Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe

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Forget the store-bought version with mysterious ingredients and excess oil! These Air Fryer Banana Chips are a revelation.

They deliver that crave-worthy crunch you love, but with a light, crispy texture and a naturally sweet flavor that’s simply irresistible.

The magic of the air fryer circulates hot air perfectly around each thin slice, dehydrating and crisping them into a wholesome snack that’s guilt-free, incredibly easy to make, and far superior to anything you’ll find in a bag.

A sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon sugar is the perfect finishing touch to this addictive treat.

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Recipe Details

Course: Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooking time in batches)
Calories per serving: ~Approximately 105 calories (per serving, without added oil)
Servings: 2

To make more servings: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. However, you must cook the banana chips in a single layer in multiple batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in steamed, soggy chips instead of crispy ones.

Ingredients Overview

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Slightly under-ripe bananas (🍌) are key because they are less moist and have a firmer structure, which leads to a crispier chip.

A tiny amount of lemon juice (🍋) is our secret weapon; it prevents the bananas from oxidizing and turning an unappetizing brown, keeping them beautifully golden.

A light spritz of cooking oil (like avocado or coconut) is optional but helps achieve an extra-crispy finish and allows any seasonings to stick. Finally, a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a perfect sweet-and-salty or spiced snack.

Ingredients

• 2 large slightly under-ripe 🍌 Bananas
• 1 tsp fresh 🍋 Lemon Juice
• Cooking oil spray (avocado or coconut oil preferred)
• Optional: Pinch of Sea Salt or Cinnamon Sugar

Instructions

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making perfectly crispy banana chips every time.

1. 🔪 Prep the Bananas
   Start by peeling your bananas. Slice them into uniformly thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for perfectly even slices, which ensures they all cook at the same rate. If using a knife, take your time to make them as even as possible.
2. Prevent Browning
    In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of water. Gently toss the banana slices in this lemon-water mixture. This quick bath will keep them from turning brown during the cooking process without making them taste lemony.
3. 🛁 Dry Thoroughly:
   This is a crucial step! Pat the banana slices completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing all surface moisture is the key to getting them crispy instead of steaming.
4. 🎂 Preheat the Air Fryer: 
   Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps start the cooking process immediately for a better texture.
5. Arrange in a Single Layer: 
   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the banana slices in a single, even layer in the basket. They must not be touching or overlapping. You will need to cook in batches.
6. Lightly Coat: 
   Give the top of the bananas a very light spray with oil. This will help them crisp up and allow any seasonings to adhere later.
7. Cook the First Batch: 
   Air fry for 8 minutes. Then, carefully pull out the basket and flip each chip. This ensures even cooking and browning.
8. Cook Until Golden: 
   Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 6-10 minutes. Watch them closely after the 6-minute mark! They are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your slices.
9. Cool Completely: 
   Remove the crispy chips from the basket and place them on a wire rack or plate. Let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. This is the hardest part—waiting!
10. 🍽️ Season and Serve: 
    Once completely cool, season with a light sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch! Store any leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature.

Note

• Slice Evenly: The number one rule for success is uniformly thin slices. Thick slices will be chewy, not crunchy.
• Patience is Key: Do not skip the step of drying the bananas or cooling them completely. Both are essential for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket is the most common mistake and leads to steamed, soft bananas.
• Watch Closely: All air fryers are different. Keep a close eye on your first batch after flipping to learn your appliance’s perfect timing.

Nutrition

(Per serving, without added oil spray)

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 422 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Vitamin C: 10.5 mg

FAQs

Q1: Why are my banana chips chewy and not crispy?
A: This is usually caused by one of three things: the slices were too thick, they were not dried thoroughly before cooking, or the air fryer basket was overcrowded. Ensure you follow the steps for thin, dry, single-layer slices for the best results.

Q2: Can I use ripe, yellow bananas?
A: You can, but they will be softer, sweeter, and more prone to burning due to their higher sugar content. They will also have a chewier texture rather than a super crispy one. Slightly green-tipped bananas are highly recommended.

Q3: How should I store leftover banana chips?
A: Store them in a paper bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crunch, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to re-crisp.

Q4: Can I make these without any oil?
A: Absolutely! The oil spray just helps them get a bit crispier and helps seasoning stick, but it’s not mandatory. The chips will still dehydrate and become crispy without it.

Q5: My chips are burning around the edges. What did I do wrong?
A: Your temperature is likely too high. While 300°F (150°C) works for most models, some air fryers run hot. Try reducing the temperature to 285°F (140°C) and cooking for a slightly longer time, checking frequently.