Air Fryer Banana Chips: Easy, Healthy, And Delicious!

Air fryer banana chips are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in a few simple steps. They are easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and can be seasoned to your preference. The chips can be made sweet or savoury, and are a great snack for both kids and adults.

Choosing the right bananas

Ripeness

The ideal bananas for air fryer chips are ripe but still firm. Overly ripe bananas tend to be too soft and mushy, which can affect the crispiness of your chips. Look for bananas that are just starting to turn yellow, or even slightly green, as these will provide the best texture for slicing and frying.

Thickness

When it comes to slicing your bananas, aim for thin, even slices. The recommended thickness is around 1/4 inch or slightly thinner. Thinner slices will crisp up better and cook more evenly. However, be careful not to slice them too thin, as they may break or be difficult to work with.

Variety

You can use regular bananas or plantains for your chips. Plantains are starchier and less sweet than bananas, resulting in a chip that is slightly greener in colour and has a different flavour profile. If you prefer a sweeter chip, bananas are the way to go. However, if you're looking for a starchier, less sweet option, plantains are a great choice.

Quantity

Air fryer banana chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store them for later. If you want to make a large batch, be prepared to work in smaller batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the quantity of bananas you use.

Storage

If you have leftover banana chips, store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This will help keep your chips crispy and fresh. They should last for about a week at room temperature if stored properly.

Preparing the bananas

• Choose the Right Bananas: Select ripe but firm bananas for the best results. Avoid using overripe bananas as they may become too mushy and not crisp up properly. Green or yellow bananas are ideal as they tend to be firmer.
• Slice the Bananas: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the bananas into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness is around 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and result in crispier chips.
• Soak in Salt Water (Optional): If you want to prevent the bananas from turning brown, you can create a saltwater solution by adding salt to a bowl of water. Quickly place the sliced bananas into the saltwater solution after cutting. This step is optional but helps maintain the color of the bananas.
• Remove Excess Liquid: If you soaked the bananas in saltwater, use paper towels to remove any excess liquid or water from the banana slices. This step is important to ensure the chips don't become soggy.
• Season the Bananas: Place the banana slices in a bowl and drizzle or spray them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Toss the slices gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the bananas with a pinch of salt. You can also add other seasonings like cinnamon, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap and avoid overcrowding the air fryer. You may need to cook the bananas in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared bananas that are ready to be air-fried into delicious, crispy chips!

Seasoning the bananas

To season the bananas, start by slicing them into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness varies between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, but may be harder to work with. Uniform slices are important to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.

Once sliced, place the bananas in a bowl and coat them with a light drizzle of olive oil or another neutral oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil. You can also use a cooking spray. Toss or stir gently to ensure that all slices are evenly coated, being careful not to break them.

After coating with oil, it's time to add the seasonings. Sea salt or kosher salt is a popular choice, as it enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas. You can also get creative with other seasonings like cinnamon, chili powder, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cayenne pepper, or cumin. For a sweeter treat, you can add a sprinkle of sugar, cinnamon, or even honey. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try more unique combinations like nutmeg and allspice, or sea salt and vinegar.

The key to successful seasoning is to ensure that the bananas are evenly coated. You may need to flip the slices and repeat the coating process to ensure full coverage. After seasoning, arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them, as this can affect the cooking process and the crispiness of the chips.

Cooking the banana chips

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

Start by thinly slicing your bananas. The thickness of your slices will affect the texture and crispiness of your chips. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 inch or slightly thinner. Place the slices in a bowl and coat them with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. You can also add lemon juice or lime juice at this point to add some flavour and prevent the bananas from browning. Sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings, such as cinnamon, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

Next, place your banana slices in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. This helps prevent the chips from sticking together. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches.

Cook the banana chips at a temperature between 300-360°F for 10-28 minutes. Check on them halfway through the cooking time and loosen any slices that are sticking to the basket. This will help them cook more evenly.

Once the chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack. If you prefer your chips on the chewier side, you can air fry them for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Your banana chips are now ready to be enjoyed! For the best results, eat them immediately to savour the crispiness. However, they can be stored at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Storing the banana chips

Storing your banana chips correctly is essential to preserving their texture and taste. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade air-fried banana chips:

Cooling:

First, let the banana chips cool completely before storing them. This step is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate, helping the chips retain their crispiness.

Storage Container:

Place the cooled banana chips in an airtight container. Using an airtight container ensures that the chips remain crisp and fresh for a longer period.

Absorbing Moisture:

To further prevent moisture buildup, which can cause sogginess, place a paper towel in the container with the chips. The paper towel will help absorb any excess moisture and keep your chips crisp.

Storage Temperature:

Store your banana chips at room temperature. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can affect their texture and make them soggy.

Storage Duration:

Properly stored banana chips can last for up to 5 days at room temperature. However, for optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume them within the first few days, as they will gradually lose their crispiness over time.

Storing Flavoured Chips:

If you have made flavoured banana chips, such as those with cinnamon or sugar, ensure that they are also stored in an airtight container. The spices and flavours can attract moisture, so it is essential to keep them sealed.

Storing Green Banana Chips:

If you are storing green banana chips, which are made from unripe bananas, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Freezing Banana Chips:

It is not recommended to freeze banana chips, as they do not defrost well. Freezing can alter their texture, making them soggy and unappealing.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade air-fried banana chips for several days while maintaining their delicious crispiness!

Frequently asked questions