Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips are a fun and crunchy snack that’s sweet and lightly spiced with cinnamon. These chips are made from ripe bananas sliced thin and popped right into the air fryer for a speedy, healthy treat that’s perfect for anytime snacking.
I love how easy these banana chips are to make—just slice, sprinkle with cinnamon, and air fry. It’s a great way to use up bananas that have gotten a little too ripe, and the air fryer makes them crispy without any extra oil or fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy these chips is sprinkled over yogurt or ice cream for a little sweet crunch, but they’re just as good on their own when you’re craving something light and tasty. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making snack time a little more exciting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas with some brown spots for natural sweetness. If they’re too ripe (very mushy), they may be harder to slice thin and hold shape.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warm flavor and aroma. You can swap for pumpkin pie spice if you want a more complex spice mix.
Sugar: This is optional. I like a touch of sweetness, but you can skip it or swap for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor twist.
Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps keep slices from sticking. I prefer coconut oil for a subtle coconut hint, but any neutral oil or cooking spray works well.
How Can I Make the Banana Chips Crispy Instead of Soft?
Getting banana chips crispy can be tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Slice thinly: Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices get crispier.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange slices in a single layer with space between so air circulates well.
- Flip/shake halfway: Turn the chips at the midway point to cook evenly.
- Cool completely: Let them cool on a rack or paper towel; they crisp up more as they cool down.
- Adjust cook time: Depending on the banana moisture, you might need a minute or two more, but watch so they don’t burn.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the bananas quickly and evenly without extra oil.
- Sharp knife or mandoline – makes even, thin slices for crispy chips.
- Small mixing bowl – for blending the cinnamon and sugar.
- Cooking spray or brush – helps prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
- Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate – for cooling the chips and letting excess moisture escape.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a spiced flavor boost.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt or finishing salt for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cocoa nibs for a chocolatey touch.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips after baking for added texture and flavor.
Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Banana Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp coconut oil or cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation and 8-10 minutes to air fry the banana chips. Cooling time to achieve maximum crispiness is around 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll have a tasty snack ready in about 20-25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices help the chips cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. This will add a sweet and spicy flavor to your chips.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with coconut oil to prevent the banana slices from sticking during cooking.
4. Arrange and Air Fry:
Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Around halfway through, shake the basket or flip the banana slices to ensure even cooking.
5. Add Cinnamon Sugar and Cool:
Once the chips are done, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over them while they’re still warm. Toss gently to coat well. Then, let the banana chips cool completely on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate—they will crisp up more as they cool.
6. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your cinnamon banana chips right away as a crunchy, sweet snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them crisp.
Can I Use Green or Unripe Bananas for This Recipe?
It’s best to use ripe bananas with some brown spots because they are naturally sweeter and softer. Unripe bananas might be too firm and less flavorful for crispy, tasty chips.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Banana Chips Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
What If My Banana Chips Aren’t Crispy Enough?
Try slicing the bananas thinner next time and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Also, let the chips cool completely on a rack—they crisp up as they cool down.