Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips: A Crispy, Sweet Delight
If you’re craving a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are the perfect choice. These crispy, sweet treats are simple to make, deliciously addictive, and packed with natural flavors. Using your air fryer ensures even cooking with minimal oil, making them a guilt-free snack option.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these banana chips from scratch, explore creative variations, and discover expert tips for achieving the ultimate crispness.
Table of Contents

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 bananas ripe yet firm bananas sliced into 1/8-inch-thick round
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for flavor
- 1 ts lemon juice to prevent browning
Instructions
Peel and Slice the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) for even cooking.
Coat the Banana Slices
Toss the banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Lightly coat the banana slices with olive oil, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Air Fry the Banana Chips
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even crispness.
Cool and Serve
Remove the banana chips from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool.
As they cool, they will become even crispier. Enjoy!
Why Choose Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips?
Homemade banana chips are fresher and offer endless customization. Here’s why they stand out:
✅ Healthier Option: Air frying requires minimal oil, making it a better choice than traditional deep-frying.
✅ Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts cooking time significantly.
✅ Perfectly Sweet and Spiced: The blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a delightful balance of warmth and sweetness.
✅ Great for Meal Prep: These chips stay fresh for days, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking.
For more snack ideas, check out these Peanut Butter Crackers or Frozen Churros perfect pairings with your banana chips!
Ingredients for Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
To achieve perfectly crisp and flavorful banana chips, you’ll need:
- 3 ripe yet firm bananas (not overly soft)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil (for a light coating)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick for consistent crispiness.
- Toss the slices in lemon juice to slow down oxidation and maintain their color.
For an extra treat, consider pairing these chips with Chocolate Glazed Donuts for a sweet snack combo.
Step 2: Season the Bananas
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Lightly coat the banana slices with olive oil or coconut oil for optimal crisping.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the coated banana slices.
Want to try a different twist? Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical vibe similar to these Buttermilk Pancakes for a breakfast-inspired treat.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Preheating ensures even cooking and better crispiness.
Step 4: Air-fry the Banana Slices
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for uniform crispiness.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even cooking.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Once golden brown and crisp, remove the banana chips and let them cool on a wire rack.
- As they cool, they’ll become even crunchier.
For a sweet and savory combo, serve them alongside Air Fryer Cereal Crusted Chicken Tenders, perfect for gatherings or parties.
Creative Variations for Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Experimenting with flavors can take your banana chips to the next level. Try these creative twists:
- Honey-Glazed Banana Chips Drizzle warm honey over your banana slices before air frying for a sticky-sweet treat.
- Spicy Cinnamon Chips Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Cocoa Banana Chips Dust banana slices with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey crunch.
- Vanilla Infused Chips Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the oil coating for a rich, fragrant flavor.
- Coconut-Crusted Banana Chips Coat banana slices with finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
For more creative snack ideas, try these Einkorn Pancakes for breakfast or Salmon Pesto Pasta for dinner.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
✅ Choose the Right Bananas: Slightly underripe bananas hold their shape better and result in crispier chips.
✅ Avoid Overcrowding: Cooking banana slices in a single layer ensures proper air circulation.
✅ Monitor Closely: Bananas can burn quickly; check for doneness in the final minutes.
✅ Store Properly: Keep chips in an airtight container to preserve their crispness for up to 5 days.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
These homemade banana chips provide several nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Potassium: Supports heart health and muscle function.
- Low in Added Fats: Air frying reduces unnecessary oils.
- Naturally Sweet: Using ripe bananas minimizes the need for excess sugar.
For a satisfying treat, enjoy these banana chips with Greek Yogurt Chia Pudding or drizzle them with dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
People Also Ask:
How to Make Crispy Banana Chips in an Air Fryer?
To achieve perfectly crispy banana chips in an air fryer, follow these detailed steps:
- Choose the Right Bananas: Select bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas may become too soft, resulting in a chewy texture. Slightly underripe bananas hold their shape better.
- Slice Bananas Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to cut bananas into thin, uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick. Even slicing ensures consistent cooking.
- Coat with Oil: Lightly toss banana slices in olive oil or coconut oil. This thin layer of oil enhances crispiness and prevents sticking.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes is crucial. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the banana slices cook evenly.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place banana slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to allow proper air circulation, which is key for achieving crispiness.
- Cook in Batches if Needed: Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking, so if you have a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
- Flip the Slices Halfway: Around the 5-6 minute mark, flip the banana slices to ensure both sides cook evenly.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: After cooking for 10-12 minutes, transfer the banana chips to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack allows residual moisture to evaporate, enhancing their crunch.
Pro Tip: For an extra crisp texture, consider air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Why Are My Air-Fried Bananas Not Crispy?
If your banana chips are turning out chewy or soggy instead of crispy, consider these common mistakes and solutions:
- Slices Are Too Thick: Thick banana slices retain more moisture, making them harder to crisp. Aim for thin, consistent slices (about 1/8 inch).
- Insufficient Cooking Time: If the banana chips still feel soft after cooking, extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes while checking closely to prevent burning.
- Overcrowded Basket: When banana slices are stacked or overlapped, air cannot circulate properly. Always arrange the slices in a single layer.
- Too Much Oil: While oil is essential for crisping, overcoating can prevent bananas from drying out properly. A light mist or drizzle is enough.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Banana chips may still seem soft when freshly removed from the air fryer. Letting them cool on a wire rack helps them crisp up fully.
Bonus Tip: If your banana chips lose their crunch after storage, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Are Air Fried Banana Chips Healthy?
Absolutely! Air fried banana chips offer several health benefits compared to their deep-fried counterparts:
✅ Lower in Calories: Since air frying requires minimal oil, banana chips retain fewer calories than those fried in oil.
✅ Reduced Fat Content: Traditional fried banana chips are often saturated in oil, whereas air frying uses just a light coating for crisping.
✅ Retain Nutrients: Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. Air frying helps preserve these nutrients.
✅ No Artificial Additives: When made at home, you control the ingredients no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or excess salt.
For an even healthier option, consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
Can I Dehydrate Bananas in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Your air fryer can effectively dehydrate bananas, transforming them into chewy, nutrient-rich snacks. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Slice Bananas Thinly: For dehydration, cut bananas slightly thicker than chips — about 1/4 inch thick to prevent them from becoming too brittle.
- Use Lemon Juice: Tossing banana slices in lemon juice not only prevents browning but also enhances flavor.
- Set the Air Fryer to Dehydrate Mode: If your air fryer has a dedicated “Dehydrate” setting, use it. Otherwise, manually set the temperature to 135°F (57°C).
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Similar to banana chips, ensure the slices are evenly spaced without overlapping.
- Dehydrate for 4-6 Hours: Cooking times can vary based on banana thickness and air fryer model. Flip the slices occasionally for uniform dehydration.
- Check for Texture: Dehydrated bananas should feel dry yet pliable, not brittle.
- Store Properly: Store your dehydrated banana slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for weeks when properly sealed.
Bonus Idea: Combine dehydrated banana chips with Protein Cereal or Peanut Butter Crackers for a nutritious snack mix.
Conclusion
Creating your own Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy a healthy, sweet snack at home. With endless flavor variations and simple preparation steps, these banana chips are perfect for meal prep, party snacks, or afternoon cravings.
For more air fryer snack ideas, explore delicious recipes on Tasty, AllRecipes, and Delish all fantastic resources for food lovers!
Enjoy the satisfying crunch and natural sweetness of homemade banana chips all made conveniently in your air fryer!