Air Fryer Crispy Banana Chips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier versions of indulgent treats, and banana chips are no exception. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can make crispy, crunchy, sweet, and salty banana chips that are perfect for snacking. This guide will teach you how to make delicious banana chips using an air fryer, with tips on getting the perfect crunch and customizing your chips with different seasonings.

Choosing the right bananas

Another option is to use plantains instead of bananas. Plantains are part of the banana family but are typically larger and thicker, with a slightly more savoury taste. They will result in a starchier and less sweet chip compared to regular bananas.

When preparing your bananas, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly. Aim for slices that are around 1/4 inch thick, or even slightly thinner if you can manage it without them breaking. This will ensure that your chips cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. If your slices are too thick, they may not crisp up properly, and if they are too thin, they might burn. A mandolin slicer can be a helpful tool to ensure uniform thickness.

Preparing the bananas

Firstly, select ripe but firm bananas. Overly ripe bananas will be too mushy, and under-ripe ones won't have enough natural sweetness. The type of banana is also a matter of preference; while plantain bananas are commonly used for banana chips due to their lower sugar content and firmer texture, regular ripe bananas will work too and will result in a sweeter chip.

Next, slice the bananas into thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, or slightly thinner if you want an even crispier chip. Uniform slices are important to ensure even cooking and the perfect crunch. A mandoline slicer can be useful here to achieve even, thin slices.

Once sliced, place the bananas in a bowl and coat them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral oil like coconut or canola oil. Toss the banana slices gently to ensure each slice is evenly coated, being careful not to break them.

At this stage, you can also add other seasonings to taste. A sprinkle of salt will enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like cinnamon, chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

After coating and seasoning the banana slices, they are ready to be arranged in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, making sure the slices 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 banana slices in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now your banana slices are prepared and ready for the air fryer!

Seasoning the bananas

Firstly, thinly sliced bananas should be placed on a baking sheet or in a bowl. Then, they need to be coated with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning and add a bright flavour. A light sprinkling of salt will bring out the sweetness of the bananas.

For a savoury twist, you can add spices such as chilli powder, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cayenne pepper, or cumin. For a classic flavour combination, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Alternatively, for a traditional South Indian snack, add ground turmeric and a little extra salt.

For a sweeter option, you can add a dusting of cinnamon, sugar, coconut sugar, nutmeg, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice. For a dessert-style banana chip, a drizzle of honey or melted chocolate will create a sticky, sweet finish.

Arranging the bananas in the air fryer

When arranging the banana slices in the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This is to allow proper air circulation and even cooking, resulting in that desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in batches to avoid overcrowding.

For even and thin slices, it's recommended to use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The ideal thickness of the banana slices is around 1/4 inch or slightly thinner, as this will help them cook more quickly and evenly. However, thinner slices may be harder to work with.

Before placing the banana slices in the air fryer, they should be seasoned and coated with oil. This can be done by placing the slices in a bowl and tossing them with oil, or by coating them with oil and seasoning on a baking sheet. Some recipes suggest mixing cinnamon with the oil to ensure an even distribution of the spice.

Once the banana slices are seasoned and coated, they can be arranged in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overlap them. If your air fryer basket has a removable non-stick mesh grill, it is recommended to remove it to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Storing the banana chips

Storing your banana chips properly is essential to maintaining their crunchiness and extending their shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade banana chips:

Storing at Room Temperature:

• Airtight Container: Place the cooled banana chips in an airtight container, such as a jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep out air and moisture, preventing the chips from becoming soggy.
• Paper Towel: To absorb any excess moisture and keep the chips crispy, place a paper towel in the container along with the banana chips.
• Storage Time: Banana chips stored at room temperature in an airtight container can last for up to a week. However, for the best results and to maintain maximum crispiness, it is recommended to consume them within a few days.

Storing in the Freezer:

• Cooling: Before transferring the banana chips to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensure that they are completely cooled to room temperature.
• Freezer Storage: Place the cooled banana chips in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer. This will extend their shelf life for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: When ready to serve, remove the desired portion of banana chips from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.

Additional Tips:

• Even Slicing: Cut the bananas into even slices of approximately 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and crispiness.
• Single Layer: When placing the banana slices in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, avoiding overlap. This promotes even cooking and crispiness.
• Oil Distribution: If using oil, ensure it is evenly distributed on the banana slices. This helps achieve a consistent golden color and crispness.
• Cooling: Allow the banana chips to cool completely before storing. They will continue to harden and become crunchier as they cool.
• Airtight Storage: Once cooled, store the banana chips in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. Exposure to air can cause them to soften over time.

Frequently asked questions