Air-Fryer Banana Chips: A Crunchy Slider Topper

Air fryer banana chips are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in minutes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a sweet or savoury treat that's perfect for kids' lunches, picnics, or anytime you need a quick bite. They're also a great way to use up any extra bananas you have lying around.

The key to getting crispy banana chips is thinly slicing the bananas and cooking them at a low temperature. You can experiment with different seasonings, such as cinnamon, sugar, or even chili powder, to find your favourite flavour. So, if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious snack, why not give air fryer banana chips a try?

Choosing the right bananas

When slicing the bananas, it's essential to cut them into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness is around 1/4 inch. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can help you achieve uniform slices. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and result in crispier chips, but they may be more challenging to work with. On the other hand, thicker slices might not crisp up properly, so finding the right balance is key.

Another factor to consider is the number of bananas you'll need. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the desired yield, you may need two to three bananas. It's always a good idea to have a few extra bananas on hand, especially if you're making banana chips for a larger group or if you anticipate snacking on some during the preparation!

When preparing the bananas, it's best to slice them just before cooking to prevent them from browning. However, if you need to prepare them in advance, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the slices to help preserve their colour and freshness.

In summary, choosing the right bananas for your air fryer chips involves selecting ripe yet firm fruit, preferably green or yellow, and slicing them into thin, even pieces. With the right bananas and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy banana chips!

Slicing the bananas

First, peel the bananas and place them on a cutting board. Then, cut the bananas in half lengthwise. It's best to do this one half at a time to prevent the banana from breaking. After that, slice the banana halves horizontally to make it easier to get those perfect, tiny banana pieces. You can also cut each half once more vertically to get four pieces instead of two. This will ensure you get a banana piece in every bite!

If you're making a large batch of banana chips, a mandolin slicer can help you achieve even, thin slices with less effort. However, a sharp chef's knife will also do the trick! Just be sure to cut the bananas as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.

Seasoning the banana slices

Choose the Right Bananas:

Start by selecting the right bananas for your chips. Ripe but firm bananas are ideal, as they will provide a good balance of sweetness and structure. Avoid using completely raw or overripe bananas, as they won't taste as sweet and may not crisp up properly.

Prepare Your Seasonings:

Before seasoning the banana slices, gather your chosen seasonings. You can keep it simple with just lemon juice and salt, or get creative with additional spices. Some popular options include cinnamon, chili powder, paprika, turmeric powder, curry powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper. You can also experiment with sweet spices like granulated sugar, coconut sugar, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for a dessert-like treat.

Coating the Banana Slices:

Now it's time to coat the banana slices with your chosen seasonings. Place the slices on a baking sheet or in a bowl. If using lemon juice, coat the slices with it first, as it helps prevent browning and adds a bright flavor. You can brush or dip the slices in lemon juice, or use a lemon-water mixture.

Adding Dry Seasonings:

After coating with lemon juice, it's time to add your dry seasonings. Sprinkle the banana slices lightly with salt, ensuring an even distribution. You can also add other dry seasonings like cinnamon, chili powder, or any spice blend of your choice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

Oil Spray:

Once you've added the dry seasonings, give the banana slices a light coating of oil spray. This step helps the chips achieve a light and crispy texture without overpowering the natural banana flavor. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Repeat the process of coating with lemon juice, adding dry seasonings, and spraying with oil to ensure an even coating.

Layering in the Air Fryer:

After seasoning, it's essential to place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in multiple batches.

Mid-Cooking Adjustments:

During the cooking process, it's a good idea to check on your banana chips halfway through. Loosen any slices that might be starting to stick to the basket and give them a gentle toss to ensure even cooking. This will help you achieve that perfect crispiness.

Post-Cooking Seasoning:

Once your banana chips are cooked and removed from the air fryer, you can add some final touches. If you feel they need a little extra flavor, sprinkle them with a bit of salt or your favorite spice blend. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the overall taste of your chips.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your taste buds and don't be afraid to experiment. With these tips, you'll be able to create delicious and uniquely flavored banana chips in your air fryer!

Placing the banana slices in the air fryer

Now that you have your air fryer preheated and your bananas sliced, seasoned, and oiled, it's time to place the banana slices in the air fryer.

First, lay the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This is important because it allows for proper air circulation, which will help the banana slices cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once you have arranged the banana slices in the air fryer, it's time to cook them. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your banana slices. For example, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, while others recommend 300°F for 25-28 minutes or 360°F for 12 minutes. Be sure to check your banana chips halfway through the cooking time and loosen them from the basket if they are starting to stick. This will help them cook more evenly.

If your banana slices are thinner than 1/4 inch, they may cook more quickly, so be sure to check frequently to ensure they don't burn. On the other hand, if your banana chips are soggy or not crispy enough, you may need to cook them for a few extra minutes.

Once the banana chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container for later snacking!

Serving suggestions

Banana chips made in an air fryer are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

On-the-Move Munching

Toss the banana chips into a ziplock bag for a quick and healthy snack when you're on the go. They are a superior substitute for store-bought chips.

Dip Companions

Pair your banana chips with a dollop of your favourite nut butter. The mix of sweet and savoury flavours is a perfect combination.

Breakfast Booster

Add some banana chips to your morning yoghurt or cottage cheese for a natural sweetness kick and an irresistible crunch. A few berries or a honey drizzle will only add to the charm.

Dessert Enhancer

Jazz up your bowl of ice cream or frozen yoghurt with these crunchy chips as a topping. It's a delightful combination of creamy and crispy.

Trail Mix Treat

Mix these chips with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a DIY trail mix. It's perfect for hikes, picnics, or just a midday snack.

Salads

Top a salad with some banana chips for added crunch.

Dips

When the banana chips come straight out of the air fryer, they are wonderful when served with dips such as guacamole or salsa.

With Breakfast

Serve the banana chips with a smoothie or a bowl of oatmeal or Weetabix.

With Dessert

Banana crisps also work as a quick plant-based dessert after a main meal or as a topping for yoghurt or ice cream. They are delicious when paired with chocolate or mango ice cream.

Frequently asked questions