
Looking for a guilt-free snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals? These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips deliver all the crunch and sweetness you crave with none of the guilt. Firm bananas transform into crispy, golden chips with a dusting of warm cinnamon-sugar that enhances their natural sweetness. The air fryer works its magic to create that perfect crunch without the excess oil of traditional deep-fried versions. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up, a lunchbox treat, or a late-night nibble, these banana chips hit all the right notes.
Last weekend, I made these for my son's playdate, and I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Even the pickiest eater in the group asked for seconds! The subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch had the children choosing these over the packaged cookies I'd set out as backup.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Bananas: Choose firm, slightly underripe bananas with a hint of green at the tips for the best crisp texture.
- Coconut Oil: Use virgin coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor, or refined coconut oil for a neutral taste.
- Cinnamon: High-quality cinnamon enhances the flavor; Ceylon cinnamon provides a more delicate, complex taste.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar creates a crisp texture, while coconut sugar adds a caramel-like depth.

Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing Your Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures proper crisping.
- Step 2: Slicing The Bananas
- Peel and slice bananas into ⅛-inch thick rounds. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness.
- Step 3: Coating With Oil
- Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil and toss banana slices gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Adding The Cinnamon-Sugar
- Mix 2 tbsp sugar with ½ tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over banana slices and toss to coat.
- Step 5: Arranging In The Air Fryer
- Lay banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.
- Step 6: Cooking Process
- Air fry at 300°F for 7-8 minutes. Flip slices and cook another 7-8 minutes until golden.
- Step 7: Cooling For Perfect Crispness
- Transfer chips to a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes. They will crisp further as they cool.
I discovered just how important proper cooling is when I first made these chips for a family gathering. I transferred half to a wire rack and half directly to a serving plate. The difference was remarkable - the rack-cooled chips were perfectly crispy, while those on the plate became slightly chewy where they contacted the surface.
These banana chips have become a staple in our household, replacing store-bought snacks and satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a simple banana into a crunchy, cinnamon-kissed treat that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. Plus, they're a fantastic way to use up bananas that are just on the verge of becoming too ripe - that perfect stage between green-tipped and fully yellow.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
- It's best to use slightly underripe bananas as they contain less moisture and will crisp up better. Very ripe bananas tend to become chewy rather than crispy due to their higher sugar content and moisture.
- → How should I store these banana chips?
- Store completely cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If they lose their crispness, you can refresh them with a quick 1-2 minute run in the air fryer.
- → Can I make these banana chips without sugar?
- Yes, you can omit the sugar and use just cinnamon for a less sweet version. The natural sugars in the bananas will still provide sweetness. You could also substitute with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
- → Why didn't my banana chips get crispy?
- If your chips aren't crispy, they likely need more time in the air fryer or your bananas may have been too ripe. Make sure to slice them thinly and evenly, and allow them to cool completely as they continue to crisp up during cooling.
- → Can I make these in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 225°F (107°C) for about 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. They'll take significantly longer than in an air fryer but will still become crispy.