Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a simple and tasty snack with just a few ingredients—bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness. They come out crispy on the outside while still holding onto a bit of that natural banana softness inside. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures that you can whip up in no time.
I love how easy these chips are to make, especially when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to grab a bag of junk food. Using the air fryer means they cook quickly and get that great crunch without any added oil or fuss. Plus, the cinnamon gives them a cozy, slightly spicy hint that makes them feel like a little treat without any guilt.
These cinnamon banana chips are great on their own as a snack or sprinkled over yogurt or oatmeal for a bit of natural sweetness and crunch. I find myself reaching for them all the time when I need a quick pick-me-up or a healthy snack to keep me going. They’re also an easy thing to toss in a lunchbox for a fun surprise during the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas. Overripe ones get too soft and won’t crisp well. If you can’t find bananas, plantains can be a fun substitute, but slice thicker as they take longer to cook.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and a little spice. You can swap with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for different flavors, but cinnamon is classic here.
Sugar: Sugar is optional. If you want a healthier version, skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Just remember these might make the chips softer.
Lemon Juice: This helps prevent browning on banana slices. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of orange juice or apple cider vinegar works too.
How Can You Get Banana Chips Crispy in the Air Fryer?
The trick is slicing evenly and cooking in a single layer. Too thick, and chips stay soft. Too thin, and they burn easily.
- Slice evenly: Aim for about 1/8 inch thick rounds to crisp well without burning.
- Arrange single layer: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate for even crisping.
- Flip halfway: Turning the chips midway ensures both sides crisp nicely.
- Watch closely at the end: Different air fryers cook differently. Start checking around 8 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Cool before eating: Chips firm up as they cool, so wait a few minutes for maximum crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the chips evenly and crisps them without extra oil.
- Boning or paring knife – makes slicing the bananas thin and even for the best crunch.
- Cutting board – provides a stable surface to slice the bananas safely.
- Small bowl – for mixing cinnamon and sugar or other seasonings.
- Cooking spray or a pastry brush – helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different warm flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle with a little vanilla sugar or drizzle honey after cooking for extra sweetness.
- Mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut before air frying for added texture and flavor.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas (not overly soft)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (optional, helps crispiness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to cook, so you’ll have crispy cinnamon banana chips ready in under 20 minutes total. It’s a quick snack fix that’s both tasty and healthy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bananas:
Peel your bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices will turn out crispier, so try to keep them consistent for the best results.
2. Prevent Browning (Optional):
Lightly toss the banana slices in a bowl with lemon juice to help keep their color bright. This step is optional but helps keep the chips looking fresh.
3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and sugar. This mixture adds a sweet, warm flavor to your chips.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer:
Spray or lightly brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the banana slices from sticking.
5. Arrange and Season:
Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
6. Air Fry the Chips:
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip the banana slices halfway through the cooking time to help both sides crisp up evenly. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to make sure they don’t burn.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the chips and let them cool slightly. They’ll become even crispier once cooled. Enjoy them as a tasty snack on their own, or sprinkle over yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for some extra crunch and sweetness.
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas are too soft and may turn mushy instead of crisping up in the air fryer.
Can I Make These Banana Chips Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and air fry them in advance, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp them briefly in the air fryer if they soften.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy.
Can I Substitute the Cinnamon Sugar?
Absolutely! Try using other spices like pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili powder for a different flavor twist.