If you’re searching for a delightfully crispy yet naturally sweet snack, let me introduce you to a treat that never lasts long in my kitchen: Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these banana chips transform into perfectly golden rounds coated in a cozy cinnamon-sugar blend. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, they’re light, satisfyingly crunchy, and free from any deep-fried heaviness—making them a wholesome and irresistible snack for any moment of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips couldn’t be easier, and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Each one brings something special—ripe bananas offer creaminess and natural sweetness, while the cinnamon-sugar mixture gives every chip a warm, comforting pop of flavor.
- 2 ripe but firm bananas: Choose bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots—the firmer, the better for slicing and air frying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil: A light coating is key for achieving that irresistible crispness in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chips for a golden finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses every chip with warm, fragrant spice.
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny amount heightens all the other flavors, making each bite pop.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Prep the Bananas
Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Even slices are essential for even cooking; if you have a mandoline slicer, this is its time to shine! This step ensures you’ll get that perfectly crisp bite in every chip and prevents some from burning before others are done.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and that important pinch of salt. Don’t skip the salt—it really brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas and deepens the flavor of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Banana Slices
Place your banana rounds into a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or melted coconut oil, toss gently, and make sure each slice gets a light, even coating. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend over the bananas and toss again until all the slices are gloriously dusted in sweet spice.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lay the banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Crowding or overlapping will cause uneven cooking, so work in batches if needed. The single layer ensures every chip has room to crisp up without soft or soggy spots.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfect Crispiness
Set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—banana chips can quickly go from golden to too dark. When done, they’ll look slightly golden and feel crisp at the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Crisp Up
Let your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips cool completely on a wire rack or plate. Don’t worry if they seem a little soft at first; they crisp up beautifully as they cool. Try not to eat them all before they’re fully ready!
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Garnishes
For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny bit more cinnamon on top right after air frying, or drizzle the chips with a touch of honey while still warm if you like things extra sweet. Sometimes, I even add a pinch of flaky sea salt to make the cinnamon-sugar flavor pop.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are perfect solo, but they also shine on a snack platter. Pair them with nut butters, yogurt, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced and colorful spread. They’re fantastic with creamy dips—think Greek yogurt mixed with a little maple syrup and vanilla.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Layer the banana chips as a topper on smoothie bowls or ice cream. You can crush them to sprinkle over oatmeal or desserts, or serve them in parchment cones for a fun, snackable treat at parties or gatherings. I love packaging them into small jars with a bow as thoughtful homemade gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They keep best for about three days at room temperature, staying deliciously crisp and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, you can freeze the cooled chips in a zip-top bag with as much air pressed out as possible. They’ll last a few weeks. Thaw at room temperature, then pop back into the air fryer for a minute or two if you want to restore crispiness.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made crisp, toss your banana chips into the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes. This quick reheating trick revives the texture—they’ll taste like you just made them!
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use bananas that are ripe but still firm—overripe bananas tend to be too soft and sticky, which makes slicing difficult and can result in mushy chips rather than crisp ones.
What’s the secret to getting extra crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips?
The key is slicing your bananas as thinly and evenly as possible, and ensuring they’re spaced out in a single layer inside the air fryer. Thicker slices can stay chewy instead of crisp, so a sharp knife or mandoline works best.
Can I make these banana chips without oil?
You can, but a touch of oil really helps deliver that crunchy texture and beautiful golden color. If you’d like to skip it, just know the chips might turn out a little softer, but still delicious!
Are these banana chips gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are naturally gluten-free and vegan, as long as you use plant-based oil like olive or coconut oil, making them a great snack for almost any diet.
Why do my banana chips sometimes stick to the air fryer basket?
This can happen if there’s too much sugar on the surface or if the banana slices are too close together. To prevent sticking, be sure to arrange the slices in a single layer and consider lightly greasing the air fryer basket before adding the bananas.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about transforming a couple of simple bananas into a crunchy, sweet snack that everyone will crave. I hope you dive in and enjoy making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips as much as I do—they’re fun, fuss-free, and completely delicious!
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy snack with these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. Crispy, sweet, and perfectly seasoned, these homemade fruit chips are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Banana Chips:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Slices: Peel and thinly slice the bananas into rounds.
- Air Fry: Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 330°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss banana slices with oil in a large bowl. Coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Check for golden crispness, cool completely to allow chips to further crisp up.
Notes
- Thinner slices for crispier chips
- Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 batch
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
