Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Featured in Small bites and starters.

These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips transform ordinary bananas into a crispy, sweet treat with minimal effort and ingredients. Using slightly underripe bananas creates the perfect texture that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, while a light coating of coconut oil or butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to each slice. What makes this recipe special is how it balances natural fruit sweetness with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a snack that satisfies sweet cravings while being more wholesome than many processed alternatives. The air fryer method ensures the chips develop a satisfying crunch without deep frying, resulting in a lighter snack that's ready in just 25 minutes - perfect for when you want something sweet but reasonably healthy.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:42:47 GMT
A bowl of banana slices. pin it
A bowl of banana slices. | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.
A bowl of bananas with a spoon in it. pin it
A bowl of bananas with a spoon in it. | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.

A bowl of banana chips. pin it
A bowl of banana chips. | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Crispy, sweet banana chips coated with cinnamon and sugar, quickly made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Zaho


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the banana chips

01 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe)
02 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for crispy chips.

Step 02

Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, uniform rounds about ⅛-inch thick. Consistent thickness helps ensure even cooking.

Step 03

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until the spice is evenly distributed.

Step 04

In a medium bowl, gently toss the banana slices with the melted coconut oil or butter, ensuring each slice is lightly but completely coated. This helps the chips crisp up and prevents sticking.

Step 05

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the oil-coated banana slices and toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly covered with the sweet spice mixture.

Step 06

Carefully arrange the coated banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches for best results.

Step 07

Cook the banana slices in the air fryer for about 15 minutes total, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Watch them closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning, as sugar can caramelize quickly.

Step 08

Once the banana chips are golden brown and beginning to crisp, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Notes

  1. For the crispiest results, choose bananas that are firm and slightly underripe with a hint of green at the tips.
  2. Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they're best enjoyed within 24 hours of making.
  3. These banana chips make a great topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, as well as a standalone snack.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy if using butter instead of coconut oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 1 g