Air Fryer Dehydrated Banana Chips: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air fryer banana chips are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in minutes. They are a great alternative to traditional banana chips, which are deep-fried and full of fat and calories. This recipe uses an air fryer to create a healthier version of this popular snack. The chips are perfect for any occasion, whether packed in lunches, added to trail mix, or enjoyed as a quick bite on the go.

This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and is easy to customise with different seasonings. The key to success is thinly slicing the bananas and using the correct air fryer temperature and timing to achieve the desired crispiness. With these tips in mind, anyone can make delicious air fryer banana chips at home.

Choosing the right bananas

Ripeness:

When making dehydrated banana chips, it is best to use bananas that are slightly green or just ripe. Overripe bananas tend to be too soft and mushy, making it difficult to slice them thinly and evenly. Look for bananas that are still firm, as they will hold their shape better during the dehydration process.

Thickness:

The thickness of your banana slices will impact the cooking time and the crispiness of your chips. Aim for slices that are between 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick (0.3-0.6 cm). Thinner slices will cook faster and result in crispier chips, but they may be more challenging to work with. Try to make your slices as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.

Number of Bananas:

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of batches you plan to cook, you may need more than one banana. As a general guideline, one medium to large banana should be enough for a single batch. However, it is always a good idea to have an extra banana on hand in case you need to prepare a larger batch.

Variety:

While most banana varieties will work for dehydrated chips, some types may be better suited than others. Look for bananas that are firmer and not too sweet, as they will hold their shape better during dehydration and provide a less intense banana flavor.

Peeling:

Before slicing your bananas, make sure to peel them carefully. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the banana, then slit the peel lengthwise along each seam. Remove the peel sections, and you will be left with a peeled banana ready for slicing.

Soaking:

To prevent your banana chips from turning brown and to add a bit of flavor, you can soak the slices in a mixture of water and citrus juice (such as lemon or lime juice) for about 5 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but can help improve the color and taste of your chips.

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

Preparing the bananas

Select bananas that are slightly green or yellow, as they will be firmer and easier to slice. If you are using ripe bananas, ensure they are still firm. Overripe bananas will not crisp up properly.

Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the bananas into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness is between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch (0.3-0.6 cm). Thinner slices will cook more quickly and result in crispier chips, but they may be harder to work with.

Place the banana slices in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet. Sprinkle or brush them with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning and add a bright flavour. You can also soak the slices in a mixture of water and lemon/lime juice for about five minutes. This step is optional but will help keep the bananas from turning brown.

At this point, you can also add other seasonings to experiment with different flavours. You can sprinkle the banana slices with salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also soak the slices in water with salt and turmeric instead of lemon juice.

Air Fryer Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to between 212°F (100°C) and 360°F (180°C). The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer model, but lower temperatures are generally recommended to prevent burning.

Lightly coat the inside of the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice.

Place the banana slices in a single layer on the prepared air fryer tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches.

Lightly spray or drizzle the banana slices with oil and season with a pinch of salt, if desired.

Air Frying and Serving

Air fry the banana chips for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (177°C). If your air fryer has a temperature setting, you may need to experiment to find the ideal temperature for your model.

Check the chips halfway through the cooking time and loosen any slices that are sticking to the tray. The chips around the edges of the tray tend to brown faster, so remove them early if needed.

After the initial cooking time, let the chips cool completely before serving. They will continue to firm up and crisp as they cool. If they are still too soft, you can air fry them for an additional 2 to 4 minutes at the same temperature.

Enjoy your homemade banana chips as a healthy and delicious snack!

Air fryer settings

The first step in making banana chips in an air fryer is to preheat the air fryer. Different recipes recommend different temperatures for this step, ranging from 212°F (100°C) to 360°F (182.2°C).

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the banana slices in the basket or on the tray. It is important to arrange the slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the banana slices in batches.

The air fryer temperature for cooking the banana chips varies across recipes, with recommendations ranging from 300°F (148.9°C) to 400°F (204.4°C). The cooking time also differs, with some recipes suggesting 10-12 minutes, while others recommend up to 40 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the banana chips during cooking, as they can go from chewy to crisp to burnt very quickly.

If you are making crispy banana chips, it is recommended to cook the slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can result in soggy or chewy chips. Additionally, it is important to use firm bananas that are not overripe, as they will not crisp up properly.

For best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. However, one recipe suggests that preheating is not necessary and that cooking on low heat is sufficient to prevent the banana chips from burning.

Some recipes also suggest misting the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking, while others recommend coating the banana slices with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer banana chips will vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, the ripeness of the bananas, and the thickness of the slices.

For crispy banana chips, it is important to thinly slice the bananas. The recommended thickness of the slices varies from 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and crisp up better, but they may be harder to work with. It is also important to ensure that the slices are of uniform thickness to help them cook more evenly.

Before placing the banana slices in the air fryer, it is recommended to coat them with lemon or lime juice to prevent them from turning brown. Some recipes also suggest coating the slices with oil or a mixture of oil and cinnamon to enhance the flavor and crispiness of the chips.

The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 212°F (100°C) and 360°F (182°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness, but it typically ranges from 10 to 40 minutes. It is important to check the chips periodically to ensure they do not burn.

For crispy banana chips, it is recommended to cook the slices in a single layer and flip them halfway through the cooking process. If the chips are not crispy enough after the initial cooking time, they can be placed back in the air fryer for an additional 2 to 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted based on the specific air fryer model and the ripeness and thickness of the banana slices.

Storing your banana chips

• Allow the banana chips to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cooled banana chips in an airtight container, such as a jar or zip bag.
• For extra protection against moisture, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Do not freeze the banana chips, as they do not defrost well.
• If you want to store the banana chips for a longer period, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove excess air from the container.
• Banana chips will generally last at least 1 year if stored in airtight containers.
• For day-to-day access, use plastic canning jar lids for convenient access.

Frequently asked questions