If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s both sweet and satisfyingly crispy, you are in for a treat with this Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe. This delightful snack transforms ordinary ripe bananas into golden, crunchy chips dusted with warm cinnamon and sugar, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a naturally sweet treat to share, these banana chips hit the perfect balance of flavor and texture without any fuss or guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple yet play vital roles in creating that perfect crunch and sweet-spiced flavor. Each one is carefully chosen to enhance the banana’s natural sweetness while adding a subtle depth and an irresistible aroma.
- 2 ripe but firm bananas (yellow, just speckled): Using bananas that are ripe but still firm ensures they slice easily and crisp up nicely instead of turning mushy.
- 1 tsp coconut oil (or olive oil): A light brush of oil helps the chips brown evenly and adds a subtle richness that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- 2 tsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar): Sweetens the chips perfectly, and coconut sugar adds a lovely caramel undertone if you want a richer flavor.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: This spice provides warmth and a fragrant note that brings the snack to life.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Just a touch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bananas
Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into â…›-inch thick rounds. Keeping the slices thin and uniform is key to ensuring that they cook evenly and develop a consistent crunch. If slices vary too much in thickness, some may burn while others stay underdone.
Step 2: Coat with Oil & Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and the optional pinch of salt. Next, use a brush to lightly coat both sides of each banana slice with coconut or olive oil. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously onto each slice, making sure they’re well covered for maximum flavor and that lovely toasted color.
Step 3: Air Fry the Banana Chips
Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Lay out the banana slices in a single layer inside the basket—avoid overcrowding to allow proper airflow which crisps the chips beautifully. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye as they should turn golden and just slightly crisp without burning.
Step 4: Cool & Crisp Up
Once air frying is done, carefully remove the banana chips and let them cool completely on a wire rack or plate. This cooling phase is crucial because the chips will continue to harden and crisp as they cool. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and enjoy fresh for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or a tiny pinch of sea salt just before serving to boost the flavor and add an inviting sparkle. A dusting of powdered sugar can also give a lovely dessert-like finish if you feel indulgent.
Side Dishes
These banana chips are a fantastic companion to vanilla or cinnamon-spiced yogurt for dipping, or alongside a creamy nut butter spread. They also elevate an ice cream bowl or fruit salad with their crunch and a touch of spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe stacked in a colorful bowl, layered between wax paper to keep the crispness, or skewer them alongside other fruit for a playful and portable snack. They also make for a charming topping on cakes, parfaits, or even oatmeal to add texture and a sweet cinnamon twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed well prevents moisture from softening their delightful crunch. They stay fresh and crisp for up to 5 days, making them perfect for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, banana chips tend to lose their crisp texture when thawed, so it is best to enjoy them fresh or store them at room temperature instead. If you do choose to freeze, spread them on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container to minimize clumping.
Reheating
If your chips soften after storage, a quick 2-3 minute zap in the air fryer or a warm oven at low temperature can help restore some of their crunch. Just keep a close watch to avoid burning; they crisp up quickly once warm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sugar for the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Absolutely! Granulated sugar works great, but coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even a mix can add different flavor notes and sweetness levels. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
You can bake banana chips in a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, as baking times and results may slightly vary from air frying.
How thin should the banana slices be?
A thickness of about an eighth of an inch works best. Thinner slices become crispier and cook faster, while thicker ones may stay chewy or take longer to crisp.
Can I make these with green or overripe bananas?
For best results, use ripe but firm bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots. Green bananas are starchy and less sweet, and overripe bananas are too soft and may not crisp well.
Is coconut oil better than olive oil for this recipe?
Coconut oil adds a slightly tropical aroma that pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar, but olive oil works fine too, especially if you prefer a milder taste. Use whichever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, sweet, and crunchy snacks without any complicated steps. It’s snack time, elevated with simple ingredients and a bit of air fryer magic. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s perfect for sharing with friends, sneaking as a midday treat, or adding a cozy touch to your snack stash. Once you make these, I bet they’ll become your go-to snack as well!
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a sweet, crispy, and totally snackable treat made from ripe yet firm bananas coated with coconut oil and a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Air-fried to perfection, these chips offer a crunchy, healthier alternative to store-bought snacks with a delightful spiced sweetness.
Ingredients
Banana Chips
- 2 ripe but firm bananas (yellow, just speckled)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into â…›-inch thick rounds. Ensure the slices are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly during air frying.
- Coat with Oil & Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Lightly brush both sides of the banana slices with coconut oil, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over them.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Arrange the banana slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time, until they become golden and lightly crisp.
- Cool & Crisp Up: Remove the banana chips from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack or plate. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use firm yet ripe bananas to achieve the best texture; overly ripe bananas will become too soft to crisp up.
- Brush the oil lightly to avoid soggy chips and ensure a crispy finish.
- If you don’t have coconut oil, olive oil is a suitable substitute.
- For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Let the chips cool fully to maximize crispiness before storing.
