Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a simple and tasty snack that’s crunchy, sweet, and lightly spiced. These chips have the natural sweetness of bananas with a touch of cinnamon, making them perfect for when you want something crispy but not too heavy. The air fryer helps keep things quick and easy, so you can enjoy a fresh batch anytime.
I love making these because they’re such a great way to use bananas that are just a bit too ripe. Instead of letting them go to waste, I slice them up, sprinkle on some cinnamon, and pop them in the air fryer. The result is a snack that’s both satisfying and healthy, and I always find myself reaching for more. Plus, the cinnamon smell while they cook is so comforting.
These chips are awesome on their own, but I also like adding them to yogurt or oatmeal for an extra crunchy twist. They’re a fun snack for kids too, and they’re perfect when you want something sweet without grabbing candy or cookies. Give them a try—I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself making these Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe but still firm bananas. Overripe bananas can be too soft and may not crisp well. I find that plantains also work great if you want a less sweet chip with a firmer texture.
Oil: Olive oil or melted coconut oil adds a nice light coating and helps the chips crisp. If you’re avoiding oil, you can skip this, but the chips might be less crispy.
Cinnamon & Sugar: Cinnamon gives these chips their warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount or skip the sugar for a healthier snack. Maple syrup or honey are good natural alternatives if you want a touch of extra sweetness.
How Do You Get Thin, Crispy Banana Chips in the Air Fryer?
Getting crispy banana chips depends on thin, even slices and the right air frying technique.
- Slice bananas evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. Too thick and they stay soft; too thin and they can burn quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange slices in a single layer to let hot air circulate well.
- Flip the chips halfway through cooking to crisp both sides evenly.
- Let them cool completely after air frying. This helps them firm up and become crunchy.
Taking your time with slicing and cooking in batches makes a big difference. I usually check a few chips early to avoid burning, since air fryer models can vary.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like it because it crisps the banana chips evenly without using much oil.
- Sharp knife or mandoline – makes thin, even slices for the best crunch.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing bananas with oil and spices.
- Spatula or tongs – helpful for handling the banana slices and flipping them during cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try a dash of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
- Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder before air frying for a chocolate twist.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut after cooking for extra crunch and flavor.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or brown sugar (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your crunchy banana chips in about 15-17 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Bananas
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices help the chips crisp up nicely.
2. Season the Banana Slices
In a mixing bowl, toss the banana slices gently with olive oil or melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure all slices are evenly coated for the best flavor.
3. Air Fry the Chips
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer inside your air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overlapping them to ensure even cooking; you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for a uniform crisp.
4. Cool and Store
Once the chips are golden brown and crisp, take them out and let them cool completely. The chips will continue to crisp as they cool. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
Enjoy your tasty, crunchy cinnamon banana chips as a healthy snack or add them as a delightful topping for yogurt and oatmeal!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe ones tend to be too soft and may not crisp up well in the air fryer, resulting in chewy chips instead of crunchy ones.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Store the cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for up to 3-4 days. If they soften, you can re-crisp them briefly in the air fryer.
Can I Skip the Oil in This Recipe?
Yes, you can skip the oil to make the chips lighter and lower in fat. Just note that the texture might be less crispy, and the chips may dry out faster.
What Can I Use Instead of Granulated Sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Adjust the amount to your taste, and note that liquid sweeteners may affect crispiness.