Introduction

Sweet Cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips are a delightful and healthy snack that’s easy to make at home. Crispy, aromatic, and naturally sweetened, these chips are perfect for a quick treat or a fun party appetizer. Plus, the optional dipping sauce adds a creamy contrast that elevates the flavors.

A close-up image of a white rectangular plate filled with many round, golden-yellow plantain chips stacked in layers. The chips show a crispy texture with slight browning on the edges and small dark specks of seasoning on their shiny surfaces. On the top right corner of the plate, a small white bowl holds creamy white dipping sauce with a smooth, swirled peak. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slightly underripe bananas (firm but yellow)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Non-stick cooking spray

For Optional Dipping Sauce:

¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Peel bananas and slice them into even rounds, approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. The more consistent your slices, the more evenly they’ll cook.
Step 2: Place banana slices in a large bowl and toss gently with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the banana slices and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 7: Arrange banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll likely need to work in batches.
Step 8: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then flip the slices and cook for another 4-6 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Step 9: Remove chips from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Step 10: Repeat with remaining banana slices.
Step 11 (Optional): For the dipping sauce, mix Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 12: Serve chips immediately with dipping sauce or store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly underripe bananas as they hold their shape better and crisp up nicely during air frying.
If you prefer a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey in both the chips and the dipping sauce.
Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger for a different flavor twist.
Serve with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Storage

Store the banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. They will keep well for up to 3 days. If they lose some crunch, reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes before serving. The optional yogurt dipping sauce should be stored separately in the refrigerator and used within 2 days.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with many thin, round slices of fried plantain, each slice golden yellow to deep brown with a crisp texture and slight shine. The plantain slices are piled high, showing a mix of smooth, cooked surfaces sprinkled with small dark specks of seasoning. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with the edge of a yellow banana and a gray and white cloth visible nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?

Slightly underripe bananas are best for air fryer chips because they hold their shape and crisp up better. Ripe bananas tend to be softer and may become mushy during cooking.

How do I prevent the banana slices from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper airflow and easy flipping.