Air fried banana chips with cinnamon sugar are one of those simple snacks that instantly feel nostalgic. I can still picture myself perched at the kitchen counter back in Wyoming, watching my mom carefully slice plantains and coat them with sugar before they sizzled in the frying pan. It was our little afterschool treat. Years later, when I made banana chips in my air fryer for the first time, I was trying to recreate that cozy, cinnamon-kissed memory.
The first batch wasn’t perfect—I sliced them too thick and forgot to flip them. But once I figured out the sweet spot (thin slices, coconut oil, and cinnamon sugar), these banana chips turned out golden, crispy, and so addictive. Now, they’re a go-to snack in my kitchen.
If you’re looking for something crunchy, quick, and full of flavor, this recipe will become your new favorite. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make air fried banana chips with cinnamon sugar that actually turn out crispy, what to do if they come out soggy, and how to adjust your air fryer for dehydrating bananas or even frying thicker slices. It’s the perfect easy snack when you need comfort without the guilt.
Table of Contents
What Makes Air Fried Banana Chips Crispy
The most common question I get is, “Why aren’t my banana chips crispy?” Trust me, I’ve been there. You follow the recipe, but the slices come out chewy or, worse, soggy. The key to getting that perfect crunch in your air fried banana chips comes down to a few simple but essential choices.
Start With the Right Bananas
Skip the ripe, spotty ones. You want bananas that are just turning yellow—firm, but not green. Overripe bananas contain too much sugar and moisture, which leads to soft chips. If the banana gives too easily when you press it, it’s better for banana bread, not chips.
Thin, even slices are also non-negotiable. Slice with precision using a mandoline or a razor-sharp knife, targeting a thinness of about 1/8 inch. Thicker cuts take longer and don’t crisp up well, while uneven slices will cook at different rates and burn.
Pair these chips with creamy desserts like our Churro Cheesecake Bars for the ultimate cinnamon-sugar duo.
How to Make Air Fried Banana Chips
Here’s the basic process:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Lightly brush banana slices with melted coconut oil.
- Sprinkle them with a cinnamon sugar mix before placing them in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
- Let them cool completely—they crisp up more as they rest.
Spacing matters. Avoid overlapping the banana slices, or you’ll end up steaming them instead of frying. Use parchment paper with holes or a silicone mat to prevent sticking if needed.
Print
Air Fried Banana Chips – 5-Min Recipe with a Crispy Surprise
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, sweet Air Fried Banana Chips made with cinnamon sugar in under 10 minutes. A quick, healthy snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 firm bananas
1 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Slice bananas 1/8 inch thick.
2. Brush with melted coconut oil.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on both sides.
4. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
5. Flip halfway through cooking.
6. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Best with barely ripe bananas. Chips continue to crisp after cooling. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10–12 chips
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why Your Air Fried Banana Chips Aren’t Crispy (And How to Fix Them)
We’ve all been there—your Air Fried Banana Chips come out looking golden but turn soft after cooling. It’s frustrating, but luckily, it’s also fixable. The truth is, even a small mistake in the process can lead to soggy chips. Here’s what might be going wrong—and how to get that crisp, satisfying snap every time.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Soggy Chips
The number one culprit? Bananas that are too ripe. As bananas ripen, they hold more moisture and sugar. That extra moisture leads to steaming rather than crisping, especially if you overcrowd the basket.
Another issue is slice thickness. Even if your bananas are firm, slices that are too thick or uneven won’t cook consistently. Some parts may crisp while others stay soft. Finally, skipping the flip can leave one side chewy while the other crisps.
Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Soggy chips | Use firmer bananas, slice thinner, increase air flow |
| Uneven texture | Cut even slices and flip halfway through |
| Sticking to tray | Use parchment with holes or lightly spray basket |
Getting It Just Right
Let the chips cool completely before judging their crunch. Air fried banana chips continue to harden as they cool, so don’t panic right out of the fryer.
Craving something cold after these crispy treats? Try the refreshing Mexican Lime Icebox Cake to cool things down.
Cinnamon Sugar & Creative Twists for Banana Chips
One of the best things about air fried banana chips is how flexible they are. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the cinnamon sugar topping is just the beginning. Let’s dig into creative ways to flavor your chips and answer two more popular air fryer questions.
Can You Fry Bananas in an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can fry both sliced bananas (for chips) and larger pieces (for caramelized bananas). For banana chips, stick to thin slices brushed with coconut oil. For whole or halved bananas, coat with a light layer of sugar and air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. The result? Caramelized edges with a soft center—perfect over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Can I Dehydrate Bananas in My Air Fryer?
Absolutely. While not every model has a dehydration setting, most can simulate it. Dehydration takes longer than frying but gives you chewy, dried banana slices with less sweetness. Set your air fryer to the lowest temp (usually around 130–140°F) and run it for 2–3 hours. Flip every 30–45 minutes for even drying.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Swap cinnamon sugar for Tajín for a spicy-sweet version
– Sprinkle cardamom or nutmeg for warming depth
– Add a dash of vanilla extract to your oil before brushing
– Toss finished chips in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist
No matter how you season them, these banana chips are perfect for snacking, school lunches, or guilt-free dessert nights. Get creative and make them your own!
Conclusion
Air fried banana chips with cinnamon sugar are proof that simple snacks can be deeply satisfying. With just a few bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and a trusty air fryer, you can create something that tastes like a treat but feels guilt-free. Whether you’re making them for your kids, prepping a snack for yourself, or looking for a healthier dessert option, this recipe delivers every time.
Want more quick and easy Mexican-style desserts? Explore our Traditional Mexican Desserts
or Vegan Mexican Desserts
From one busy dessert-loving mom to another—these crispy chips just might become your new favorite snack.
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FAQ
How to make crispy banana chips in an air fryer?
Slice bananas 1/8-inch thick, brush with coconut oil, and air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway and cool completely for maximum crunch.
Why my banana chips are not crispy?
Soggy chips usually mean overripe bananas, slices too thick, or overcrowding in the basket. Use firmer bananas and make sure the slices don’t overlap.
Can I dehydrate bananas in my air fryer?
Yes, use the lowest setting (130–140°F) and air fry for 2–3 hours. Flip every 30–45 minutes to dry evenly.
Can you fry bananas in an air fryer?
Definitely! You can fry both slices for chips or whole pieces. Brush with oil and sugar, and air fry at 375°F until golden.