If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for something sweet, crunchy, and a little bit nostalgic, these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are about to become your new snack-time obsession. They deliver the perfect balance of crispy edges, caramelized flavor, and that classic warm cinnamon-sugar finish—without any deep frying or fuss. Whether you’re searching for a healthy vegan treat, an upgrade to your lunchbox, or a fun way to use up lingering bananas, this easy recipe proves that a few pantry staples and your air fryer can create pure snack magic. Get ready to savor the irresistible taste of homemade banana chips you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand. Each element works in harmony to create the signature taste and texture of Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips, making every bite a delight.
- Bananas: For the best result, use ripe yet firm bananas for natural sweetness and a chip that holds its shape during crisping.
- Olive Oil or Melted Coconut Oil: A touch of healthy fat helps the banana slices become perfectly golden and keeps the cinnamon-sugar mixture in place.
- Granulated Sugar: This brings the classic, sweet crunch we all love—swap for a low-calorie sweetener if needed.
- Ground Cinnamon: It adds warmth and depth, transforming these banana chips into an aromatic treat that smells as good as it tastes.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Slice the Bananas Thinly
Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. The thinner you slice, the crispier your banana chips will become. If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s the perfect time to grab it for ultra-consistent results. Uniform slices ensure everything cooks at the same rate, so you won’t end up with any chewy stragglers or burnt edges.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk them together until the mix is uniform and fragrant. The salt may seem like a minor detail, but it heightens the sweetness and brings all the warming spices together. Don’t skip it!
Step 3: Coat the Banana Slices
Lightly toss the banana rounds in oil, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This little trick isn’t just about adding a slight richness—it also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to every slice. Next, sprinkle the banana slices with your cinnamon-sugar mix and gently toss again. Take care not to bruise the bananas, but make sure each chip gets a sweet, fragrant coating.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lay the coated slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Overlapping pieces will steam instead of crisping, so take your time and work in batches if needed. It’s worth the patience—each chip will cook up delightfully golden and crunchy on all sides.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Set your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping each chip halfway through. This step ensures the chips cook evenly and turn golden without burning. Keep a close eye on them near the end, since every air fryer is a little different, and those perfect edges can turn from crisp to overdone quickly. Once they’re browned and smelling amazing, remove and let cool for 5–10 minutes to help them crisp up a little more before snacking.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Garnishes
Serve your banana chips just as they are for a pure, sweet treat, or jazz them up with a light dusting of extra cinnamon, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or a scattering of toasted coconut flakes. Each garnish brings something special to the table, whether it’s a hint of decadence or a little extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips make a fabulous accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream, a creamy peanut butter yogurt dip, or even a fresh fruit salad. Their crisp, lightly spiced flavor pairs well with all sorts of healthy sides for a satisfying snack or light dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful spin, try tucking them into school lunchboxes, layering them on top of smoothie bowls, or using them as a crunchy topping for oatmeal or overnight oats. The chips also shine as part of a DIY snack board with dried fruits, chocolate, and roasted nuts—perfect for parties or family movie nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them crisp and fresh, ready for whenever you need a quick snack. Be sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent any steam from softening them.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t generally recommended for these banana chips—the process can change their lovely texture—you can store cooled chips in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to a month if needed. Thaw them at room temperature and re-crisp in your air fryer for a couple of minutes if desired.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy magic, simply pop any slightly softened chips into the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a minute or two. Let them cool before eating for the best crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use unripe or overripe bananas for this recipe?
For Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips, it’s best to use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will turn mushy, and underripe ones may taste bland. Look for bananas that have just a few brown spots and feel slightly yielding when pressed.
What’s the best way to get uniformly thin banana slices?
A mandoline slicer works wonders for even, thin slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand can do the trick too. Consistency is the key to evenly crisped chips in this recipe.
Can I make these without any oil?
While oil really helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and enhances crispiness, you can skip it if you’re avoiding added oils. The chips might turn out a bit more chewy, so keep a close eye on them and reduce cooking time as needed.
How do I make a sugar-free version?
Just swap the granulated sugar for your favorite sugar-free or low-calorie sweetener. The rest of the steps remain the same, so you can still enjoy guilt-free Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips whenever the craving hits.
My chips aren’t crisp—what went wrong?
If your chips turned out a little chewy, slice them thinner next time and check that you’re not overlapping pieces in the air fryer. Cooling them completely before storing will also help maximize crunchiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about creating a delicious treat with just a handful of everyday ingredients. If you love a satisfying, sweet snack that’s quick, customizable, and totally irresistible, you owe it to yourself to try these homemade Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. Happy snacking!
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a delightful and healthy snack option that is easy to make at home. Crispy, sweet, and perfectly spiced, these banana chips are a delicious treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Banana Chips:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Slices: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Coat the Banana Slices: Lightly toss the banana slices in oil to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the banana slices and toss gently again.
- Air Fry: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Crisp: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 5–10 minutes to allow them to crisp up further.
Notes
- The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips.
- Use a mandoline for consistent results.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a sugar-free version, omit the sugar or use a low-calorie sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 banana
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
