The perfect marriage of simplicity and sweetness, these Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a healthy take on a childhood favorite. Made with just a few pantry staples and ready in under 15 minutes, they’re ideal for when you need something quick, crunchy, and crave-worthy.
Whether you’re looking for a post-workout bite, a kid-approved lunchbox treat, or just a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these banana chips check all the boxes. Crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer and dusted in warming cinnamon sugar, this recipe is a cozy hug in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe but firm bananas
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1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
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Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8-inch thick.
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In a mixing bowl, gently toss the banana slices with melted coconut oil until evenly coated.
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In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt together.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the banana slices, tossing lightly to ensure coverage.
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Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
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Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
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Remove from air fryer and let cool completely—they will continue to crisp as they cool.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if they last that long!).
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
There’s something truly magical about recipes that are both wholesome and indulgent. The Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips fit that description perfectly. This recipe is a sweet, crispy, and satisfying snack that comes together with minimal effort, zero guilt, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking to cut down on processed snacks or just want to try something new with those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Why Banana Chips?
Banana chips are a nostalgic treat for many, often reminding us of childhood lunchboxes, road trip snacks, or health food store finds. But not all banana chips are created equal. Store-bought versions are often deep-fried, loaded with unnecessary oils and preservatives, and overly sweetened with refined sugars. The homemade version, especially when done in the air fryer, offers a fresher, cleaner alternative—without compromising taste or crunch.
Air frying, as a cooking method, has revolutionized how we prepare our favorite snacks. By circulating hot air, it delivers the crispiness of frying with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier and more efficient choice. With this recipe, you can enjoy banana chips that are lightly caramelized on the edges, crisp in texture, and perfectly balanced in sweetness thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating.
A Recipe Rooted in Simplicity
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just 5 main ingredients—bananas, coconut oil, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt—you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, especially when you need a quick snack fix or have bananas that are ripe but not quite soft enough for banana bread.
The natural sugars in the banana caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, and when paired with the warming spice of cinnamon and a light sprinkle of sugar, the result is a chip that’s both cozy and crisp. The use of coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note, but you can easily substitute with avocado oil or olive oil if preferred.
Nutritional Benefits
Bananas are a powerhouse fruit. They’re rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. They’re also naturally sweet, which means you don’t need to add much sugar to make this snack shine. Cinnamon, beyond its sweet flavor, brings anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Coconut oil, used in moderation, provides healthy fats that support energy and brain health.
For anyone following a plant-based or gluten-free diet, this snack is a dream. It’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and can even be made refined sugar-free by swapping granulated sugar for coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There are countless banana chip recipes out there, but few offer the perfect blend of ease, health, and crunch like this one. Here’s why this one deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Speed: No need to dehydrate for hours or deep-fry in oil. These chips are ready in 10 minutes flat.
- Healthier: Unlike store-bought versions, these banana chips are air-fried, low in oil, and can be made with minimal sugar.
- Customizable: Like it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne. Want a caramel note? Swap in maple sugar or brown sugar. Prefer savory? Omit sugar and use chili powder or smoked paprika for a savory twist.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with little ones, these chips are a great way to sneak more fruit into their diet without them even realizing it.
- Budget-Friendly: Bananas are among the most affordable fruits, making this snack super economical.
Tips for Perfect Banana Chips
To get that ideal crunch, a few simple tricks can make all the difference:
- Choose ripe but firm bananas – You want bananas that are yellow with maybe a few brown spots, but not overly ripe. Too soft and they’ll be mushy, not crispy.
- Slice thin and even – Uniform slicing ensures that all chips cook evenly. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches if needed. Overlapping will result in steaming, not crisping.
- Cool completely – These chips will firm up as they cool. Resist the urge to munch right away!
Serving Suggestions
These banana chips are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Serve alongside almond butter or yogurt for dipping.
- Sprinkle over smoothie bowls or oatmeal for a crunchy topping.
- Pack them into lunchboxes for a naturally sweet treat.
- Add to trail mix with nuts, coconut flakes, and dried cranberries.
- Use as a dessert garnish for ice cream or vegan banana pudding.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled, these banana chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because they’re homemade and free from preservatives, they don’t have the same shelf life as store-bought versions—but honestly, they’re so tasty they likely won’t last that long anyway!
If you’re making a larger batch, you can also lightly re-crisp them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving. Just be careful not to burn them, as natural sugars are more delicate than processed ones.
Conclusion
In a world full of overly processed snack options, this Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips recipe is a refreshing return to simple, nourishing, homemade food. It’s proof that healthy snacks don’t have to be bland, and that indulgence can still be smart and satisfying.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or someone just looking for a creative way to use up bananas, this recipe is for you. Try it once, and it will likely earn a permanent spot in your weekly snack rotation. After all, when a snack is this easy, delicious, and good for you, why not?