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This guilt-free snack transforms ordinary bananas into crispy, sweet chips using minimal oil and your air fryer. The warm cinnamon and sugar coating creates a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings while being healthier than store-bought alternatives.
I started making these banana chips when trying to find nutritious snacks for my kids that wouldn't be rejected. Now they request these "banana cookies" weekly, and I love that they're getting fruit without complaints!
Ingredients
- Ripe but firm bananas: Select yellow bananas with minimal brown spots for the perfect texture and natural sweetness
- Coconut oil or melted butter: Helps the banana slices crisp up beautifully while adding subtle flavor
- Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Creates the perfect sweetness while helping with caramelization
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with banana flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas:
- Peel your bananas and slice them into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. The uniformity is crucial here as it ensures even cooking. Too thick and they'll remain soft in the middle, too thin and they might burn before crisping.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Combine your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring to distribute the spice evenly. Gently toss your banana slices in the melted coconut oil or butter until lightly coated. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the slices, turning them to ensure both sides get that delicious coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that perfect crisp texture from the start of cooking.
- Air Fry the Chips:
- Arrange your seasoned banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding or overlapping as this prevents proper air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, carefully flipping each slice halfway through. Watch closely toward the end as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Transfer the chips to a wire cooling rack immediately after cooking. They will continue to crisp as they cool, transforming from slightly soft to perfectly crunchy. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying or storing.
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Cinnamon is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered the perfect ratio after multiple batches where my youngest would say "more spice please!" There's something magical about how the warmth of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of bananas when they caramelize.
Perfecting Your Banana Chips
Finding the right bananas makes all the difference in this recipe. Yellow bananas with just a few brown spots provide enough natural sugar for sweetness while remaining firm enough to slice cleanly. Green bananas will lack flavor, while overripe ones become too soft and difficult to handle.
Storage Solutions
These banana chips will stay crispy for up to 5 days when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture. Keep the container in a cool, dry place rather than the refrigerator, which can introduce humidity and make them soggy.
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Flavor Variations
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is delicious, this recipe welcomes customization. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for complexity, or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall. For a tropical twist, add a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes during the last few minutes of cooking. Chocolate lovers can drizzle cooled chips with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
These banana chips shine on their own but become even more versatile as part of other dishes. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for texture contrast, add them to trail mix for natural sweetness, or serve alongside a fruit dip for an impressive snack platter. They also make a fantastic garnish for banana pudding or banana bread when you want to add visual appeal and textural interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use overripe bananas?
It’s best to use firm bananas for a crisp texture. Overripe bananas tend to become mushy and won’t crisp properly.
- → What type of sugar can I use?
You can use granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or even brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- → How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
Ensure the banana slices don’t overlap in the air fryer and cool them completely on a wire rack to crisp up further.
- → Can I store the chips for later?
Yes, store the chips in an airtight container after they’ve cooled completely to retain their crispness.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness and spice levels?
Absolutely! Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to suit your personal taste preferences.