Air-Fryer Banana Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier versions of indulgent treats. Banana chips are no exception. You can make dried banana chips in an air fryer in as little as 10 minutes, and they're a great healthy snack for both kids and adults.

You'll need just a few simple ingredients, including ripe but firm bananas, lemon juice, and oil. You can also add seasonings like cinnamon, salt, or sugar to taste. The key to getting crispy banana chips is to slice the bananas thinly and evenly, and to cook them at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

So, if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious snack that's easy to make at home, give air-fried banana chips a try!

How to make banana chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe but firm bananas
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Cinnamon (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 100°C/200°F/<350°F>.
• Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even slices, around 1/4 inch thick.
• Place the banana slices in a bowl and toss with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Add a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to the bowl and mix well, ensuring both sides of the banana slices are coated.
• Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, or 20 minutes at 100°C/200°F, checking halfway through. If using a higher temperature, you may want to flip the slices.
• Remove from the air fryer and leave to cool completely. The banana chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Enjoy as a snack or add to your favourite dish!

Tips:

• For sweeter banana chips, add a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon.
• For savoury banana chips, add some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder.
• If your banana chips are not crispy, you may need to air fry for a little longer.
• For softer banana chips, reduce the cooking time.

How to make sweet banana chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe but firm bananas
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• A pinch of salt
• Oil / Cooking spray
• Cinnamon (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 212°F (100°C).
• Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even slices.
• Place the banana slices on a baking sheet or plate.
• Coat the banana slices with lemon juice and sprinkle with salt.
• Spray the banana slices with a light layer of oil.
• Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 300-350°F (149-177°C) for 20-40 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Remove from the air fryer and place on a cooling rack.
• Repeat with any remaining banana slices.
• Enjoy your sweet banana chips!

Tips:

• For sweeter banana chips, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar.
• Ensure your banana slices are thin and even to guarantee a crispy texture.
• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• For best results, enjoy immediately, as the banana chips will lose their crispiness over time.

How to make savoury banana chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 firm bananas (green or yellow)
• 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking spray
• Spices of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 212°F (100°C).
• Slice the bananas into thin slices, around 1/4 inch thick.
• Place the banana slices on a baking sheet or plate.
• Sprinkle or coat the banana slices with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle or spray the banana slices with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the banana chips for 20-40 minutes at 212°F (100°C). Check halfway through and loosen any slices that are sticking.
• If desired, add spices such as chili powder, paprika, turmeric, or cumin for a savoury flavour.
• Remove the banana chips from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack.
• Repeat the process with the remaining banana slices, if necessary.
• Enjoy your savoury banana chips!

Tips:

• For the best results, use firm, ripe bananas. Overripe bananas may not crisp up properly.
• Thinly slice the bananas to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking.
• Enjoy the banana chips immediately for the best crispness.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

How to make crispy banana chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe but firm bananas
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt
• Oil (coconut, olive, or avocado)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 212°F (100°C).
• Thinly slice the bananas.
• Place the banana slices on a baking sheet and coat them with lemon juice and a sprinkling of salt.
• Spray the banana slices with oil.
• Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the banana chips for 40 minutes at 212°F (100°C).
• Check halfway through the cooking time and loosen any slices that are sticking to the basket.
• Remove the chips from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack.
• Repeat the cooking process with any remaining banana slices.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, add cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cayenne pepper, or cumin.
• For a classic flavour combination, sprinkle the chips with salt and pepper.
• For a traditional South Indian snack, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric and a little extra salt.
• For a sweeter taste, swap the lemon juice for lime juice, or add a sprinkle of granulated sugar, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice.
• For a healthier option, leave out the oil.
• For a chewier texture, reduce the cooking time.
• For crispier chips, use firmer bananas.
• For even cooking, preheat the air fryer.
• For the best results, eat the chips immediately—they will lose their crispiness over time.

How to make chewy banana chips in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe but firm bananas
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Cinnamon (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 100°C/200°F or 300°F, depending on your desired cooking temperature.
• While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your bananas. Slice the bananas into thin, uniform slices, around 1/4 inch in thickness. The thinner the slices, the crispier your banana chips will be.
• Place the banana slices in a bowl and coat them with a light layer of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help the chips crisp up and ensure they don't stick to your air fryer basket.
• Sprinkle the banana slices with a little salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. The salt will enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas, and the lemon juice will add a bright flavour while preventing the bananas from turning brown.
• Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches may be necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Air fry the banana slices for around 10-12 minutes at 350°F, or 20-30 minutes at 200°F/100°C. Check the chips halfway through the cooking time and loosen any slices that may be sticking to the basket.
• If you prefer your banana chips on the chewier side, air fry them for a shorter amount of time, around 10-12 minutes. For crispier chips, increase the cooking time to 20-30 minutes.
• Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the banana chips from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining banana slices.
• Enjoy your chewy banana chips! For optimal crispiness, it is best to enjoy the banana chips soon after cooking. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.

Frequently asked questions