If you’re on the hunt for a snack that delivers crunch, sweetness, and a cozy hit of spice—all while being easier (and healthier!) than you could ever imagine—let me introduce you to Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. This delightful treat transforms humble bananas into crispy golden rounds dusted with fragrant cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for munching solo, packing in lunches, or topping your morning oats, these banana chips are about to become your favorite new snack hack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips lies in just five everyday ingredients, each playing an important role. With just a few pantry staples and a ripe banana, you’ll watch your snack dreams come to life with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm—a few brown speckles are perfect, but too soft and they will fall apart.
- Coconut oil: A touch of melted coconut oil helps your banana slices crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and adds a hint of tropical flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to caramelize in the air fryer, creating the delicate, sweet crust that makes these chips so irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: The must-have spice for that irresistible aroma and flavor combo—pairing perfectly with bananas and sugar.
- Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this! A tiny dash of salt enhances the sweetness and brings out all the warm cinnamon notes.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Prep Your Bananas
Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into thin, even rounds—about ⅛ inch thick is ideal. Uniform slices are key to getting consistent crispiness, so take your time here. If you have a mandoline, use it for perfect chips, but a sharp knife works just fine. Remember, sturdier (not overripe) bananas are easier to slice and handle.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Blend
In a small bowl, combine your granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and that essential pinch of salt. Give it a good stir so that every grain shines with cinnamon—this blend is your ticket to that classic, comforting flavor that makes Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips totally addictive.
Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle
Lightly brush both sides of each banana slice with melted coconut oil. This not only helps the cinnamon-sugar stick but also aids in building that golden, crispy finish you crave. Next, sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the tops, letting it cling to the oil for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 330°F. Arrange your banana slices in a single, non-overlapping layer inside the basket—if you crowd them, they’ll steam rather than crisp, so work in batches if needed. Taking the extra minute to ensure space between chips is well worth it!
Step 5: Air Fry and Flip
Air fry the bananas for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the slices over halfway through to encourage even cooking. Watch them closely during the last couple of minutes, since air fryers can vary and the chips can go from golden to too-dark quickly. You’re aiming for a lovely golden hue with a touch of caramelization around the edges.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Crisp
Transfer the chips to a wire rack or plate and let them cool completely. This is when the magic happens—they’ll continue to crisp as they cool, resulting in that satisfying snap. Try to resist the temptation to taste right away (though no judgment if you can’t!).
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust your finished chips with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or even a touch of powdered sugar just before serving. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a handful of toasted coconut flakes adds a decadent touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are an A+ midday snack all alone, but they also shine alongside a bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt or a scoop of almond butter. Serve them next to a fresh fruit salad or even pair with a mug of hot cocoa for ultimate cozy vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the chips on top of smoothie bowls, oatmeal, or chia pudding for crunch and extra sweetness. Or, stack them in mason jars with ribbon for a lovely homemade gift! For parties, arrange them in little paper cones or on a grazing board with mixed nuts and dried fruit for snacking fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, transfer your chips to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature and they’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to three days—if they last that long! Avoid any moisture, as it can make the chips lose their crunch.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for longer storage. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag or container. Let thaw at room temp, but note that they may lose a bit of crunch.
Reheating
If your banana chips soften after storage, pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 300°F. They’ll crisp right back up and taste as good as new—just let them cool again before snacking.
FAQs
Can I make these banana chips without added sugar?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sugar and sprinkle only cinnamon with a pinch of salt. You’ll still get lovely natural sweetness from the bananas, especially if they’re nice and ripe.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
No problem—melted butter or any neutral oil like avocado or light olive oil works well too. Each will add its own subtle flavor, so use what you enjoy or have on hand.
Why did my banana chips turn out chewy?
Chances are the slices were too thick, or they need a little more time in the air fryer. Make sure your bananas are sliced thinly and spaced out so they can fully crisp up.
Can I use plantains instead of bananas?
Yes! Plantains make an excellent substitute, especially if you want an extra-crisp, slightly starchier chip. Just follow the same process and check for doneness since plantains may take a minute or two longer.
How do I keep the chips from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly brushing with coconut oil helps, but you can also use a perforated parchment liner in your air fryer basket, or give the basket itself a light spritz with nonstick spray before arranging the chips.
Final Thoughts
You won’t believe how easy and tasty these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are until you try them for yourself. They’re the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, crunchy, and wholesome—plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch today; you may never look at bananas the same way again!
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Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips as a healthy vegan snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Banana Chips:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Slices: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.
- Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Coat with Coconut Oil: Lightly brush the banana slices with melted coconut oil on both sides.
- Add the Cinnamon-Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the banana slices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 330°F.
- Air Fry the Banana Slices: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the chips and let them cool completely to crisp up further.
Notes
- Use just ripe bananas for best results.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a sugar-free option, skip the sugar and enjoy the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small handful
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
