Crispy, naturally sweet, and infused with warm spice, Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a delightful snack made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Using ripe but firm bananas, this quick air fryer recipe delivers the crunch of traditional chips without the deep frying, making it a lighter option for snacking or satisfying a sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect example of simplicity meeting flavor. With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, these banana chips are ready in under 20 minutes. The air fryer ensures a crisp finish with very little oil, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack, a kid-friendly treat, or a gluten-free dessert option, these banana chips check all the boxes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

directions

1. Peel and slice bananas into thin, even rounds, about ⅛-inch thick.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon.
3. Toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil or butter, then coat evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
5. Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden and crisp.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The chips will continue to crisp as they cool.
8. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Servings and timing

Yield: 2–3 servings
Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-spicy twist.
• Vanilla flavor: Mix a drop of vanilla extract with the oil for added depth.
• Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
• No sugar option: Omit sugar for a naturally sweet chip if using very ripe bananas.
• Chocolate drizzle: After cooling, lightly drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a dessert-worthy variation.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Once fully cooled, store banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy.
• Reheating: If chips lose their crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore texture.

FAQs

What kind of bananas should I use?

Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas tend to have more moisture, which prevents them from crisping properly.

Can I make these banana chips without oil?

Yes, but the oil helps with even browning and adds flavor. Chips may be drier or less crisp without it.

How thin should I slice the bananas?

Slice the bananas into ⅛-inch thick rounds for best results. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Absolutely. Brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the chips.

Do I need to flip the banana slices during air frying?

Yes, flipping them halfway through ensures even cooking and crispness on both sides.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. However, they may not be as crisp as air-fried chips.

How do I know when the chips are done?

They should be golden and slightly firm. They will continue to crisp as they cool on a wire rack.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overlapping slices in the air fryer, which prevents proper crisping.

Are these chips suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re a great kid-friendly snack that’s naturally sweet and free of artificial additives.

Can I freeze banana chips?

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture. These chips are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Conclusion

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips offer a healthier twist on classic sweet snacks, using just a few pantry staples to deliver big flavor and satisfying crunch. Ideal for quick cravings, lunchbox treats, or a light dessert, these banana chips are as versatile as they are easy to make. Prepare a batch in minutes and enjoy a naturally sweet snack with no guilt attached.