Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a tasty, crunchy treat that comes together in just minutes. Thinly sliced bananas get a light sprinkle of cinnamon and a quick spin in the air fryer, turning into a sweet and crispy snack that’s perfect anytime you need a little something to munch on.
I love making these because they’re so simple and satisfying. The cinnamon adds a nice touch of warmth that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas, and the air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy without any extra oil or fuss. It’s my go-to snack when I want something healthy but still a bit special.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these chips is topping my morning yogurt or oatmeal with them for a little crunch and sweetness. They also work great on their own as a quick snack during busy days or even packed in lunchboxes for a fun surprise. I always keep a batch handy because these chips disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas. Overripe ones get too soft and won’t crisp well. If you prefer sweeter chips, ripe bananas with some brown spots work nicely.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warm flavor. You can adjust the amount or try pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
Sugar: Sugar is optional. You can skip it for a less sweet chip or use coconut sugar or maple sugar as a natural alternative.
Oil or Cooking Spray: A light coat helps make chips crispier, but you can skip it for an oil-free option. Just expect a slightly softer texture.
How Do You Get Crispy Banana Chips in the Air Fryer?
For crispy chips, slice bananas evenly and keep them thin (about 1/8 inch). Too thick and they stay soft inside.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — one layer helps air circulate and crisps up all slices.
- Flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking to get golden edges on both sides.
- Let the chips cool on a wire rack after cooking; the crispiness improves as they cool.
These tips help you avoid soggy chips and get that perfect crunchy snack every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like using mine because it cooks the banana slices evenly and gets them crispy without extra oil.
- Sharp knife or mandoline – helps you slice the bananas thin and uniform, which is key for crispiness.
- Small mixing bowl – for mixing cinnamon and sugar easily.
- Brush or spray bottle with oil – optional, for helping the chips become extra crispy.
- Wire rack or paper towels – for cooling the chips and helping them crisp up even more after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different warm flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the sweetness.
- Mix in shredded coconut or chopped nuts before baking for extra texture.
- Use different fruits like apple slices or pear slices for a variety of crispy, sweet snacks.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (optional, for crispness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a tasty snack ready in under 20 minutes total. Add a few minutes for cooling, which helps the chips crisp up perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and cut them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and sugar. This sweet and warm mix will give the banana chips their delicious flavor.
3. Prepare the Banana Slices:
Lightly spray or brush the banana slices with oil if you’d like them extra crispy. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides, making sure each slice is well coated.
4. Air Fry the Chips:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the chips halfway through so they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them as different air fryers may cook slightly differently.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once golden and crisp, remove the banana chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. They’ll become even crunchier as they cool. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for a crunchy snack later!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas tend to be too soft and may not crisp up well in the air fryer, resulting in chewy chips instead of crispy ones.
Can I Skip the Sugar or Use Alternatives?
Yes! The sugar is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet snack. You can also substitute with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup if you prefer.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Store cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crispy for up to 3 days. Avoid storing them in the fridge, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make Banana Chips Without an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the banana slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 225°F (110°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until crisp.