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Crunchy cinnamon-sugar banana chips from the air fryer are just the thing for sweet, crispy snacking. There’s barely any oil and you won’t have a big mess to clean. Whenever I want something tasty in a hurry, these chips hit the spot—super quick to throw together before the kids run in after school or when I’ve got a sweet tooth but don’t want anything too heavy.
The first time I made these they barely lasted long enough to cool. Now, whenever I notice bananas getting speckled, these chips are my quick fix for using them up before they go too soft.
Effortless Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, spicy aroma—use the freshest you’ve got for best flavor
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkles a gentle sweetness Try baking sugar for a finer coating or switch to coconut sugar if you’re after a different taste
- Coconut oil or melted butter: A light brush helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a little extra richness
- Bananas: Pick medium, ripe but firm ones for best slicing and crunch
Simple Steps
- Cool 'em Down
- After cooking, move chips over to a wire rack and leave until totally cool. This is where their crunch really comes out. Once cool, stash them in a sealed container to keep them crispy for up to three days.
- Cook in the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer at one-fifty Celsius and pop the chips in for about ten to fifteen minutes. Remember to flip them over about halfway. Start checking after twelve minutes—all air fryers are a little different. Look for a golden color and crisp feel.
- Put Them in Your Air Fryer
- Make sure all slices are spread in a single layer so each piece can crisp properly. If you’ve cut a lot, just do several rounds.
- Brush and Sprinkle
- Grab a pastry brush and gently sweep each banana slice with melted butter or coconut oil. Be gentle or you might tear them. Shake over the cinnamon-sugar, coating both sides well so every chip gets flavored.
- Mix Up the Sugar Coating
- Scoop your cinnamon and sugar into a bowl and give it a good stir until everything is evenly blended. That way every bite is packed with flavor.
- Peel and Slice Bananas
- Cut off the peels and slice the bananas thin—about three millimeters thick. Too thick and they’ll stay chewy instead of getting crisp.
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Making banana chips at home reminds me of afternoon kitchen hangouts with my sister. She’d always sneak the freshest ones while they were still warm, so now I do too.
Handy Storage
Be sure to cool banana chips all the way before popping them into a jar. If they’re warm at all, steam sneaks in and they go soft. Store them sealed at room temp for up to three days—this keeps them crispy. If they get a bit soft, toss them back in the air fryer for a couple minutes and they’ll be good as new.
Easy Swaps
If you want a more natural sweetener, try maple sugar or coconut sugar instead of the regular kind. Melted butter or any neutral oil swaps in fine if you’re out of coconut oil. Brown sugar gives a caramelly kick but browns up faster, so keep watch. Want more flavor? Toss in a little ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon.
Fun Ways to Serve
Eat banana chips just as they are, or sprinkle them on oatmeal or yogurt for a breakfast treat. They’re an easy addition to lunchboxes, great with a scoop of ice cream or dipped in chocolate when you want dessert. Kids go wild dipping them into peanut butter or almond butter for a fun snack.
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Rich Heritage
Banana chips started out as a favorite bite in tropical places where bananas grow in bunches. Whether baked or fried, you’ll see them from South America to Asia on snack carts. These air fryer ones keep that tasty tradition but make it easier and lighter for today.
Recipe FAQs
- → What helps banana chips stay crunchy?
Let them cool on a rack first. Then pop 'em into a sealed container so they don't soak up moisture in the air.
- → Can I swap coconut oil with butter?
Yep, melted butter does the trick too. You'll just notice a little more richness in the taste.
- → Which bananas should I pick for this?
Stick with bananas that are just barely ripe and still a little firm. Mushy ones won't crisp up right.
- → Can I control how sweet they are?
Totally—use more or less sugar, or a sugar substitute if you want. Make it how you like.
- → How thick should the banana slices be?
Go for about 3 mm per slice. If you've got a mandoline, it makes it super easy to get them all even.
- → What do I do if my chips turn out chewy?
Toss them back in the air fryer for a couple more minutes. Just watch closely so they don't burn.