Crispy Air Fryer Banana Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle

Ingredients Notes

1. Bananas: I always choose bananas that are ripe but still firm – yellow with just a few brown spots. Too green and they’ll taste starchy; too ripe and they’ll be too soft to slice properly and may burn easily.
2. Coconut Oil or Melted Butter: Coconut oil gives these chips a subtle tropical flavor that complements the banana perfectly. I’ve found it helps achieve better crispiness than butter, but butter adds a rich, indulgent quality if that’s what you prefer.
3. Granulated Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Regular sugar works great, but I often use coconut sugar for its caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas. It’s less processed and adds a deeper dimension to the final flavor.
4. Ground Cinnamon: Don’t skimp here – fresh, aromatic cinnamon makes all the difference. I sometimes grind my own from cinnamon sticks for the most vibrant flavor, but a good quality pre-ground cinnamon works wonderfully too.

How to Make Air Fryer Banana Chips

1. Prepare the bananas: Peel your bananas and slice them into even rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the thickness consistent for even cooking – I find using a mandoline slicer helps achieve perfect uniformity.
2. Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, mix the coconut oil or melted butter until it’s completely liquid. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, mixing well to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
3. Coat the banana slices: Lightly brush or toss the banana slices in the oil or melted butter. You want just enough to coat them lightly – too much and they won’t crisp up properly.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 275°F (135°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes. This temperature is perfect for drying out the bananas while developing flavor without burning.
5. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You’ll likely need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Cook the chips: Air fry for 25-28 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. They should turn golden brown and begin to crisp up. Don’t worry if they still feel slightly soft – they’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
7. Add the cinnamon sugar: While the chips are still warm (but not hot), sprinkle them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture or toss them gently in a bowl with the mixture.
8. Cool completely: Allow the chips to cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack. They’ll become crispier as they cool down.

Expert Cooking Tips

1. Slice with precision: I use a mandoline slicer set to ¼ inch for perfectly even slices – uneven thickness leads to some chips burning while others remain soft.
2. Don’t overcrowd: Work in batches if needed. When banana slices touch or overlap, they steam instead of crisping, resulting in chewy rather than crispy chips.
3. Watch the timing carefully: I check my chips at the 20-minute mark. Different air fryer models vary in temperature, so your first batch is the learning batch for perfect timing.
4. The cooling step is crucial: Don’t skip it! The chips continue to crisp as they cool. I’ve found that patience here makes the difference between good and great chips.
5. For extra crispiness: I sometimes do a second, shorter cooking round (about 5 minutes) after the chips have cooled if they’re not as crisp as I’d like.

Storage Tips

1. Cool completely before storing: Any residual heat creates condensation in your container, making your perfectly crisp chips turn soggy within hours.
2. Use airtight containers: I store mine in glass containers with tight-fitting lids or mason jars to maintain maximum crispness for up to a week.
3. Add a moisture absorber: Placing a small piece of paper towel in the container helps absorb any moisture that might develop and keeps chips crispy longer.
4. Re-crisp as needed: If your chips soften after a few days, 5 minutes in the air fryer at 250°F refreshes their crispiness beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Spiced Banana Chips: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warming spice blend that’s perfect for fall.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat that satisfies serious sweet cravings.
3. Savory Version: Skip the sugar and instead sprinkle with sea salt and a touch of chili powder for a sweet-savory-spicy combination.
4. Maple Cinnamon: Replace the granulated sugar with maple sugar or a light brush of maple syrup before air frying for a different sweetness profile.
5. Coconut Banana Chips: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for tropical flavor and extra texture.
6. Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified if that’s a concern.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Banana Chips

1. Greek Yogurt Dip: The cool, tangy yogurt balances the sweet chips perfectly – I mix in a touch of honey and vanilla for an elevated snack experience.
2. Nut Butter: A small dish of almond or peanut butter for dipping adds protein and creates a satisfying sweet-savory combination that keeps hunger at bay.
3. Ice Cream Topping: Crumble these chips over vanilla ice cream for a banana-split inspired dessert with delightful texture contrast between creamy and crispy.
4. Trail Mix Component: Mix with nuts, seeds, and a few chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix that’s perfect for hikes or busy days.
5. Breakfast Parfait: Layer with yogurt and granola for a breakfast parfait that adds unexpected crunch and natural sweetness to start your day.