Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a tasty and crunchy snack that comes together in no time. These chips are made from fresh bananas, lightly coated with cinnamon and a hint of sweetness, then air-fried until perfectly crisp. The crunch and natural sweetness make them a great little treat anytime you need a bite of something satisfying but not too heavy.
I love making these banana chips when I want a quick snack that feels a little special without a lot of fuss. Using the air fryer cuts down the wait and mess, and the warm cinnamon flavor adds a cozy touch that makes these chips feel like a mini treat. Plus, they’re a fun way to use up bananas that might be getting too ripe for regular eating!
These chips are fantastic on their own, but I also like sprinkling them over yogurt or oatmeal for a little extra texture and flavor. They’re easy to store in an airtight container and keep their crispness for a couple of days, which means you can enjoy them whenever the craving hits. I often find myself reaching for these to munch on while watching a movie or needing a quick energy boost during the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas. Too soft, and the chips may turn mushy; too green, and they won’t be sweet enough. I like using bananas with a few brown spots for the best flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warm spice that pairs nicely with banana sweetness. If you want a twist, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
Sugar: This is optional and adds extra sweetness. You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar for a richer taste.
Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice helps prevent the banana slices from turning brown before cooking. If you don’t have lemon, a splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar works similarly.
Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps make the chips crispier, but you can skip it if you prefer oil-free chips. A light spray of coconut oil or avocado oil works great.
How Do You Get Banana Chips Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting banana chips crispy in an air fryer is all about slicing evenly and managing the cooking time and temperature carefully.
- Slice bananas thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—to ensure they dry out and crisp up well.
- Arrange slices in a single layer without overlapping so air can circulate around each piece.
- Cook at a moderate temperature, around 350°F, so chips dry out without burning.
- Flip the chips halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly.
- Cool the chips on a wire rack or plate; they crisp up as they cool, so don’t skip this step.
Remember, every air fryer is a bit different, so watch closely the first time and adjust time or temperature if needed. This helps you find the perfect crispness without burning!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it cooks the chips evenly and quickly without extra oil.
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer – makes slicing the bananas thin and uniform for best crispiness.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle – to lightly coat the banana slices with oil if you like extra crispness.
- Wire rack or plate – for cooling the chips and helping them crisp up fully after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ginger or nutmeg with the cinnamon for a warming spice twist.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on the chips right after cooking for a sweet-salty combo.
- Mix in cocoa powder with the cinnamon for a chocolate-spiced version.
- Top with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before air frying for added crunch and flavor.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (optional)
Time Needed
This whole recipe takes about 15 minutes. You’ll spend 5 minutes prepping the bananas and seasoning, then about 8-10 minutes cooking them in the air fryer. A few minutes more to let the chips cool and crisp up before enjoying makes this snack quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bananas Thinly
Peel your bananas and slice them evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices help the chips turn crispy when cooked.
2. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon with the sugar if you’re using it.
3. Prevent Browning
Toss the banana slices lightly with the lemon juice to keep them from turning brown while you prepare to cook.
4. Arrange and Prepare for Air Frying
Place the banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket—avoid overlapping so they cook evenly. If you like, spray or brush the slices lightly with oil to help them get extra crispy.
5. Air Fry the Chips
Cook the banana slices at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, check on them and flip the slices so both sides brown nicely.
6. Season and Cool
Once golden and crisp, take the banana chips out. While still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the chips and toss gently to coat. Let them cool a bit—they will crisp up even more as they cool down.
7. Serve and Store
Enjoy your cinnamon banana chips as a snack or garnish! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer for quick, even cooking
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer to slice bananas thinly
- Small bowl for mixing cinnamon and sugar
- Pastry brush or cooking spray for optional oil coating
- Wire rack or plate for cooling chips
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon for extra warming spice.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt after cooking for sweet-salty flavor.
- Mix cocoa powder with cinnamon for chocolatey banana chips.
- Add chopped nuts before air frying for crunch and flavor boosts.
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can be too soft and may not crisp up well in the air fryer, resulting in chewy chips instead of crunchy ones.
Can I Make These Banana Chips Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and air fry the chips in advance, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for up to 2 days. Re-crisp them briefly in the air fryer if needed before serving.
What Can I Substitute if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
You can bake the banana slices on a baking sheet at 275°F (135°C) for about 1-2 hours, flipping halfway. Keep a close eye to avoid burning and adjust the time as necessary for crispness.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture. Avoid refrigeration, which can make them soggy. Use them within a couple of days for the best crunch.
