Air-Fried Bananas: A Healthy Treat?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of foods, and it turns out you can also cook bananas in one. Air-fried bananas are a quick and easy treat that can be used for a simple snack, dessert, or even as a topping for breakfast foods like oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including sliced, halved, or even stuffed with sweet fillings. The natural sugars in the bananas caramelize, creating a sweet and indulgent treat.

Air fryer bananas recipe

Air-fried bananas are a delicious treat that can be made in just a few minutes. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas, making them soft and warm with a caramelized top. You can serve them as a dessert with ice cream or enjoy them for breakfast with oatmeal, yoghurt, or cereal.

Ingredients:

• Fresh bananas (ripe but not too brown or soft)
• Brown sugar (for deep sweetness)
• Cinnamon (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
• Salt (preferably a good course salt like pink Himalayan)
• Coconut oil or butter (optional)
• Ice cream, Greek yoghurt, or oatmeal for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can line the air fryer basket with foil or grease it with cooking spray, depending on your preference.
• Place the bananas on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them lengthwise through the skin. You can cut them into halves or slices, but make sure they are not too thin, as thicker slices tend to hold their shape better.
• If desired, brush the cut side of the bananas with melted coconut oil or butter. This will add extra richness to the dish.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the bananas, making sure they are fully coated.
• Place the bananas in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. If you have a lot of bananas, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. The bananas are ready when they are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized, forming a bubbly coating.
• Carefully remove the bananas from the air fryer and serve warm. They are delicious as-is, but you can also add a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of Greek yoghurt, or a serving of oatmeal. For an extra indulgent touch, top with marshmallows, granola, dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.

Air fryer roasted bananas

Ingredients

• Ripe bananas
• Butter or oil (coconut, avocado, or another variety)
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Salt (optional)

Method

• Peel the bananas and slice them lengthwise. Try to keep the slices a similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Place the banana slices on a cutting board and brush with melted butter or oil.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the banana slices.
• Place the banana slices in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, place the basket in the center of the fryer.
• Air fry at 375-400°F for 4-10 minutes. Thicker slices will take longer to cook. Flip the slices over halfway through the cooking process.
• Remove the basket and allow the bananas to cool before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a scoop of ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
• Serve with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and granola for a breakfast banana boat.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• Add to oatmeal or yogurt for extra flavor and natural sweetness.
• Include in a yogurt parfait or on top of pancakes or waffles.
• Create a French toast or peanut butter toast by spreading peanut butter on toast and adding banana slices on top.

Bananas in an air fryer vs. oven

Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in an air fryer or an oven. Here is a detailed comparison of the two cooking methods:

Air Fryer Bananas:

Air fryer bananas are a quick and easy dessert option that can be prepared in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients. The air fryer cooks the bananas evenly, resulting in warm, soft, and caramelized treat. The natural sweetness of the bananas is enhanced, even if they are not fully ripe.

To make air fryer bananas, preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the bananas in half lengthwise, leaving the skin on. Place the bananas in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Brush the cut side with melted coconut oil or avocado oil, and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the sugar is caramelized and bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent dessert.

Oven-Baked Bananas:

Baking bananas in an oven is another option, though it may require a longer cooking time and closer monitoring. The oven method can produce similar results to the air fryer, creating warm and caramelized bananas. However, the oven's heat distribution may not be as even, so careful rotation of the bananas during cooking is necessary.

To bake bananas in the oven, preheat your oven to a similar temperature as the air fryer (350-400 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare the bananas in the same way, slicing them in half lengthwise and brushing with oil. Place the bananas on a baking sheet, skin-side down, and sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes, carefully rotating the bananas halfway through the cooking time to ensure even caramelization. Remove from the oven and serve warm with your desired toppings.

In conclusion, both the air fryer and oven methods yield delicious, caramelized bananas that make for a quick and easy dessert. The air fryer method may be slightly faster and more convenient, requiring less monitoring during the cooking process. However, if you don't have an air fryer, the oven is a suitable alternative to achieve similar results.

How long to cook bananas in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook bananas in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer is preheating, place the bananas on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them lengthwise through the skin. Make sure the bananas are ripe but not too brown or soft. You can cut them into thicker slices, about 1/2" thick, or thinner slices, depending on your preference. Thicker slices may take a little longer to cook.

Next, place the bananas in the air fryer basket, skin side down. If desired, you can mist the banana slices with avocado oil or brush them with melted coconut oil before sprinkling the sugar mixture. This will help the sugar and spices stick to the bananas and add a bit of extra flavour.

Now, it's time to prepare the sugar mixture. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste, but a good starting point is a few tablespoons of brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. If you don't have brown sugar, you can use regular sugar instead. The cinnamon adds a nice depth of flavour, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

Once your bananas are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the bananas. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the bananas, making sure they are fully coated. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the bananas for 5 to 10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your banana slices and the brand of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Finally, carefully remove the caramelized bananas from the air fryer basket and place them on a plate. They should be golden brown and the sugar on top should be melted and slightly crunchy. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and your desired toppings. Some suggested toppings include marshmallows, granola, dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts. Enjoy!

Air fryer bananas serving suggestions

Air fryer bananas are a versatile treat that can be served as a dessert or a snack. They can be prepared in a variety of ways and paired with various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions for air fryer bananas:

Ice Cream Sundae

Create a decadent ice cream sundae by topping your favourite ice cream with warm air-fried bananas. The bananas will add a sweet and creamy texture to your sundae. You can also add other toppings such as chocolate chips, granola, nuts, whipped coconut cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Yogurt Parfait

Layer air-fried banana slices with yogurt and granola to create a delicious and nutritious parfait. The bananas will provide a natural sweetness and soft texture to your parfait, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option.

Oatmeal

Add air-fried bananas to your morning oatmeal for extra flavour and natural sweetness. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of peanut butter or nut butter for a creamy and indulgent breakfast.

French Toast

Incorporate air-fried banana slices into your French toast batter for a delightful twist. The bananas will add a unique flavour and texture to your French toast, making it extra special.

Pancakes and Waffles

Top your pancakes or waffles with air-fried banana slices for a tasty and wholesome breakfast or brunch option. The warm and soft bananas will perfectly complement the fluffy pancakes or waffles.

Cereal

Sprinkle air-fried banana slices over your morning cereal for added flavour and texture. The bananas will provide a natural sweetness and a soft contrast to the crunch of the cereal.

Peanut Butter Toast

Spread peanut butter on toast and top it with air-fried banana slices for a satisfying snack. The combination of creamy peanut butter and warm bananas is a perfect match.

Customise with Toppings

Air-fried bananas can be customised with various toppings to suit your taste. Here are some topping suggestions:

• Cinnamon and sugar mixture
• Marshmallows
• Dark chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut
• Nuts
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Pumpkin spice or nutmeg
• Liqueurs (for an adult dessert)

Frequently asked questions