Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

This crispy cinnamon-sugar air fryer banana chips recipe transforms ordinary bananas into a delightful snack that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt. I discovered this healthier alternative to store-bought chips when looking for ways to use up bananas before they became too ripe, and it's now my go-to solution for quick snacking.

I first made these banana chips during a rainy weekend when my kids were complaining of boredom and hunger. The warm cinnamon smell filled our kitchen, and they've been requesting them weekly ever since.

Ingredients

• Ripe but firm bananas Choose bananas with minimal brown spots for the perfect balance of sweetness without being too soft
• Coconut oil or melted butter The thin coating helps the chips crisp up beautifully while adding subtle flavor
• Granulated sugar or coconut sugar Creates that irresistible caramelized exterior. Coconut sugar adds a deeper caramel note
• Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and complexity. Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bananas

Slice your bananas into thin rounds about ⅛ inch thick. Consistency is key here. I find using a mandoline helps create uniform slices that will cook evenly. If the slices are too thick, they'll remain soft in the center rather than crisping throughout.

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix your sugar and cinnamon thoroughly in a small bowl until completely combined. Lightly brush each banana slice with your melted coconut oil or butter using a pastry brush for even coverage. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each slice. I like to do this on a plate to catch any excess mixture that can be reused.

Arrange in Air Fryer

Place your seasoned banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This step is crucial. Avoid any overlapping as this prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Air Fry the Banana Chips

Set your air fryer to 300°F and cook for about 10 minutes before carefully flipping each slice. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes while watching closely. The edges should turn golden brown but can quickly burn if left too long. Different air fryer models vary in strength, so adjust timing as needed.

Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the chips to a cooling rack and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes. The chips will continue to crisp up during this time. This cooling phase is essential for achieving that perfect crunch.

Bookmark

My favorite thing about these banana chips is how the cinnamon creates little pockets of warm spice throughout each bite. My daughter actually takes them to school and trades them with friends who think they're store bought fancy chips. That always makes me smile.

Storage Solutions

These banana chips will stay crispy for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they may lose some of their crunch. Bringing them to room temperature before eating helps restore some of that crispy texture.

Flavor Variations

While cinnamon and sugar create a classic flavor profile, these banana chips welcome experimentation. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile. For a tropical twist, sprinkle with a tiny bit of lime zest before air frying. Chocolate lovers can drizzle cooled chips with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat. My personal favorite variation is adding a pinch of chili powder for a sweet heat combination.

Serving Suggestions

These banana chips shine as a standalone snack, but their versatility makes them perfect for numerous applications. Crush them slightly to create a crunchy topping for morning yogurt bowls or overnight oats. Use them as a garnish for ice cream sundaes or pudding parfaits. They also make a wonderful addition to homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruits. For an elegant dessert presentation, use them as a decorative element on cakes or cupcakes.

Recipe Q&A

→ How ripe should bananas be for these chips?

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm - they should be yellow with just a few brown spots. Overly ripe bananas will be too soft and won't crisp up properly, while underripe ones won't have enough natural sweetness.

→ How thick should I slice the bananas?

Aim for approximately ⅛ inch thick slices (about 3mm). Consistent, thin slices are key to achieving evenly crisp chips. Too thick and they'll remain soft in the middle; too thin and they may burn quickly.

→ Can I make these without sugar?

Yes! You can omit the sugar entirely and just use cinnamon for a naturally sweet, spiced chip. The bananas contain their own natural sugars that caramelize during cooking. Alternatively, try a sugar substitute if preferred.

→ How do I store banana chips and how long do they last?

Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They're best consumed within 3-4 days. If they lose their crispness, you can refresh them with a quick 1-2 minute reheat in the air fryer.

→ Why aren't my banana chips getting crispy?

This could be due to several factors: slices may be too thick, the air fryer temperature might be too low, or they need more cooking time. Also, remember that chips continue to crisp up as they cool. For extra crispiness, try extending cooking time by 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

→ What can I serve with these banana chips?

These versatile chips pair wonderfully with yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, ice cream, or as part of a snack board. They're also delicious dipped in nut butter, chocolate sauce, or served alongside a fruit salad for textural contrast.