Air fryer banana chips make a nutritious and delicious snack option that’s sure to please everyone in the household. Crispy, tasty, and naturally sweet, these chips quickly become a staple for both adults and children. Using the air fryer means you can avoid deep frying altogether, yet still achieve that classic golden, crunchy texture—minus the extra fat.
Preparing banana chips in the air fryer is both straightforward and efficient, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. You only need a handful of basic ingredients, and there’s no need for any fancy gadgets. You might even find your homemade version more satisfying than those you buy at the store. Plus, it’s easy to customize the flavors with your preferred spices or toppings.
If you want a gluten-free option that suits any family snack time, these air fryer banana chips are a fantastic choice.
Why This Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe Is Special
This recipe is a standout in my bustling kitchen—it’s low in oil, a breeze to prepare, and always a hit with my kids. My daughter gets a kick out of slicing the bananas, and my son looks forward to grabbing the first crispy chip straight from the fryer.
For more sweet snack inspiration, be sure to explore our breakfast and dessert recipes collection.
Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Air Fryer Banana Chips
First, let’s review what you’ll need to achieve perfectly crunchy banana chips at home. The ingredients list is short, and most items may already be in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 firm, large bananas (avoid overly ripe ones)
- 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to add sweetness)
- A dash of chili powder (optional, for a spicy option)
Feel free to experiment with flavors. In our house, cinnamon is a favorite, while adding a hint of chili gives the chips a grown-up flair!
Kitchen Tools:
- An air fryer (any basic model works fine)
- A sharp knife or mandoline for even, thin slices
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or brush for applying oil
- Silicone liner or parchment paper (optional, to avoid sticking)
Having the right tools makes prepping and cooking these chips easy, even if you’re new to making snacks.
Choosing the Right Bananas for Chips
Select bananas that are bright yellow but still firm to the touch. Skip ones that are too green or overly soft. Firm, ripe bananas are easier to slice thinly and create a crispier end result.
Need more healthy snack ideas for lunchboxes? Take a look at our dedicated snack recommendations!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Banana Chips
Making banana chips in the air fryer couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how you can get crisp, delicious results every time:
- Peel your bananas
Start by removing the skins from two firm bananas. Avoid overly soft fruit to help maintain the right texture when sliced. - Slice the bananas
With a sharp knife or a mandoline, cut your bananas into thin, even rounds (about ⅛ inch thick). Uniform, thinner slices will produce crispier chips. My daughter likes to help out with a child-safe slicer! - Optional: Soak the slices
For maximum crunch and to reduce browning, you can soak the slices in cold water for about five minutes—add a bit of lemon juice to keep the color vibrant. Afterwards, pat everything dry using paper towels. Skipping this step is fine, though your chips might end up a bit more chewy. - Add seasoning
Put the banana slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive or coconut oil. Sprinkle on the salt and any spices you like. Gently toss until every piece is coated. - Arrange in the air fryer
Lay out the slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the tray. Avoid overlapping for best crisping. A silicone or parchment liner helps prevent sticking. - Preheat and set the fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C if possible. Cook for 10-12 minutes. - Cook and flip
Let the chips cook, flipping them once about halfway through for even browning. If your air fryer is crowded, work in batches. Remove any chips that finish early to prevent burning. - Check for doneness
Chips are ready when they’re golden and feel dry. If still soft, continue in 2-minute intervals, watching closely as they can darken fast. - Cool thoroughly
Place the finished chips on a rack or paper towel and allow to cool fully—they’ll get crunchier as they do. At my house, sneaking a warm one always seems to happen!
For more creative air fryer recipes, check out these healthy spring roll variations.
Creative Flavors and Seasonings
There are lots of ways to change up your banana chips:
- Dust with cinnamon and a bit of sugar for a sweet version.
- Sprinkle with chili powder or smoked paprika for something savory or spicy.
- Try garlic powder with sea salt for a unique twist.
- For dessert, toss with a touch of cocoa powder after air frying.
Pro Tips for Crispy Chips
- Always slice your bananas as thinly and evenly as possible.
- Dry the slices thoroughly before seasoning.
- Don’t crowd or overlap the chips in the basket; work in several rounds if needed.
- Allow the chips to cool completely for the best crunch.
- Store them tightly sealed to keep them crisp!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Banana Chips
Banana chips prepared in the air fryer fit perfectly in any occasion. Pack them in lunchboxes, offer them as a fun after-school nibble with yogurt or peanut butter, or serve them with salsa or guacamole for adults.
Top off oatmeal, smoothie bowls, and salads with banana chips for added sweetness and crunch. They’re even delicious as a healthy topping for ice cream or frozen treats.
In our home, a big batch disappears fast. Sometimes we toss them with dried fruit and nuts for a homemade trail mix everyone enjoys.
Looking for more snack ideas for family or guests? Check out our skewered appetizers!
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Air Fryer Banana Chips
Air fryer banana chips are an excellent healthy banana chip alternative for the entire family. Since they’re made using minimal oil and aren’t deep-fried, they contain far less fat and calories than conventional chips. Bananas provide fiber, potassium, and important nutrients, making these air fryer snacks both wholesome and delicious.
These banana chips are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions—and if you use plant-based oils, they’re vegan and dairy-free as well.
Compared to store-bought chips, which often contain extra oil and sugar, the homemade variety offers much more control over ingredients. There are no fillers or preservatives—just real, simple food (learn more about banana nutrition).
Thanks to their great nutritional profile, these banana chips are a satisfying, guilt-free snack, an easy lunchbox addition, or a crunchy topping for a variety of meals. Enjoy nutritious air fryer snacks any time.
For more healthy options, explore our healthy cream of rice bowls and gluten-free dairy-free soups.
You can also learn more about their nutrition in this Healthline guide on healthy snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banana chips good for sugar levels?
Banana chips are naturally sweet, thanks to their sugar content, which increases as bananas ripen. While air fryer chips are a healthier option than fried ones, they can still raise blood sugar if eaten in excess. To minimize this, pick firmer, just-ripe bananas and enjoy chips in moderation. Pairing them with nuts or another protein can help manage blood sugar changes.
What temperature to air fry banana chips?
The ideal temperature for crisping banana chips in the air fryer is 350°F (175°C). This helps the chips become crunchy without burning. If your appliance runs hot, you can use settings as low as 325°F. Cooking at the right temperature ensures even, golden-brown results.
How do you keep air fryer chips crispy?
For long-lasting crispness, let chips cool completely on a rack before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose crunch over time, pop them back into the air fryer briefly. Avoid humidity, as moisture can soften them.
How long will banana chips last?
Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, banana chips made in the air fryer should stay fresh and crisp for about a week. If made with very little oil and dried completely, they often last even longer. However, without preservatives, check for loss of texture after several days.
Family-Friendly Air Fryer Banana Chips
Banana chips made in the air fryer offer a simple, healthy snack that’s just right for busy families. With minimal ingredients and little oil, you can make a big batch of crunchy chips that everyone will love—for lunch, after school, or whenever a snack is needed.
Feel free to experiment with new flavors and dips to make them your own. Share your favorite ways of enjoying homemade banana chips and happy snacking!