There’s something truly special about turning a simple fruit into an irresistible treat, and for me, these crispy cinnamon sugar banana chips are one of those magical recipes. I remember the first time I made them – the sweet aroma of cinnamon filling my kitchen and the satisfying crunch that followed every bite had me hooked instantly. This is the kind of snack that not only delights your taste buds but also fills your home with warmth and comfort. The best part is, you only need a handful of basic ingredients, and your air fryer does all the hard work for you.
You’ll love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s healthy – you’re getting the natural sweetness of bananas without the heavy oils and artificial flavorings found in store-bought chips. Second, it’s quick. From peeling your bananas to the first crunchy bite, it takes very little time and effort. Third, it’s incredibly satisfying; it hits that sweet-and-crunchy craving without the guilt. Whether you need a quick afternoon snack, a lunchbox addition, or a light dessert, these chips fit the bill perfectly.
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, swap spices, or experiment with different coatings to suit your mood. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper flavor. Serve them on their own, pair them with a yogurt dip, or use them as a topping for oatmeal or smoothie bowls. They’re a great base for so many snacking ideas.
Affordability is another reason I keep coming back to this recipe. Bananas are inexpensive and readily available year-round. Cinnamon and sugar are pantry staples, so there’s no need for expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, making your own chips at home means you save money while avoiding unnecessary preservatives and additives.
Ingredients for the Recipe:
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3 ripe but firm bananas
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Cooking spray or a light mist of oil
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a snack that’s light, crunchy, and full of flavor. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why this has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, healthy, and utterly delicious.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making crispy cinnamon sugar banana chips in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most rewarding snack projects you can take on. You only need a few basic ingredients, minimal prep time, and your air fryer will do the rest, giving you perfectly crisp chips with that irresistible sweet cinnamon aroma. This method is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the bananas
Select bananas that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe bananas tend to become too soft and may not hold their shape during air frying. Peel the bananas carefully, ensuring you do not bruise the flesh. Using a sharp knife, slice them evenly into thin rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures that all chips cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming overdone while others remain chewy.
Step 2: Prevent browning
Place the banana slices in a shallow bowl. Drizzle them with the lemon juice, making sure all slices are coated evenly. The lemon juice not only prevents oxidation, which causes browning, but also adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas and cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 3: Make the cinnamon sugar coating
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is uniform in color and there are no lumps. This simple combination is the heart of the recipe, delivering that warm, sweet aroma that makes the chips so inviting.
Step 4: Coat the banana slices
Lightly spray the banana slices with cooking spray to help the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere. Gently toss the slices in the cinnamon sugar mixture until each one is well coated. Take your time with this step; even coverage means consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the coated banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them, as this will cause uneven cooking. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to ensure every chip has space for the hot air to circulate freely.
Step 6: Air fry until crisp
Set the air fryer to 200°F (93°C) and cook the banana slices for 1 hour, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For an even crispier result, check them in the last 10 minutes and adjust time slightly if needed. The low temperature allows the bananas to dry out without burning the sugar coating.
Step 7: Cool and store
Once the chips are golden and crisp, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up further. Store in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for several days.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is perfect when you need a healthy snack in a short time. The preparation takes only about 10 minutes, and the air fryer does the rest without you having to stand over the stove. It’s a great option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable
One of the best features of this recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar amount. If you enjoy a more intense flavor, increase the cinnamon or try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. You can also make a savory version by skipping the sugar and seasoning with a light sprinkle of sea salt and smoked paprika.
Popular with Many People
These banana chips are always a hit with family, friends, and guests of all ages. They appeal to children because of their sweetness and crunch, while adults appreciate the light, guilt-free nature of the snack. They make excellent additions to lunchboxes, road trip snacks, and even as a topping for yogurt parfaits or smoothie bowls.
The combination of natural banana flavor with the warm sweetness of cinnamon sugar is a comfort snack that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for yourself, for guests, or as a family kitchen project, these crispy cinnamon sugar banana chips are sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation.
PrintCrispy Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Healthy and Delicious Air Fryer Snack
Crispy cinnamon sugar banana chips are a light, sweet, and crunchy snack made easily in the air fryer. They use simple pantry ingredients, are naturally delicious, and perfect for a quick, healthy treat any time of the day.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm bananas
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Cooking spray or a light mist of oil
Instructions
- Peel the bananas carefully, ensuring the flesh is not bruised. Slice them into even 1/8-inch rounds for uniform cooking.
- Place the banana slices in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently so each slice is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined with no lumps.
- Lightly spray the banana slices with cooking spray to help the coating stick. Gently toss the slices in the cinnamon sugar mixture until each is evenly covered.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping.
- Set the air fryer to 200°F (93°C) and cook for 1 hour, flipping the slices halfway through. Check during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning and adjust cooking time if needed.
- Remove from the air fryer and place the chips on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them firm up for extra crunch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
For less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
For a sugar-free version, omit sugar and coat with cinnamon only.
Ensure slices are evenly cut for consistent texture and cooking.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these banana chips without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Arrange the coated banana slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F (93°C) for about 1½ to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Q2: How do I keep the banana chips crispy after cooking?
Allow them to cool completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a small food-safe silica gel packet can help absorb moisture and maintain crispness.
Q3: Can I use green bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas for a naturally sweet flavor. Green bananas may be too starchy and less flavorful, while overripe bananas can become too soft during cooking.
Q4: Can I make a sugar-free version?
Absolutely. You can omit the sugar and simply coat the banana slices with cinnamon. For added sweetness without refined sugar, try using a light dusting of coconut sugar or powdered stevia.
Q5: How long will these chips last?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to one week. However, for the best texture and flavor, enjoy them within 3–4 days.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double or triple the quantities, but you will need to cook the chips in batches to ensure they crisp evenly.