Air Fryer Dried Bananas: A Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier versions of indulgent treats, and banana chips are no exception. Making dried bananas in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few ingredients. The process is straightforward: slice bananas thinly, season with lemon juice, salt, and oil, and then cook in the air fryer for around 40 minutes at a low temperature. The result is a delicious, crispy, sweet and salty snack that's perfect for kids' lunches, picnics, or anytime you need a quick bite.

Choosing the right bananas

When preparing the bananas, slice them thinly and evenly, as the thickness of the slices directly affects the texture and crispiness of the final product. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin slicer to achieve thin, uniform slices.

Before placing the banana slices in the air fryer, pretreating them can help prevent browning. Gently toss the slices in lemon juice or citric acid, being careful not to break them. You can also spray the slices with a bit of cooking oil.

By choosing the right type of bananas, slicing them appropriately, and pretreating them before air frying, you can ensure that your dried bananas turn out crispy and delicious.

Preparing the bananas

Firstly, select the right bananas for the job. It is recommended to use firm, ripe bananas that are not too ripe or overripe. Green or yellow bananas are ideal, as they will be firmer and easier to work with. Overripe bananas tend to be too soft and mushy, which can affect the final texture of the dried bananas.

Next, peel the bananas and slice them into even pieces. The thickness of the slices is important, as it will impact the cooking time and the crispiness of the final product. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandoline slicer to get even slices. Thinner slices will cook faster and result in crispier chips, but they may be more difficult to work with.

Once the bananas are sliced, it is a good idea to pre-treat them to prevent browning. One common method is to soak the slices in lemon water (a mixture of lemon juice or citric acid and water) for about five minutes. This will help keep the bananas looking fresh and prevent discolouration during the drying process. Alternatively, you can gently toss the banana slices in lemon juice or citric acid, being careful not to break the slices.

After the bananas have been pre-treated, it is time to add some flavour and prepare them for the air fryer. Place the banana slices in a bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or a neutral cooking spray. Coat the slices evenly with the oil, using a rubber spatula to stir them carefully. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas.

For an extra flavour boost, you can sprinkle the banana slices with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. If you want to make savoury banana chips, you can omit the cinnamon and instead sprinkle the slices with salt. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the oil mixture.

Now the bananas are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bananas in batches.

Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and remember to check on the bananas periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your slices, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Once the bananas are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. The bananas will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't be tempted to put them back in the air fryer if they seem a little soft at first.

Air fryer temperature and time

When making banana chips in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. The ideal temperature for preheating is around 212°F (100°C). However, it can vary between 300°F and 375°F depending on the recipe and the desired outcome.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the banana slices. Thinner slices, around 1/4 inch thick, will cook faster and crisp up better. For slices of this thickness, cook for around 25 to 28 minutes at 300°F, flipping them halfway through. For thicker slices, increase the cooking time to around 40 minutes at 212°F (100°C). It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

To achieve crispier banana chips, it is recommended to cook the bananas for an additional 5 to 10 minutes if they are still chewy after the initial cooking time. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.

Additionally, the ripeness of the bananas can affect the cooking time and final texture. Firmer, slightly underripe bananas are best for making chips as they will crisp up better. Overripe bananas may not crisp properly and can become sticky.

Layering the bananas

Firstly, it is crucial to slice the bananas thinly and evenly. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp chef's knife or a mandolin slicer to achieve even slices. The evenness of the slices will ensure that the bananas dry uniformly in the air fryer.

Next, prepare a mixture of lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like cinnamon or garlic powder to this mixture if you want to experiment with different flavours. Give the bowl a gentle mix to ensure everything is combined.

Now, it's time to layer the bananas in the air fryer. Place each slice of banana into the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer. Make sure that the slices are not overlapping and are arranged in a single layer. This step is crucial as it ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each slice, dehydrating them uniformly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bananas in batches.

Once you have arranged the banana slices in a single layer, it's time to add the lemon juice and salt mixture. Gently brush or sprinkle the mixture over the banana slices, ensuring that each slice is coated. This step will help to enhance the flavour and prevent the bananas from browning during the dehydration process.

After all the banana slices are coated, it's time to air fry! Place the tray or basket into the air fryer and set the temperature to between 212°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your banana slices, but on average, it should take around 10-40 minutes for the bananas to dehydrate.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the bananas and check them regularly to ensure they are not burning. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to loosen the bananas from the tray or basket halfway through the cooking process to prevent sticking.

Once the bananas are dehydrated to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. The bananas will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't be tempted to put them back in the air fryer if they seem a little soft.

And that's it! You now have delicious, healthy dried banana snacks that are perfect for on-the-go munching or adding to your favourite recipes. Enjoy!

Storing the dried bananas

Storing your dehydrated bananas correctly is key to extending their shelf life. If you're looking to keep your banana chips for a shorter period, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to five days using this method.

For longer-term storage, place your dehydrated bananas in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. This will keep them fresh for up to six months. Alternatively, you can store them in a zip-top bag or sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Frequently asked questions