Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips in the Air Fryer

Craving a sweet and crunchy snack that’s also on the healthier side? These cinnamon sugar air fryer banana chips are the perfect answer. They’re made with ripe bananas, a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and just a touch of oil—then crisped to perfection in the air fryer.

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a great alternative to store-bought chips, which are often fried in excess oil or packed with preservatives.

Whether you’re snacking on the go, packing lunchboxes, or just looking for a tasty treat, these banana chips are a guilt-free indulgence that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Banana Chips

Air fryer banana chips offer the perfect balance of natural sweetness and warm spice. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with preservatives and excess oil, these homemade chips let you control every ingredient.

The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates perfectly crispy chips without the need for deep frying, making them a guilt-free snack option.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (3.5-quart or larger)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for cinnamon sugar mixture
• Measuring spoons
• Pastry brush or cooking spray
• Parchment paper (optional, if air fryer compatible)

Ingredients

For the Banana Chips:

• 4 large ripe but firm bananas
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (or cooking spray)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them into uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.

Place the sliced bananas in a large bowl and gently toss with lemon juice and vanilla extract if using. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds a subtle tang.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This aromatic mixture will coat your banana chips with a sweet, spicy flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Banana Slices

Lightly brush the banana slices with melted coconut oil or spray with cooking spray. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the bananas.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the banana slices, tossing gently to coat all sides.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures immediate cooking when you add the banana chips.

Step 5: Air Fry the Banana Chips

Arrange the coated banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.

Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then carefully flip each chip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Chips

Choose the Right Bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will become too soft and won’t crisp properly.

Slice Uniformly: Consistent thickness is key to even cooking. A mandoline slicer can help achieve perfect uniform slices.

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking.

Watch Carefully: Banana chips can go from golden to burnt quickly. Check them frequently during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage: Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be re-crisped in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1 cup of chips)

Health Benefits

These cinnamon sugar air fryer banana chips offer several nutritional benefits. Bananas are rich in potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.

They also provide vitamin B6, essential for brain health and metabolism. The cinnamon adds antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels. By air frying instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the oil content while maintaining the crispy texture everyone loves.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Cinnamon: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a chocolatey twist.

Spicy Sweet: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon for a sweet heat combination.

Maple Cinnamon: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup powder for a rich maple flavor.

Coconut Cinnamon: Add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the coating mixture for tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile banana chips work perfectly as a standalone snack or can be incorporated into various dishes.

Sprinkle them over yogurt parfaits, add them to trail mix, or use them as a topping for oatmeal or smoothie bowls. They also make an excellent addition to homemade granola or can be crushed and used as a coating for other desserts.

Storage and Meal Prep

For optimal freshness, store your cinnamon sugar banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

They’ll maintain their crispiness for up to three days. If you’re meal prepping, you can slice the bananas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator with lemon juice for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chips Not Crispy: Ensure your banana slices aren’t too thick and that you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Lower the temperature slightly and cook for longer if needed.

Uneven Browning: This usually indicates uneven slicing or overcrowding. Make sure all pieces are similar in thickness and cook in batches.

Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough: Adjust the sugar in the coating mixture to your preference. You can also try using different sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia.

Conclusion

These cinnamon sugar air fryer banana chips prove that healthy snacking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can create a delicious treat that rivals any store-bought version. The combination of natural banana sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, and satisfying crunch makes these chips irresistible to both kids and adults.

Whether you’re looking for a mid-afternoon snack, a healthier dessert option, or a fun cooking project to do with the family, these air fryer banana chips deliver on all fronts. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite guilt-free indulgence!