These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with a delightful crunch. The golden edges and warm cinnamon aroma make them as inviting as they are tasty. This easy, healthy snack is perfect for satisfying cravings without the guilt.
Air frying the banana slices creates a crisp texture that’s hard to resist, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds a comforting flavor twist. Whether you enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack, a topping for yogurt, or a light dessert, these chips are versatile and naturally gluten-free, vegan, and wholesome.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe but firm bananas
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1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Peel the bananas and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) into rounds.
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In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Toss the banana slices gently in the melted coconut oil to coat.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the banana slices and toss lightly again to distribute the coating.
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Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
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Arrange the banana slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
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Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
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Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack to crisp up further before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 110 kcal per serving | Servings: 2 servings
The Nutritional Benefits of Banana Chips
Bananas are rich in essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Potassium, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health and regulating blood pressure. When bananas are sliced and air-fried into chips, many of these nutrients remain intact, offering a nutrient-dense snack option.
Compared to conventional banana chips that are often deep-fried in large amounts of oil and coated with excessive sugar, air-fried banana chips contain fewer calories and less fat. The cinnamon used in the recipe also offers antioxidant properties and has been linked to potential anti-inflammatory benefits. This means you’re not just enjoying a delicious snack, but one that can support overall health and well-being.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
The air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance due to its ability to create crispy, crunchy dishes with little to no added oil. Unlike traditional frying methods that submerge food in hot oil, the air fryer circulates hot air rapidly around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
For banana chips, air frying is ideal because it allows the natural sugars in the fruit to caramelize gently, enhancing flavor without burning. The result is a snack that is crispy but not greasy, sweet but not overwhelmingly sugary. It also means less cleanup and a quicker cooking time compared to oven baking or deep frying, making it a convenient option for busy cooks and snack lovers alike.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor of these cinnamon sugar banana chips is a harmonious blend of sweet and mildly spicy notes. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, complementing the natural fruity sweetness of the bananas perfectly. The light dusting of sugar enhances the caramelization process during air frying, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.
Texture-wise, the chips are thin and crisp, making them satisfying to munch on. The thin slicing is key to achieving this texture, as thicker slices will remain chewy rather than crunchy. After air frying, allowing the chips to cool on a wire rack helps them firm up even more, ensuring the perfect crispy bite.
Versatility in Serving
One of the best things about cinnamon sugar air fryer banana chips is their versatility. They can be enjoyed straight out of the basket as a standalone snack, ideal for a midday energy boost or a light dessert. Because they are naturally sweet, they satisfy sugar cravings without resorting to processed sweets or candy.
These banana chips also work wonderfully as a crunchy topping. Add them to yogurt bowls, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls for an added layer of texture and flavor. They can be sprinkled on ice cream or used as a garnish for desserts that benefit from a sweet, crisp element. You can even incorporate them into trail mixes or packed snack bags for easy grab-and-go options.
Suitable for Various Diets
This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it accessible to people with different dietary restrictions. The use of coconut oil as a coating adds a subtle tropical note while keeping the recipe plant-based. It is free from artificial preservatives and refined ingredients, which makes it a wholesome choice for clean eating.
Additionally, because the recipe uses simple, whole-food ingredients, it appeals to those who follow paleo or whole30-inspired diets with minor adjustments. It’s a great snack option for kids and adults alike, supporting healthy snacking habits in the whole family.
Tips for Perfect Banana Chips Every Time
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Choose the Right Bananas: For best results, use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will be too soft and may not crisp up well, while underripe bananas can taste starchy.
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Slice Evenly: Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Place banana slices in a single layer with enough space between them for air to circulate freely, which helps them crisp evenly.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on the chips as they cook to avoid burning. Flip the slices halfway through cooking for uniform crispness.
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Cool Before Storing: Let the chips cool completely on a wire rack before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
Creative Variations to Try
While cinnamon sugar is a classic and beloved flavor, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar mix. For a more indulgent treat, sprinkle some coconut flakes or drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the chips after air frying.
For savory lovers, omit the sugar and cinnamon and instead toss banana slices with a pinch of salt, smoked paprika, or even garlic powder before air frying. This opens the door to a whole new world of banana chip snacks that can complement sandwiches or dips.
Storage and Shelf Life
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness. However, if you want to make them ahead or store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration, which can introduce moisture and make the chips soggy. If the chips soften, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that transforms simple bananas into a crispy, flavorful treat. The recipe’s simplicity, combined with the air fryer’s convenience, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional snacks. Its versatility means it can be enjoyed in many ways — as a quick snack, a topping, or even a dessert component.
Whether you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in a guilt-free way or want to add a crunchy element to your meals, these banana chips deliver on taste and texture without compromising nutrition. Perfect for families, busy individuals, or anyone wanting a tasty snack on hand, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to for wholesome snacking.