If you’re looking for a healthier snack that’s still indulgent, these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are here to save the day! With just four simple ingredients, these crispy, naturally sweet chips make the perfect treat for any time of day. Plus, they’re made in the air fryer, so you can skip the oil-filled mess of deep frying while still enjoying that satisfying crunch. Ready to snack smarter? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthier Alternative: No preservatives or additives, just natural sweetness with a hint of cinnamon.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even dessert!
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or even dip them in chocolate for a fun twist.
What Do Cinnamon-Sugar Banana Chips Taste Like?
These banana chips are crispy on the edges, slightly chewy in the center, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend that adds a warm, caramelized flavor. Each bite feels like a cross between banana bread and a crunchy snack—so addictive!
Ingredients
To make a batch of these sweet and crispy chips, you’ll need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas (peeled and thinly sliced into rounds)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: A pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone brush or pastry brush
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer for even slices
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, while thicker ones will be slightly chewy.
Step 2: Coat with Coconut Oil and Sugar
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Gently toss the banana slices in the mixture until evenly coated, or use a silicone brush to lightly coat each slice.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chips
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent burning—every air fryer is a little different!
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
- Transfer the chips to a cooling rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Tips for Perfect Banana Chips
- Choose the Right Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will be too mushy, while green bananas won’t have enough sweetness.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed to avoid overlapping slices.
- Monitor Closely: Bananas can go from golden to burned quickly, so check them frequently during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for an extra treat.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle crushed pecans or almonds over the slices before air frying for added crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and coat with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika for a savory snack.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Banana Chips
- On Their Own: Perfect as a standalone snack!
- With Yogurt: Add to a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Trail Mix: Mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix.
- Dessert Garnish: Use as a topping for ice cream or pudding.
How to Store Banana Chips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a small packet of silica gel to keep them crisp.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 1 week, though they may lose some crispness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as frozen chips can become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 1.5-2 hours, flipping halfway through. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Q: How do I get them super crispy?
Slice the bananas as thinly as possible and ensure they’re not overcrowded in the air fryer. Let them cool completely on a rack for maximum crispness.
Q: Can I skip the sugar?
Absolutely! If you prefer a natural sweetness, the bananas themselves are often sweet enough—just coat them with coconut oil and cinnamon.
Why You’ll Make These Again and Again
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are the ultimate guilt-free snack. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and so much better than store-bought chips loaded with preservatives. Whether you’re meal prepping healthy snacks for the week or looking for a quick treat, this recipe is a must-try!
If you give these a go, let me know how they turned out in the comments below, or share your photos on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your creations!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
Approx. 120 calories, 4g fat, 20g carbs, 1g protein
Looking for more snack ideas? Try my Air Fryer Apple Chips or Honey Roasted Almonds for more healthy, crunchy treats! 🍌✨