumpkin spice, cocoa powder, or even a light sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips are a game-changer when it comes to healthy snacking. They’re quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, they’re a much healthier alternative to store-bought banana chips, which are often fried and packed with preservatives.
Whether you’re looking for a crunchy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, a nutritious addition to your lunchbox, or a topping for yogurt and oatmeal, these banana chips are the perfect choice. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share how they turned out! If you have any fun seasoning ideas or tips, drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
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Sweet Cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips
Description
These homemade air fryer banana chips are a crunchy, naturally sweet snack with a hint of cinnamon. They’re easy to make, healthier than store-bought versions, and perfect for snacking on the go.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced thinly (about ⅛-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (or olive oil spray)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, omit for a no-added-sugar version)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Bananas
Slice bananas into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for even thickness. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better crispiness.
2️⃣ Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a bowl, toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (if using), tossing gently to coat evenly.
3️⃣ Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) to ensure the chips cook without burning. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
4️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let the banana chips cool completely—they will crisp up further as they sit. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Low Heat + Air Circulation: The air fryer removes moisture while keeping the chips light and crunchy.
- Coconut Oil Coating: Helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere and enhances crispiness.
- Thin Slices: Essential for achieving the perfect chip-like texture.
