Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a simple, crunchy snack bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon. These chips are lightly crispy on the outside but still a bit soft in the middle, making them a perfect treat when you want something tasty but not too heavy.
I love using my air fryer for this recipe because it cuts down on the wait time and gives the chips a nice even crisp without adding extra oil. It’s so easy to slice the bananas, dust them with cinnamon, and pop them in the air fryer. Plus, the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen as they cook is just irresistible to me!
These banana chips are great to enjoy as a quick snack on their own or even sprinkled on top of yogurt or oatmeal for a bit of extra fun and flavor. I always find myself reaching for these when I want something sweet but healthier than regular chips or cookies, and they’re a hit whether I’m at home or packing a lunch to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: I prefer firm, ripe bananas for these chips. Too ripe, and they become mushy; too green, and they won’t be sweet enough. You can also try plantains for a sturdier chip with a mild difference in flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warm flavor. If you don’t have cinnamon, consider using nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a similar cozy taste.
Lemon Juice: This helps keep bananas from browning before air frying. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar works as well.
Sugar: Optional but useful for added sweetness and crispness. Coconut sugar adds a nice caramel note, but regular granulated sugar or brown sugar works great too.
How Can You Get Evenly Crispy Banana Chips in the Air Fryer?
Getting the perfect crisp texture is all about even slicing and careful cooking. Here are some tips:
- Slice Thin and Uniform: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for slices about 1/8 inch thick so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Lay slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow air circulation, which helps crisp them better.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the chips halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye near the end of cooking to avoid burning.
- Cool Before Eating: Let the chips cool on a rack. They crisp up more as they cool off the heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – This is perfect for quick, even cooking and makes the chips crispy without oil.
- Mandoline or sharp knife – Helps slice bananas into thin, even rounds for uniform texture.
- Small mixing bowls – For tossing bananas with lemon juice and cinnamon sugar.
- Cooking spray or brush – To lightly grease the air fryer basket for easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Wire rack (optional) – For cooling the chips so they crisp up nicely after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in a pinch of ginger or nutmeg with the cinnamon for a spiced twist.
- Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top after baking for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a sweeter, more caramelized coating.
- Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or coconut sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and roughly 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Including the time to preheat the air fryer, you can have tasty cinnamon banana chips ready in about 20 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Banana Slices:
Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the slices the same thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Toss with Lemon Juice and Cinnamon Sugar:
Place the banana slices in a bowl and gently toss them with lemon juice to stop them from browning. In another bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar (if you’re using sugar). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the banana slices and toss gently to coat all the slices well.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange and Air Fry the Banana Chips:
Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly. Keep a close eye toward the end to avoid burning.
5. Cool and Serve:
When the banana chips look golden brown and are crispy around the edges, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. They will become a bit crispier as they cool. Repeat with the rest of the slices.
Enjoy your crisp, flavorful cinnamon banana chips as a sweet snack, or sprinkle them over yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for These Chips?
It’s best to use firm, ripe bananas rather than overripe ones. Overripe bananas tend to be too soft and may turn mushy instead of crisping up well in the air fryer.
Can I Make These Chips Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and air fry the banana chips ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Keep leftover banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them soggy. If they lose crunch, briefly reheat in the air fryer to crisp them back up.
Can I Substitute Cinnamon with Other Spices?
Absolutely! You can try nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of ginger for a different but delicious flavor if you don’t have cinnamon on hand.