If you’re looking for a perfectly sweet, crispy snack that you can make in a flash, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite treat: Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips! With just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty air fryer, you’ll have golden, crunchy, utterly irresistible banana chips in minutes—no deep-frying (or guilt!) required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Wholesome: These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are made with just bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar, and a touch of oil or butter—delivering all-natural sweetness and comforting flavor in every bite.
- Crispy Snack, No Guilt: Air frying means you skip the heavy oil and deep-frying but get that addictively crisp texture you crave.
- Quick & Beginner Friendly: You’ll be munching away in just 25 minutes, with minimal hands-on time and easy-to-follow steps.
- Budget Friendly: Bananas are inexpensive and always available, so you can whip these up anytime snack cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips is in their simplicity—each ingredient truly matters, contributing unique flavor and texture while letting the banana’s natural goodness shine. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each part):
- 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe): Slightly underripe bananas hold their shape and crisp up beautifully, avoiding mushiness and giving you lovely slices with just the right bite.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter: This coats the banana rounds, lending a hint of richness while helping the cinnamon-sugar stick snugly to each slice.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Classic white sugar creates that shatteringly crisp, sweet crust on the finished chips.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warming cinnamon adds depth, coziness, and aromatic delight to every single chip.
Variations
One of the best things about making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips at home is how customizable they are! Whether you want to tweak the flavor or adjust for different dietary needs, these chips are super easy to make your own.
- Spiced Up: Swap ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra cozy notes.
- Lighter or Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or monkfruit to fit your preferences.
- Vegan All the Way: Use coconut oil (instead of butter) for a completely plant-based version that still tastes dreamy.
- Chocolate Lover’s Crunch: Drizzle your finished chips lightly with melted dark chocolate and let them cool for a decadent twist!
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the bananas start crisping up the moment they hit the basket instead of steaming, resulting in chips that are perfectly crunchy and never soggy.
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel your firm, slightly underripe bananas and slice them into uniform ⅛-inch-thick rounds. Consistent thickness is key—thicker slices take longer to crisp and thinner ones might burn, so aim for even rounds for the best texture!
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon-Sugar & Coat the Bananas
In a small bowl, stir the cinnamon and sugar together until well combined. Gently toss your banana slices with the melted coconut oil or butter to coat them lightly. This step helps that dreamy cinnamon-sugar blend cling to each piece, ensuring every bite is magical.
Step 4: Arrange & Air Fry
Working in batches if necessary, lay the banana rounds out in a single layer in the air fryer basket—no overlapping! Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping each chip halfway through. Keep an eye on them: they should be golden brown and crisp, but not too dark.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy!
Carefully transfer the banana chips to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This is when the real magic happens: as they cool, they’ll firm up further for that irresistible crunch. Enjoy your batch of homemade Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips just as they are—or start dreaming up creative serving ideas!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Banana Selection Matters: Aim for bananas that are just barely ripe—yellow with a hint of green—so they slice neatly and keep their shape once cooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange banana slices in a single layer with space between each one for even airflow and superior crunch.
- Flip for Even Browning: Carefully turn each chip halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get gloriously golden and crispy.
- Cool Completely for Maximum Crunch: Letting the chips cool on a wire rack ensures they crisp up all the way and don’t get chewy from trapped steam.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Garnishes
Make your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips bakery-worthy by dusting them with a little extra cinnamon right after air frying, or for a snazzy finish, drizzle them with melted dark or white chocolate. Sprinkle on a handful of toasted chopped nuts for a sweet-savory combo—pistachios and pecans are delicious choices!
Side Dishes
Pair these banana chips with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream for an elevated snack or simple dessert. They’re also fantastic alongside a latte, hot cocoa, or herbal tea for a comforting midday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your banana chips into a mason jar tied with twine for a cute homemade gift, or pile them high in a colorful bowl for a party snack table. For extra pizzazz, layer them with yogurt and berries as a fun parfait, or use as an edible “spoon” for creamy dips like peanut butter or Nutella.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for several days—just keep them away from humidity for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want banana chips on hand for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. While freezing may slightly soften their crunch upon thawing, popping them briefly back in the air fryer will revive their texture.
Reheating
To restore any lost crispness, air fry the chips at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven. Let cool before snacking, and your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips will taste just-made all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use slightly underripe bananas, as overripe ones tend to be too soft and may become mushy in the air fryer. Save those sweet, spotted bananas for banana bread and stick with firm yellow bananas for chips!
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How do I keep banana chips from sticking to the basket?
Lightly coating the banana slices in coconut oil or melted butter helps prevent sticking and encourages even crisping. You can also use a parchment paper liner with holes if you experience sticking issues.
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Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket—work in batches, keeping the chips in a single layer for best results. Store extras in an airtight container for crunch-on-demand.
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Are these banana chips gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, they’re naturally gluten-free! For a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter and double-check your cinnamon for cross-contamination if you’re celiac or extremely sensitive.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips—seriously, they’re a game changer for snacking, sharing, or simply treating yourself to something wonderful. Gather your ingredients, grab your air fryer, and discover your new favorite way to enjoy bananas—crispy, sweet, and totally addictive!
PrintCinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a delightful and healthy snack that’s simple to make. Crispy, sweet, and with a hint of warm cinnamon, these chips are perfect for satisfying your snack cravings.
Ingredients
Banana Chips:
- 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Slice Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into ⅛-inch-thick rounds.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Coat Banana Slices: Toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil or butter, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the banana slices, tossing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Air Fry: Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 300°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cool: Once golden brown and crisp, transfer the banana chips to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms offers a delicious combination of bold, peppery flavors and tender, juicy chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- This easy-to-make dish pairs well with rice or noodles and can be customized with your favorite vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg