If you are on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy, and a little bit of spice, you are going to fall in love with this Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe. These banana chips are incredibly simple to make yet irresistibly addictive, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon sugar. Using an air fryer means they come out perfectly crispy without any heavy oils, making this not only a tasty treat but a lighter, crispy delight you can enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re craving a guilt-free snack or something special to impress friends, this recipe has got you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful snack. Each one plays a crucial role—from the fresh bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon and sugar adding a cozy, aromatic flavor and a little caramelized crunch.
- Ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are firm but ripe to get the perfect balance of sweetness and sliceability.
- Granulated sugar: This adds the essential sweetness and helps the chips get a beautiful golden caramelized coating in the air fryer.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a teaspoon brings warmth and that signature cinnamon flavor that makes these chips irresistible.
- Cooking spray: A light coating keeps the banana slices from sticking and aids in crisping them up perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Bananas
Start by peeling your bananas and then slicing them thinly into rounds about 1/8-inch thick. The thin slices are key—they become wonderfully crispy without drying out, achieving that perfect crunch you want in banana chips.
Step 2: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for that classic flavor combo. Toss the banana slices gently in this mixture until each slice is evenly coated. This step is where the magic starts, coating every chip with sweet, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up. A preheated air fryer ensures the chips will cook evenly and crisp up nicely without needing excess oil.
Step 4: Arrange Banana Slices
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the banana slices in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp each chip thoroughly.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy
Air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the banana slices halfway through. Watch closely for a golden brown color—this tells you they’re perfectly crisp and caramelized on the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After cooking, let the chips cool slightly as they firm up and reach their ultimate crunch. Now you’re ready to dive into a crunchy, sweet snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the chips right after air frying for an added touch of sweetness and spice. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can give a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These banana chips shine on their own but also make an excellent companion to creamy dips like yogurt or mascarpone. They’re fantastic paired with a cup of spiced chai or your favorite coffee for afternoon snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chips in cute little snack bowls for parties or layer them over ice cream or oatmeal for an added crunch and flavor burst. They also work great as a topping for smoothie bowls, adding that satisfying cinnamon sugar bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh for maximum crunch.
Freezing
While freezing these chips isn’t the best option because it can affect their crispness, you can freeze banana chips you plan to use in baking or smoothies instead. Just be aware they may lose some of their crunch upon thawing.
Reheating
If you want to refresh leftover chips, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This quick reheat will help bring back that crisp texture and warm up the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use plantain instead of bananas in this Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe?
Absolutely! Plantains are a fantastic alternative and tend to yield a starchy, crispy chip that’s delicious with cinnamon sugar. Just make sure to use ripe plantains for sweetness similar to bananas.
How thin should I slice the bananas for the best results?
About 1/8-inch thick slices are ideal. Too thick and the chips won’t get crispy; too thin and they might burn quickly or become brittle.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can add a deeper, molasses-like flavor and a bit more moisture. Just be mindful that it might make the chips slightly softer but still delicious.
Is an air fryer necessary, or can I bake these in the oven?
An air fryer delivers crispiness faster and with less oil, but you can bake them at 300°F on a parchment-lined tray for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, if you don’t have one.
What’s the best way to keep these chips from getting soggy after cooking?
Make sure to cool the chips completely before storing and keep them in an airtight container. Avoid covering them while still warm, as trapped steam can soften the chips.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe enough for anyone craving a fresh, healthier snack that’s loaded with flavor and crunch. It’s so quick to whip up, full of cozy cinnamon notes, and perfectly crispy without guilt. Give it a try once, and I promise it will become your go-to snack when you want something sweet, simple, and absolutely satisfying!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a sweet, crispy, and healthy snack perfect for any time of day. Thinly sliced ripe bananas are coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and air fried to golden perfection, resulting in a deliciously crunchy treat that’s easy to make and naturally gluten free.
Ingredients
Banana Chips
- 2 ripe bananas (about 200g)
Coating
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the Bananas: Peel the bananas and thinly slice them into approximately 1/8-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even for uniform cooking and crispness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the banana slices gently in this mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the banana slices.
- Arrange the Bananas: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated banana slices in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap to allow even air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the banana slices for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once air fried, let the banana chips cool slightly on a wire rack or plate; this step helps them crisp up further before enjoying.
Notes
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the banana slices in batches to avoid overcrowding for the best crispiness.
- Use ripe bananas but not overly mushy to ensure slices hold their shape.
- Store leftover banana chips in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
- For a healthier variation, reduce or omit sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Flipping the chips halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and crispiness.
