Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a tasty and crunchy snack that’s easy to whip up in no time. These chips are made from fresh bananas sliced thin and coated with a touch of cinnamon for a warm, sweet flavor. The air fryer gives them the perfect crispiness without needing a lot of oil, making them a lighter treat that’s still full of great taste.
I love making these banana chips when I want something sweet but not too heavy. They come together so fast—just a few minutes in the air fryer—and then you have a crunchy snack ready to munch on. The cinnamon adds a cozy hint that feels a bit like dessert but is healthy enough for anytime nibbling. I usually keep extras in a jar for later because they disappear pretty quickly around here!
These chips are perfect on their own, but I also like sprinkling a few on top of my morning yogurt or oatmeal for an extra crunch and a hint of natural sweetness. It’s a simple way to make everyday meals a little more exciting. If you’re looking for a quick homemade snack that feels special, I think you’ll really enjoy these cinnamon banana chips!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Firm, ripe bananas work best here because they hold their shape and have natural sweetness. Overripe bananas tend to be mushy and won’t crisp up as well. If you want, plantains make a great substitute for a more starchy chip.
Cinnamon & Sugar: The cinnamon adds a warm touch, while sugar helps with crispness and sweetness. You can swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you want it less sweet or lower in calories.
Coconut Oil or Cooking Spray (optional): Brushing a little coconut oil helps the chips get extra crispy and golden. If you prefer oil-free snacks, you can skip this, but the texture may be a bit softer.
How Can I Make Sure My Banana Chips Come Out Crispy and Not Soggy?
Getting the perfect crispiness is all about slice thickness, spacing, and cooking time:
- Slice Thin & Even: Try to slice bananas about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices crisp up better, but don’t make them paper-thin or they might burn.
- Single Layer: Arrange the slices in one layer in the air fryer basket so hot air circulates freely around each piece.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the chips halfway helps both sides get evenly crispy.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers can vary, so start checking your chips around 8 minutes to avoid burning.
- Cool Fully: Let the chips cool after air frying. They harden as they cool for a satisfying crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love using mine because it crisps the bananas evenly without much oil.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the bananas thin and even, so they cook uniformly.
- Cutting board – provides a stable surface for slicing.
- Small bowl – for mixing cinnamon and sugar.
- Pastry brush or spray bottle (optional) – helps evenly coat the banana slices with oil, if using.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different warm flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Mix in some vanilla or almond extract with the sugar for extra aroma.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after cooking for extra sweetness.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Banana Chips:
- 2 ripe bananas (but still firm)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil or cooking spray (for a bit of crispiness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 8-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll also want to let the chips cool for a few minutes so they crisp up perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. While it’s warming, peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices will turn out crispier.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar and Coat Bananas:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If you want extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the banana slices with coconut oil. Then, toss the banana slices gently in the cinnamon sugar mix to coat them evenly.
3. Air Fry for Crispness:
Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overlapping so they cook evenly. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them near the end to prevent burning.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the golden, crispy chips from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will get crunchier as they cool. Enjoy right away, or store in an airtight container for a few days to snack on later!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for the Chips?
You can, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before slicing. Excess moisture can make the chips soggy instead of crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them dry to maintain their crispness; avoid refrigeration as it can introduce moisture.
Can I Make These Banana Chips Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
What If I Don’t Have Coconut Oil?
No worries! You can skip the oil or use a light spray of any neutral cooking oil or even olive oil for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that a little oil helps achieve a crispier texture.