Air Fryer Banana Chips: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air fryer banana chips are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in a few simple steps. The chips are easy to make, requiring only a few essential ingredients, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. They are also highly customisable, with options to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a chocolate drizzle.

Choosing the right bananas

Ripeness

The ideal banana for making chips is ripe but still firm. Overly ripe or soft bananas will not crisp up properly in the air fryer and may turn out soggy. Look for bananas that are yellow and have a little bit of green at the stem. Avoid bananas with lots of spots or brown speckles, as these are likely to be too ripe.

Thickness of Slices

It's important to slice the bananas evenly and thinly. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and might not crisp up properly, while thinner slices could burn easily. A mandolin slicer can help you achieve uniform thickness.

Type of Banana

While regular ripe bananas can be used, green or unripe bananas are often preferred for making banana chips. They tend to be firmer and less sweet, resulting in crunchier chips. Plantains, a type of banana that is starchier and less sweet, are also a popular choice for banana chips due to their firm texture.

Number of Bananas

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of chips you want to make, you may need two or three bananas. Some recipes suggest using Lady Finger bananas, which are smaller in size. Adjust the number of bananas accordingly to fit your air fryer and desired yield.

Storage

If you're not using the bananas right away, store them at room temperature. They will continue to ripen, so keep an eye on their ripeness to ensure they don't become too soft before you're ready to make your chips.

Peeling

Before slicing your bananas, you'll need to peel them. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the peel, trying to keep the fruit underneath intact. Slit the peel lengthwise along each seam and then remove each section.

By following these tips and choosing the right bananas, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy banana chips in your air fryer oven!

Preparing the bananas

Firstly, select the right bananas. It's best to use ripe but firm bananas; if they're too soft or overripe, they won't crisp up properly in the air fryer. Green or yellow bananas are ideal, as they will be firmer. You can also use plantains, which are starchier and less sweet, for a different flavour and texture.

Next, slice the bananas. It's important to cut the bananas into thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and crisp up better, but they may be harder to work with, so slightly thicker slices are also fine.

Once you've sliced the bananas, it's time to coat them. This step will help ensure your chips don't turn brown and will add some flavour. Place the slices in a bowl and toss them with olive oil or another neutral-flavoured oil of your choice. You only need a small amount of oil—just enough to coat the slices lightly. Then, dip each slice in lemon or lime juice. You can also add other seasonings at this point if you want to get creative. Cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, or a dash of salt are all great options.

After coating the banana slices, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place the slices 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 chips in batches.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Preheat your air fryer to between 200-300°F (95-149°C). The lower temperature is better if you're using an oven. Air fry the banana chips for 20-25 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your slices and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Finally, let the banana chips cool. This step is important because it allows the chips to crisp up. Let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. Your banana chips are now ready to enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for making banana chips in an air fryer oven vary depending on the recipe and the desired crispiness of the chips. Here is a detailed guide on air fryer temperature and timing:

Air Fryer Temperature:

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 200-260ºF (95-125ºC). However, one recipe suggests a lower temperature of 180ºC.

Air Frying Time:

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the banana slices and the desired level of crispiness. Thinner slices will cook faster and result in crispier chips. The cooking time can range from 10-40 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the chips to prevent burning and adjust the time accordingly.

Checking and Flipping:

It is recommended to check the chips halfway through the cooking time and loosen any slices that may be sticking to the basket. Flipping the chips ensures even cooking and helps prevent burning.

Cooling and Crisping:

After removing the chips from the air fryer, it is essential to let them cool down. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool. Placing the chips on a cooling rack helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Air Fryer Variations:

Different air fryer models may require adjustments to temperature and timing. It is advised to tweak the settings to suit your preferred level of crispiness and your air fryer model.

Tips for Crispier Chips:

• Use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas may not crisp up properly.
• Slice the bananas thinly and evenly. Mandolin slicers can help achieve uniform thickness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chips in batches if needed.
• Use oil sparingly. Excess oil can result in soggy chips.
• Store the chips in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.

In summary, making banana chips in an air fryer involves preheating the appliance, slicing bananas, arranging them in the basket, and air frying until crispy. The temperature and timing can be adjusted based on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model.

Storing the banana chips

Storing banana chips is easy. You can store them in an airtight container or zip bag at room temperature. They should keep for around one week to three weeks, or even up to a year if you've used a vacuum sealer. If you want to freeze your banana chips, it's best to use freezer bags.

Serving suggestions

Banana chips are a versatile snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving suggestions:

Savoury

• As a side dish with lunch
• As a topping for salads, such as an apple walnut salad
• With dips such as guacamole, salsa, hummus, or pineapple pico de gallo
• Seasoned with salt and pepper for a classic flavour combination
• Spicy, with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli powder
• As a topping for oatmeal or yoghurt

Sweet

• With chocolate syrup for dipping
• With honey drizzled on top
• Sweetened with a sprinkle of sugar, coconut sugar, or honey
• With cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a dessert-like flavour
• With ice cream, such as chocolate banana ice cream

Frequently asked questions