Air Fryer Banana Chips: A Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat

Air fryer banana chips are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. They are a great alternative to deep-fried banana chips, which are less healthy due to being cooked in large amounts of oil. Air fryer banana chips are also a good way to use up any extra bananas you may have lying around.

Choosing the right bananas

First, it is recommended to use ripe, but firm bananas. Overly ripe bananas with brown spots tend to be too soft and mushy, which can affect the texture of your chips. You want to aim for bananas that are still slightly firm, as this will result in chips that are crispy and hold their shape well.

Second, the thickness of your banana slices will impact the cooking time and crispiness of your chips. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will cook faster and result in crispier chips, but they may be harder to work with. Thicker slices may require a longer cooking time and could end up chewier rather than crispy. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can help you achieve uniform slices.

Additionally, it's worth noting that green or yellow bananas tend to be firmer, so they might be a better choice if you want to err on the side of caution. However, ripe bananas will add more sweetness to your chips.

When preparing your bananas, it's also a good idea to toss them with a small amount of lemon or lime juice to prevent them from turning brown. This adds a bright, tangy flavour to your chips.

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Finally, depending on your preference, you can also add various seasonings to your banana slices before air frying. A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas. You can also experiment with cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavour, or try savoury options like chili powder, garlic powder, or even a mix of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Preparing the bananas

First, select the right bananas. Ripe, but firm bananas are best—avoid using overly ripe or soft bananas, as they will not crisp up properly. If you want your chips on the sweeter side, choose ripe bananas that are starting to spot; for a starchier, less sweet chip, go for green or yellow bananas.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 212°F (100°C) to 350°F (176.6°C). Experiment with different temperatures to find the perfect setting for your air fryer.

While the air fryer is preheating, slice your bananas. Aim for thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and result in crispier chips, but they may be harder to work with.

Once your bananas are sliced, it's time to season them. Place the slices in a bowl and coat them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Give the slices a light drizzle or spray, just enough to ensure the chips don't stick together. Then, sprinkle with a pinch of salt. You can also add other seasonings like cinnamon, chili lime salt, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Now you're ready to arrange the banana slices in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the slices in batches.

Seasoning the bananas

Lemon or Lime Juice

A squeeze of lemon or lime juice on the banana slices will not only add a tangy twist to your chips but also prevent them from turning brown. This ensures that your chips remain aesthetically pleasing and fresh-looking.

Salt

A light sprinkling of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas. It brings out the fruity flavours and adds a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. If you prefer a more pronounced salty taste, you can toss the chips in a little extra salt after cooking.

Oil

A neutral-tasting oil, such as coconut, olive, or avocado oil, is ideal for coating the banana slices. This helps to achieve a light and crispy texture without overpowering the delicate banana flavour. The oil also ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the chips.

Cinnamon

For a sweet and spicy kick, cinnamon is a wonderful addition. Mixing cinnamon with oil before coating the banana slices ensures an even distribution of the spice. This step is especially important if you want a consistent flavour in every bite.

Sugar and Spices

For a sweeter treat, you can sprinkle on some granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or even brown sugar. To make the chips extra spicy, consider adding nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. These sweet and spicy variations are perfect for those with a more adventurous palate.

Savoury Options

If you prefer savoury snacks, there are plenty of seasoning options to explore. A classic combination is salt and black pepper, providing a simple yet satisfying flavour profile. For a tropical twist, you can toss the chips with shredded coconut and lime zest before air frying. Alternatively, a pinch of chili lime salt, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, garlic powder, or red chilli powder will add a kick to your chips. You can even coat the banana chips in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for a savoury herb twist.

Cooking the banana chips

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook your banana chips!

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 212°F (100°C) to 350°F (177°C). The cooking time varies too, from 8-10 minutes to 40 minutes, so keep an eye on your chips!

While the air fryer is heating up, slice your bananas into thin, even slices. A mandoline slicer will help you achieve the desired thinness and uniformity. Place the slices in a bowl and add your chosen seasonings. Most recipes suggest salt, but you can also add cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice, or olive oil. Toss the banana slices so that they are evenly coated.

Next, place the banana slices in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Make sure they don't overlap, as this will ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches.

Now it's time to cook your banana chips! Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for the desired amount of time, checking halfway through. If the chips are sticking to the basket, carefully loosen them with a silicone spatula.

Once the chips are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack or cooling rack to cool. If you like, sprinkle them with a little extra salt.

Finally, enjoy your homemade banana chips! They are a perfect snack on their own, or you can dip them in sauces or pair them with other foods.

Storing the banana chips

Now that you've made your banana chips, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade snack:

• Cooling: Allow the banana chips to cool completely before storing them. This is crucial as it helps the chips reach their optimal crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy. Place them on a wire rack or a cooling rack to cool.
• Container: Store the cooled banana chips in an airtight container, such as a resealable storage bag or an airtight jar. This will keep them fresh and crispy.
• Paper Towel: To absorb any excess moisture and maintain crispiness, place a paper towel in the container along with the banana chips. The paper towel will help wick away moisture, ensuring your chips stay dry and crunchy.
• Storage Temperature: Banana chips can be stored at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate them.
• Storage Duration: Homemade banana chips can be stored for up to 3 weeks at room temperature if stored properly. However, for optimal freshness and crispiness, aim to finish the chips within a week.
• Freezing: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze your banana chips. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
• Batches: If you're making a large batch, it's a good idea to cook the banana slices in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cooking in smaller batches helps prevent overcrowding in the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chips.
• Spices: If you plan to add spices to your chips, do so before cooking. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Sweetness: For sweeter chips, you can add a touch of honey or sprinkle some sugar or coconut sugar over the banana slices before air frying.
• Oil Alternatives: While olive oil is commonly used, you can also experiment with avocado oil, coconut oil, or coconut oil spray. Alternatively, you can try an oil-free version, but the chips may not be as crispy.

Frequently asked questions