Air Fryer Banana Chips (Sweet or Spicy)

Learning how to make banana chips quickly makes for a delicious and healthy snack.  You can make air fryer banana chips sweet or savory by changing the seasonings.

How to Make Banana Chips Quickly

My kids love banana chips.  I freeze dry some for snacks and dehydrate them.  However, both of these methods take a long time!

Air fryer banana chips are delicious and much quicker than dehydrating.  They make a healthy snack, and you can make them sweet or savory.

For more fruit snack ideas, check out these posts:

• How to Dehydrate Bananas
• How to Make Strawberry Fruit Leather
• How to Dehydrate Blueberries
• Homemade Apple Fruit Leather
• How to Dehydrate Apples
• How to Make Whole Fruit Popsicles

Why Air Fryer Banana Chips Are A Great Alternative To Store-Bought Chips

In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of health, air fryer bananas offer a refreshing alternative to traditional store-bought chips. 

These delectable treats provide the perfect balance of taste and nutrition, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals who crave a satisfying snack. 

Let's delve into the reasons why air fryer banana chips are a fantastic option for your snacking needs.

Understanding The Nutritional Benefits Of Banana Chips

Before we delve into the process of making air fryer banana chips, let's take a moment to appreciate their nutritional benefits. 

Banana chips, when prepared in an air fryer, retain more of the fruit's natural goodness compared to their deep-fried counterparts. 

Bananas are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C, which contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, banana chips provide dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut. 

With these nutritional benefits in mind, let's explore how to embark on your journey of making delicious air fryer bananas.

Choosing The Right Bananas For Chip-Making

When it comes to selecting bananas for chip-making, it's crucial to choose ripe but firm fruits. Look for bananas with yellow skin and a few brown spots. This stage of ripeness ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your chips. 

Avoid using overly ripe bananas, as they might become too soft during the cooking process.

Once you have chosen the ideal bananas, it's time to prepare them for slicing. Start by peeling the bananas and using a sharp knife to trim off the ends. This will make it easier to slice the fruit evenly. 

It's important to note that the thickness of your slices will affect the texture of your chips, as we will explore in the next section. So, let's move on to slicing techniques for achieving perfect banana chips.

Slicing Techniques For Perfect Banana Chips

When it comes to slicing your bananas, you have two main options: thin and crispy or thicker and chewier chips. Both styles have their merits, so let's weigh the pros and cons.

Thin and crispy banana chips are achieved by slicing the fruit thinly, usually around 1/8 inch. These chips offer a delicate and crunchy texture, reminiscent of traditional potato chips. They are ideal for those who enjoy a lighter and crispier snacking experience.

On the other hand, thick and chewy banana chips are achieved by slicing the fruit to around 1/4 inch. These chips retain more moisture and have a denser texture. They provide a satisfying chewiness that some snackers prefer.

To ensure consistent chip thickness, consider using a mandoline slicer. This handy kitchen tool allows you to adjust the thickness settings, resulting in evenly sliced banana chips. 

Remember to exercise caution when using a mandoline slicer and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any accidents.

You can also cut your bananas by hand. Simply use a sharp knife to slice the bananas into rounds. This method provides a charming homemade touch to your banana chips, with each slice offering a unique texture.

Flavoring Your Banana Chips

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips

One of the most beloved flavor combinations for banana chips is the classic cinnamon sugar. To achieve this delightful taste, simply sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over your sliced bananas before air frying them. 

The heat from the air fryer will caramelize the sugar, creating a delectable coating that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Savory Flavors

For those with a savory palate, consider exploring flavors like sea salt or chili powder for a spicy banana chips recipe. Lightly sprinkle these seasonings over your banana slices to create a savory twist on this sweet treat. The contrast between the natural sweetness of the bananas and the savory notes of the seasonings will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Sweet Variations

If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, try drizzling your sliced bananas with raw honey or maple syrup before air frying them. These natural sweeteners will enhance the taste of your banana chips and add a delightful caramelization to the final product.

Preparing The Air Fryer

Selecting The Appropriate Temperature And Time Settings

To ensure perfectly cooked banana chips, it's crucial to select the appropriate temperature and time settings on your air fryer. Generally, a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) works well for air frying banana chips. 

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your slices, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

Using Parchment Paper Or Silicone Mats For Easy Cleanup

To make cleanup a breeze, consider using parchment paper or silicone mats in your air fryer basket. These non-stick surfaces prevent the banana slices from sticking to the basket, making it easier to remove the chips once they are cooked. 

Tips For Arranging Banana Slices In A Single Layer

To ensure even cooking, arrange your banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket may result in unevenly cooked chips. If you have a large batch of banana slices, it's best to cook them in multiple batches, allowing each chip to crisp up to perfection.

Air Frying Tips For Perfect Banana Chips

Here are some tips for making perfect air fryer banana chips:

• To achieve a crispy texture for your banana chips, it's important to strike the right balance with the air fryer settings. Cooking at a slightly higher temperature, around 375°F (190°C), for the last few minutes of the cooking time can help achieve that desired crunch. Remember to monitor the chips closely during this stage to avoid burning. 
• To ensure even browning and crispiness, flip the banana chips halfway through the cooking process. 
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket can hinder proper air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked banana chips. It's essential to give each slice enough space to allow hot air to circulate around it. 
• For an indulgent twist, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over your air fryer banana chips. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet bananas is a match made in snacking heaven. This variation is perfect for those moments when you crave a bit of decadence.
• I love my Power XL air fryer because it does more than just air fry.

Storage And Shelf Life

Once your air fryer banana chips are perfectly cooked, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the chips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps preserve their crispness and prevents them from becoming stale.

To maintain the crunchiness of your banana chips over time avoid storing them in a humid environment. Moisture can soften the chips, compromising their texture. 

Additionally, refrain from mixing them with other snacks that have high moisture content, as this can also impact their crispness. Enjoy your banana chips as a standalone snack or follow the serving and pairing ideas we will discuss next.

Serving And Pairing Ideas

Air fryer banana chips are delicious enough to enjoy on their own. Their natural sweetness and crispy texture make them an irresistible snack. Grab a handful and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Try incorporate air fryer bananas into trail mixes or granola. Combine them with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits of your choice for a wholesome and energizing snack that is perfect for on-the-go.

Elevate your breakfast or snack time by using air fryer banana chips as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. The crunchiness of the chips adds a delightful contrast to the creamy base, creating a satisfying and nutritious treat.

Crushed air fryer bananas can serve as a delightful crunchy coating for desserts. Whether you're making homemade ice cream, cakes, or pies, incorporating crushed banana chips can elevate the texture and add a unique twist to your favorite treats.

Air Fryer Banana Chips Ingredients

Learn how to make banana chips quickly with this super simple recipe. This recipe yields four snack size servings. These air fryer bananas are delicious and are great on their own or for use in other recipes!

• 2 green bananas
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt

You can also omit the salt and use cinnamon sugar or add some chili powder to the paprika.

How to Make Air Fryer Banana Chips

Step One

Peel bananas and cut off the ends. Cut into very thin slices.

Step Two

Add banana slices into a mixing bowl. Add oil, paprika and salt and combine until banana slices are thoroughly coated.

Step Three

Lay out coated banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer.  You may have to work in batches.

Step Four

Bake in the air fryer for 17 to 20 minutes in 350 degrees F, until crispy.

Serve and enjoy!

Pin it!