Easy Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe

A Sweet Crunch of Nostalgia

There’s something about the scent of cinnamon and sugar that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She’d always have a jar of homemade banana chips tucked away in her pantry, ready to appease any sweet tooth that wandered in. I can still hear the crinkle of the wax paper as she’d unfold a little parcel of them, golden and glistening, just for me. Today, I’m bringing that same cozy magic into my own kitchen—but with a modern twist. These air fryer banana chips are impossibly crisp, lightly sweetened, and ready in a fraction of the time. Perfect for snacking, topping yogurt, or (let’s be honest) eating straight from the basket while they’re still warm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-3 ripe but firm bananas – You want them yellow with just a few speckles. Too ripe, and they’ll be tricky to slice thinly.
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil – This gives the chips a delicate crispness. If you don’t have coconut oil, a light olive oil works too.

2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Just enough to caramelize into that irresistible golden crunch.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The warmth here is everything. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous!
A pinch of salt – Trust me, it makes the sweetness sing.

Let’s Make Some Magic

Slice with love (and a sharp knife). Cut the bananas into thin, even rounds—about 1/8-inch thick. Thinner slices = crispier chips! Pro tip: A mandoline makes this step effortless, but a steady hand works just fine.
Toss in cinnamon-sugar bliss. In a bowl, gently mix the banana slices with melted coconut oil until lightly coated. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this over the bananas and toss again—every slice should feel like it’s wearing a tiny sweater of sweetness.
Arrange with space to breathe. Place the banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. No overlapping! They need room to crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to work in batches.

Air fry to golden perfection. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye after the 6-minute mark—they can go from golden to overdone in seconds! The edges should curl slightly, and the sugar will caramelize into a delicate crunch.

At this point, your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-spiced dream. But resist the urge to dive in immediately—let the chips cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they sit (though I won’t judge if you sneak one warm… or three).

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Chips

After making dozens of batches (some more successful than others!), I’ve picked up a few tricks to help you nail this recipe every time:

Slice consistently: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get uniform 1/8-inch slices – this ensures even cooking
Pat dry: Gently blot banana slices with a paper towel before seasoning to help the cinnamon-sugar stick better

Don’t overcrowd: Cook in single layers with space between chips for maximum crispiness
Watch closely: Check every 2-3 minutes after the first 5 minutes to prevent burning

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic cinnamon-sugar combo is heavenly, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up:

Tropical twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg and coconut flakes
Spicy kick: Mix in 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper with your cinnamon sugar
Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and zigzag over cooled chips

Savory option: Skip the sugar and try garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of salt

What to Serve With Your Banana Chips

These crispy delights are versatile enough for any occasion:

As a topping for yogurt parfaits or oatmeal

Alongside a cheese board with brie and honey
Crumbled over ice cream for extra texture
Packaged in little bags for school lunches or hiking snacks

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your banana chips at their best:

Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
For longer storage (up to 2 weeks), add a silica gel packet to absorb moisture

If chips lose their crispness, revive them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes
Freezing isn’t recommended as it changes the texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use plantains instead of bananas?
Absolutely! Green plantains will yield a starchier, more chip-like texture. Adjust cooking time by adding 2-3 minutes.

Why are my banana chips chewy instead of crispy?
This usually means either the slices were too thick or there was too much moisture. Try slicing thinner and patting drier next time.

Can I make these without sugar?
Yes! The bananas caramelize naturally, so you can skip the sugar and just use cinnamon if preferred.

Do I need to use oil?
A light spritz helps with crispness, but you can make oil-free versions – they just might be slightly less crunchy.

A Sweet Final Thought

There’s something magical about transforming humble bananas into these golden, crispy delights. Whether you’re making them for a healthy snack, a dessert topping, or just because your bananas are getting too ripe (we’ve all been there!), these air fryer banana chips are sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. The smell of cinnamon wafting through your home is just the bonus! I’d love to hear how your batch turns out – tag me on Instagram with your creations.

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Author: Trusted Blog

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, sweet, and lightly spiced banana chips made easily in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 large ripe bananas
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

Slice bananas into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
Lightly brush banana slices with melted butter (if using) and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Arrange banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Let cool completely to crisp up further before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.