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

Banana chips are a tasty snack, but store-bought ones can be deep-fried and packed with calories, fat, and sugar. Making your own in an air fryer is a healthier, cheaper option, and it's easy to do! All you need are bananas, a little oil, and maybe some salt or cinnamon for seasoning. You can also add lemon juice to keep the chips from turning brown. Simply preheat your air fryer, slice the bananas, season them, and then cook for around 20-40 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Choosing the right bananas

Ripeness

The ideal banana for air fryer chips is ripe but still firm. Avoid using completely raw or overly ripe bananas as they won't taste as sweet and may not crisp up properly. Look for bananas that are just starting to turn brown, as they will have the best flavour and texture for this recipe.

Thickness of Slices

It's important to slice the bananas thinly and evenly. The thickness of the slices directly affects the texture and crispiness of the chips. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. A mandolin slicer can be very helpful in achieving uniform slices.

Oil

Using a small amount of oil will help to enhance the colour and crispiness of the banana chips. Olive oil, Avocado oil, or a neutral-flavoured oil of your choice can be used. Oil helps to prevent the bananas from turning brown and gives them a bright, golden colour.

Lemon or Lime Juice

Adding a dash of fresh lemon or lime juice to the banana slices is optional but recommended. It helps to enhance the flavour and prevent the bananas from turning brown.

Sweeteners

If you have a sweet tooth, you can lightly coat the banana slices in a natural sweetener like honey or stevia before air frying. This will give your chips an extra burst of sweetness.

Spices and Seasonings

There are endless possibilities for spices and seasonings to elevate your banana chips. For a sweet version, try cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of sugar. If you prefer a savoury spin, experiment with chili powder, cumin, or even a mix of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Slicing the bananas

Firstly, select ripe but firm bananas. Bananas that are starting to brown are ideal, as they have a good balance of sweetness and firmness. If you use green bananas, they won't be as sweet, but they will still work. Just make sure they are not overly ripe, as they will be difficult to cut into even slices and won't crisp up properly.

Next, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the bananas into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness is around 1/4 inch. If you want them to cook more quickly and crisp up even better, you can slice them slightly thinner, but be aware that they will be harder to work with. Uniform thickness is important to ensure that the banana chips cook at the same rate.

If you want to get creative, you can also cut the chips lengthwise for a unique shape.

Once you have your evenly sliced bananas, it's time to move on to the next step of the recipe!

Remember, the key to successful banana chips is thin, even slices. This will ensure that your chips cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Coating the bananas

Firstly, prepare your bananas by slicing them into thin, even chips. The recommended thickness is around 1/4 inch, and it is important to ensure uniformity in size for even cooking. A mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can be used for this step.

Next, transfer the banana slices to a large bowl. Add your preferred oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, and toss the slices gently until they are well coated. You can also add other ingredients to the bowl at this stage, such as lemon juice or cinnamon, depending on your desired flavour profile. For example, a dash of lemon juice will help retain the bright yellow colour of the bananas.

After coating, it is essential to arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping slices may result in uneven cooking and soggy chips. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in multiple batches.

Finally, before placing the basket in the air fryer, give the banana slices a final sprinkle of your chosen seasonings. A light sprinkling of salt is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Once you have arranged and seasoned the banana slices, it's time to air fry! Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and follow the recommended cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness. Remember to keep an eye on the chips to prevent overcooking, as air fryers may vary in temperature and cooking time.

By following these detailed instructions for coating the bananas, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy banana chips in your air fryer.

Air-frying the bananas

Next, place the banana slices in a bowl and coat them in a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or another neutral oil. Mix the oil and banana slices until they are combined. You can also add other flavourings at this stage, such as lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, or sugar.

Once the banana slices are coated, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly and may cause them to stick together. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in batches.

Now, place the basket in the air fryer and cook for around 20-40 minutes at your chosen temperature, flipping the banana slices halfway through. The chips are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. You can sprinkle them with salt if you wish. The chips will continue to harden as they cool, so allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storing the banana chips

Once your banana chips have cooled, it's important to store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature and will last for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To prevent them from going soggy, it's a good idea to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture. This will ensure your banana chips stay nice and crispy!

If you're making a big batch, it's best to let the chips cool completely before placing them in the container. Exposure to air can cause them to soften over time, so an airtight container is key to maintaining their freshness and crunch.

With proper storage, your homemade banana chips will be a tasty and healthy snack option for the whole family!

Frequently asked questions