Crispy, sweet banana chips made right in your air fryer? Yes please! Ditch the oil-laden store-bought chips and make your own healthy snack in minutes with this easy air fried banana chips recipe.
Using just a few simple ingredients like bananas, olive oil, and salt, you can create irresistibly crunchy chips that will satisfy any craving. I’ll walk you through exactly how to slice and prep the bananas, toss them in oil and spices, and perfectly air fry them for a delicious sweet and salty treat.
From a dash of cinnamon to a drizzle of chocolate, I also got tons of fun flavor ideas to spice things up. And helpful tips too!
So if you’re ready to learn how to make a snack that’s as good for you as it is crazy delicious, keep reading and let’s get crisping! These crisp, caramelized air fryer banana chips are about to become your new obsession.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Blast- A simple sprinkle of salt is all it takes to make these banana chips shine. The salt enhances the sweet banana flavor, balancing it perfectly. One bite will have your tastebuds singing at the magical combination of sweet and salty.
Crispy Goodness- Who doesn’t love a good crunch? These air fried banana chips deliver a satisfying crispiness that you just can’t get from baking them in the oven.
The hot air circulating in the air fryer dehydrates the banana slices, removing moisture while keeping them golden brown. You’ll be coming back for more of these crispy treats!
Quick & Easy– This is one of the simplest and speediest snack recipes out there. With just 2 main ingredients that you likely have on hand, and only a couple steps, you’ll have tasty banana chips on the table in no time. Cleanup is a breeze too – just wipe out the air fryer basket after use and you’re done!
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this banana chips in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 2 Bananas
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily air fry banana chips with this simple recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C). Then, slice the bananas into thin slices.
Step 2
Place the banana slices in a bowl. Add the olive oil, and then mix to cover them.
Step 3
Sprinkle with salt and mix again. Then, place in the air fryer basket and air fry for 7-10 minutes until crispy. Flip them halfway through. That’s it! Enjoy these crispy air fryer banana chips!
💡Tips
1. Slice Thinly and Evenly
Use a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife to cut the peeled bananas into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick uniform slices.
Even thickness will ensure the slices dehydrate and crisp at the same rate. Place the sliced bananas in a single layer and try to avoid overlap for best results.
2. Different Spices
Don’t stop at just salt! Embrace the blank canvas of your banana slices and experiment with different spices. Sprinkle on cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, cozy vibe.
Go savory with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a dash of curry powder. Feeling adventurous? Try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a light hand and adjust to your taste.
3. Go Nuts for Crunch
Add a delightful textural contrast by sprinkling your chips with chopped nuts or seeds. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts offer a rich flavor, while sunflower seeds and chia seeds add a satisfying crunch. You can even mix and match for a symphony of textures and tastes.
4. Toss Well in Oil and Salt
Don’t be shy with the olive oil! Generously coating the slices will make them satisfyingly crispy. Toss and turn to distribute oil and salt all over. Sprinkle over your salt just before air frying so it sticks better.
5. Flip Halfway Through
Set a timer to go off halfway during air frying. Open up the basket and flip all the slices over using tongs. This helps ensure even cooking and crisping on both sides.
6. Choose the Right Bananas
The ripeness of the bananas you use makes all the difference. For crispy chips, you’ll want bananas that are speckled brown and freckled, but not completely brown or black. Fully yellow or green bananas won’t fry up properly.
The starch content changes as bananas ripen, giving you the best texture when they’re just shy of being overripe.
Variations
Here are 6 variations to the air fried banana chips recipe:
1. Spiced Banana Chips– Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice along with the salt before air frying. The warmth of the spices pairs nicely with the sweet banana chips.
2. Chocolate Banana Chips- Dip the fried banana chips in 2 ounces of melted semi-sweet or milk chocolate and let set on parchment paper until hardened. The combo of sweet, salty, chocolaty, and crispy is irresistible.
3. Vanilla Banana Chips– Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the olive oil. The vanilla provides a lovely floral aroma and background note to allow the banana flavor to shine through.
4. Coconut Banana Chips– Before adding the salt, toss the banana slices in 2 tablespoons shredded coconut for tropical flavor and crunch. The coconut toasts up perfectly in the air fryer.
5. Peanut Butter Banana Chips- Drizzle 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter over the crispy chips when they come out of the fryer while still warm. The peanut butter melts over top for a creamy, nutty treat.
6. Caramel Banana Chips– Dip the fried banana slices in 6 tablespoons softened caramel candy or drizzle with caramel sauce. The sweet, buttery caramel complements the natural sugars in the banana chips.
Dipping Sauces
Get ready to take your air fryer banana chips to flavor town with these four delicious dipping sauces:
1. Creamy Peanut Butter: It’s a match made in snack heaven! The rich, nutty peanut butter perfectly complements the banana’s natural sweetness, creating a sweet-and-salty combo that’s impossible to resist.
2. Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The smooth, chocolatey spread embraces the banana’s sweetness, intensifying it with a rich, luxurious twist. Hazelnut’s subtle nuttiness adds depth and complexity, and the creamy texture creates a dreamy contrast to the chip’s crispy bite.
3. Yogurt Dip with Honey Drizzle: Keep it light and refreshing with this tangy-sweet duo. Plain yogurt’s mild acidity cuts through the banana’s sweetness while adding a delightful tang. A drizzle of honey enhances the banana’s natural sugars, creating a delicate sweetness that dances on your tongue.
4. Classic Cinnamon Cream Cheese: Embrace the comfort of this iconic pairing. Creamy, tangy cream cheese provides a delightful foundation for the warm, fragrant cinnamon. The cinnamon’s subtle sweetness subtly amplifies the banana’s natural flavors, while the creamy texture offers a luxurious contrast to the chip’s crispness.
Storage
Once your delicious banana chips are perfectly crispy and golden, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their fresh and crunchy texture. Here’s how:
Cool completely: Before storing, ensure your banana chips are entirely cool to the touch. Storing them warm can trap moisture and lead to softening or spoilage.
Airtight container: Transfer your cooled chips to an airtight container like a food-storage container, a zip-lock bag, or a mason jar. This prevents moisture from entering and keeps them protected from external elements.
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If you liked my banana chips air fryer recipe, make sure to also check out these great recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of bananas work best for making air fried banana chips?
The best bananas to use are ones that are quite ripe with brown speckles on the peel. Overripe bananas with a lot of brown on the peel tend to be too soft and moist for making crunchy banana chips.
2. Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil to make the banana chips?
A: Yes, you can use coconut oil rather than olive oil. Coconut oil has a higher smoke point so it’s a nice alternative for air frying.
3. How thin should I slice the bananas?
For crispy banana chips, it’s best to slice the bananas about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Any thicker and they may not get fully crisp. Slicing them very thinly to start helps remove moisture
4. Can I make a big batch of banana chips all at once in my air fryer?
It’s best to work in smaller batches to allow the air flow needed to crisp up the banana slices. Overcrowding the air fryer basket may result in soft, chewy chips.
The Humble Banana: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse
- Bananas are high in potassium, with one medium banana providing about 12% of your recommended daily intake. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
- They are a good source of dietary fiber, providing about 3 grams per medium fruit. Fiber supports healthy digestion and may reduce risk of heart disease.
- Bananas contain nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium. Vitamin B6 aids in red blood cell production. Vitamin C supports immune health, while magnesium is involved in muscle, nerve, and heart function.
- Bananas release dopamine in the brain, resulting in improvements in mood and focus. The serotonin may act as a mild antidepressant.
- The resistant starch and prebiotics in underripe bananas may support better blood sugar control and feeding of healthy gut bacteria.
These crispy, salty banana chips make for a delicious and healthy snack you can easily make right at home in your air fryer. Be sure to check out more air fryer recipes on the website, and let me know in the comments if you have any questions!
I’m happy to help with any part of this banana chips recipe. You can also suggest variations or other air fried treats you’d like to see recipes for.
Air Fryer Banana Chips
- 2 Bananas
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C). Then, slice the bananas into thin slices.
- Place the banana slices in a bowl. Add the olive oil, and then mix to cover them.
- Sprinkle with salt and mix again. Then, place in the air fryer basket and air fry for 7-10 minutes until crispy. Flip them halfway through.
