Healthy Air Fryer Banana Chips
Introduction
These healthy air fryer banana chips turn simple bananas into a crunchy, sweet snack with just a hint of cinnamon.
They are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon cravings, or a better-for-you movie night treat.
Using the air fryer keeps them light, quick, and fuss-free, with no deep-frying or long oven time needed.
Ingredients (3 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Healthy Air Fryer Banana Chips
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Prep the bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, so they crisp instead of turning chewy.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 330°F for 3 to 5 minutes, so the banana slices start cooking evenly right away.
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Coat with coconut oil and cinnamon
In a small bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Gently toss in the banana slices until they look lightly coated, but not wet or oily.
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Arrange in the basket
Lay the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between pieces for airflow.
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Air fry until golden
Air fry at 330°F for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through cooking. They should look dry and lightly golden at the edges, with no shiny wet spots on top.
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Cool and crisp
Let the banana chips cool in the basket for 5 minutes. Move them to a rack to finish crisping, since they firm up more as they cool.
Substitutions
- Coconut oil -> avocado oil
- Use a light brush or spray of avocado oil for a neutral taste and super crisp chips with less coconut flavor.
- Ground cinnamon -> pumpkin pie spice
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to add warm clove and nutmeg notes that feel cozy and very fall-ready.
- Sea salt -> chili lime seasoning
- Sprinkle a tiny bit of chili lime seasoning instead of salt for sweet, tangy, lightly spicy chips that feel snack-shop fancy.
Tips
- Aim for even, thin slices
- Try to keep slices close to 1/8 inch thick, since thicker pieces stay chewy and thin ones brown too fast.
- Use a mandoline for precision
- If you have a mandoline, set it to a thin setting and use the guard for safe, even slices.
- Adjust time for your air fryer
- Every air fryer runs a little different, so start checking at 10 minutes and stop as soon as slices look dry.
- Cool completely before storing
- Let the chips cool fully, then store them in an airtight container, which helps them stay crisp instead of turning leathery.
- Use perforated parchment if needed
- If your basket sticks, line it with perforated parchment so air still circulates and the banana chips release easily.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 150 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Total Fat | 5 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why did my banana chips turn chewy instead of crisp?
- They were likely sliced too thick or did not cook long enough to drive off the moisture. Aim for very thin, even slices and cook until they look completely dry, not glossy. Remember that they will crisp more as they cool on the rack.
- Can I make these banana chips without any oil?
- Yes, you can skip the oil, though the chips will be a bit lighter and slightly less rich. Watch them closely, since oil-free slices can dry out faster and may need a minute less cook time.
- How do I keep the banana slices from sticking to the air fryer basket?
- A light coat of oil on the basket or slices usually prevents sticking. You can also use a perforated parchment liner, which protects the fruit while still letting hot air circulate. Always preheat the basket, because hot metal releases food more easily.
- Can I use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots?
- Very ripe bananas taste extra sweet but are softer, so they can slump and brown faster in the air fryer. For best shape, use just-yellow bananas with only a few freckles. If yours are very soft, slice a little thicker and watch them closely near the end.
- How long will homemade banana chips stay crisp?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they usually stay crisp for about three days. If your kitchen is very humid, tuck in a small packet of food-safe desiccant or a few grains of dry rice.
Serving Suggestions
These crunchy banana chips pair beautifully with a spoonful of yogurt and berries for a quick, bright breakfast.
For dessert, layer them in a jar with Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and a touch of honey for a mini parfait.
More pairings:
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