If you have a soft spot for crunchy, sweet snacks that feel both indulgent and wholesome, this Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe is going to be your new obsession. It transforms humble bananas into irresistibly crisp chips coated with a warm blend of cinnamon and sugar, delivering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and spice. What’s truly special about this recipe is how simple it is to make using an air fryer, preserving all the flavor without the excess oil of traditional frying. Whether you want a quick treat for yourself or a fun snack to share, these banana chips will satisfy your cravings and probably become a go-to in your snack rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe calls for just a handful of basic ingredients, each contributing essential flavor and texture that elevate the final snack. From the rich coconut oil that helps with crispiness to the cinnamon-sugar magic dust that gives the chips their signature taste, every item has a purpose.
- 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe): Firmer bananas slice nicely and crisp up better during air frying without turning mushy.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter: This adds a subtle richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick to each chip perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: For just the right touch of sweetness that complements the banana’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic kick that makes these chips utterly addictive.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by warming your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle temperature ensures your banana slices dry out slowly and crisp up evenly without burning.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel your bananas, then carefully slice them into thin rounds about ⅛-inch thick. Consistent slices guarantee even cooking and the perfect chip texture.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Blend
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated. This spice mix is the star seasoning in this Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe and will coat the chips with sweet warmth.
Step 4: Coat Banana Slices
Toss the banana slices gently in a bowl with melted coconut oil or butter. This light coating not only adds flavor but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere while aiding crispness during air frying.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar
Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar blend over the coated bananas and toss gently to ensure each slice is evenly covered. This step infuses those irresistible flavor notes all over the chips.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chips
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to promote even crisping. Cook at 300°F for 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to achieve golden, crunchy perfection.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once your banana chips look beautifully golden and crisp, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up fully, delivering that satisfying crunch we all crave in the Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt or extra cinnamon powder on top of your banana chips right before serving to enhance flavor contrast and add a delightful finishing touch. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also give an extra layer of sweetness and shine, perfect for breakfast or dessert snacking.
Side Dishes
These chips make an excellent companion to creamy dips like Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of vanilla or almond butter for a protein-packed snack. Pair them with fresh fruit salads or a light cheese board to balance the sweet crunch with fresh and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the banana chips in clear glass jars alongside nuts and dried fruits to create a beautiful snack mix gift. You can also crush them slightly to use as a crunchy topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or even oatmeal, adding texture and flavor with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crispness for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can creep in and soften those lovely crunchy edges.
Freezing
If you want to save your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe for longer, place them in a zip-top freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and they still retain much of their crunch.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-made crisp texture, reheat your banana chips in the air fryer or a toaster oven for 2 to 3 minutes at 300°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning and enjoy the snack as if it just came out of your kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas instead of firm ones?
It’s best to use slightly underripe bananas because they hold their shape and crisp better in the air fryer. Ripe bananas tend to be too soft and might not crisp up properly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the banana slices in a conventional oven at 250°F (120°C) on a lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through, but the air fryer speeds up the process and yields crisper chips.
Is coconut oil necessary, or can I use other oils?
Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor and helps with crispness, but melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil works well too, depending on your preference.
How do I make the chips less sweet?
Reduce the sugar or skip it entirely if you want a more natural banana flavor. You can also experiment with cinnamon alone or adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy twist.
Can this recipe be doubled or scaled up?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chips in batches without overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep them crispy and evenly cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making your own snacks, and this Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe delivers just that — crunchy, sweet, and ridiculously tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just dipping your toes into homemade snacks, these banana chips are a fantastic way to enjoy simple ingredients with a little extra love. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your snack bowl!
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips make a delightful, guilt-free snack. Using slightly underripe bananas, these banana chips are coated with a blend of cinnamon and sugar, then air fried to perfection for a crunchy texture without the excess oil.
Ingredients
Banana Chips
- 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
Spice Mixture
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking of the banana slices.
- Slice the Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds approximately ⅛ inch thick to achieve crispiness during air frying.
- Mix Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Coat Banana Slices: Gently toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil or butter, making sure each piece is lightly coated for enhanced flavor and crisping.
- Apply Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated banana slices and toss gently so each slice is evenly covered.
- Arrange and Air Fry: Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the golden brown and crisp banana chips from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy as a sweet, crunchy snack!
Notes
- Use firm, slightly underripe bananas to ensure crispness; overly ripe bananas may result in chewy chips.
- Make sure banana slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- If you do not have coconut oil, melted butter is a great alternative.
- The chips continue to crisp up as they cool on the wire rack.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
