
Crispy cinnamon-sugar air fryer banana chips bring the perfect blend of sweetness and crunch to snack time with no mess and hardly any oil. I love these for a quick treat that feels special yet is easy enough to whip up before my kids get home from school or when I am craving something sweet but not too heavy.
My first batch of these chips vanished before they even cooled fully. Now they are my guaranteed way to use up those extra bananas before they get overripe.
Ingredients
- Bananas: Choose medium bananas that are firm but still ripe for easier slicing and best crunch
- Coconut oil or melted butter: Brushing this on helps the coating stick and delivers a hint of richness
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness Feel free to pick a fine baking sugar for an even coat or swap for coconut sugar
- Ground cinnamon: Lends cozy spice and complements the banana warmth Use the freshest you have for bold flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and Slice:
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to peel the bananas and slice them into very thin rounds each about three millimeters When cut too thick they will not crisp up as nicely
- Mix the Coating:
- In a small bowl stir together the sugar and cinnamon Blend until totally combined for even coverage
- Brush and Sprinkle:
- With a pastry brush lightly coat both sides of each banana slice with coconut oil or melted butter Dab lightly so you do not tear the slices Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly over both sides of the bananas for a full flavored chip
- Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Lay banana slices in a single layer without overlapping This helps every piece crisp up fully Cook in batches if you need to
- Air Fry the Chips:
- Set your air fryer to one hundred and fifty degrees Celsius and cook the chips for ten to fifteen minutes Flip each chip at halftime Keep an eye on them from twelve minutes onward since all air fryers vary Chips should turn golden and begin to feel crisp
- Cool and Store:
- Carefully transfer cooked chips to a wire rack Allow them to cool entirely before eating This step gives them final crunch Once cooled keep them in an airtight container for up to three days

Crisp homemade banana chips always take me back to afternoons spent cooking with my sister She would sneak a few straight from the fryer so now that is my favorite part too
Storage Tips
Let banana chips cool completely before closing them into a container This prevents steam from softening them Store in an airtight jar at room temperature and use within three days for best crunch If they do soften a quick turn in the air fryer for a couple of minutes will restore their crispness
Ingredient Substitutions
Try coconut sugar or maple sugar if you want a natural sweetener Instead of coconut oil any neutral oil or melted butter works Brown sugar can add a hint of caramel but watch closely as it browns more quickly For a warm spicy twist add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana chips plain as a snack layered on top of yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast or pack into lunchboxes They are also fun with ice cream or dipped into chocolate for a dessert spin Kids love to dip them in nut butter for a treat

Cultural History
Banana chips have roots in many tropical regions where bananas are abundant Their baked or fried versions are a favorite street snack in South America and Asia These air fryer chips echo the tradition but use modern convenience for a healthy update
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep banana chips crispy?
Let the chips cool completely on a wire rack and store them in an airtight container away from humidity.
- → Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?
Yes, melted butter can be substituted for coconut oil in this preparation, offering a slightly richer flavor.
- → What type of bananas work best for this method?
Choose bananas that are firm and just ripe, as overripe bananas may become too soft and won't crisp well.
- → Is it possible to adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely—feel free to increase or decrease the sugar, or use a sugar substitute to suit your preference.
- → How thin should I slice the bananas?
A thickness of about 3 mm ensures even cooking and crispiness; a mandoline can help achieve uniform slices.
- → What if the chips aren't crispy after cooking?
Return them to the air fryer for additional 2-minute intervals, watching closely to avoid burning.