If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and easy, these air fried cinnamon banana chips are just what you need. Lightly sweetened, perfectly crisp, and made in minutes with simple ingredients, they’re the ultimate guilt-free Mexican-inspired snack. Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat for the kids or just something to satisfy that afternoon crunch craving, this Air fried cinnamon banana chips delivers. In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal story behind this recipe and how to get perfect, crisp results every time. Get ready to savor this delicious blend of sweetness and spice—crispy and golden straight from the air fryer.
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
Why I Fell in Love with Air Fried Cinnamon Banana Chips
The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen has a charm all its own—like a cozy hug in the air. For me, it’s a scent tied to comfort—and to my mom’s warm hugs after school. I grew up watching her slice bananas for plátanos fritos, but I didn’t always have the time (or energy) to fry things in oil. One day, while experimenting with my air fryer, I tossed some banana slices with cinnamon and a tiny bit of sugar. The result? A crunchy, sweet chip that tasted like everything I missed about home—without the mess or grease.
That first batch didn’t go as planned. I didn’t dry the bananas enough, and they turned out chewy instead of crisp. But after a few tries—and learning from my mistakes—I got the technique down. It’s now a staple in my snack rotation and a hit with my kids. They call them “banana churro chips,” and I kind of love that.
This recipe for air fried cinnamon banana chips is perfect for beginners, especially if you’ve never used an air fryer beyond heating frozen foods. It’s also great if you’re trying to keep things on the healthier side. Just like my air fried banana chips, this version is sweet, simple, and full of flavor.
If you enjoy easy Mexican treats like my churro cheesecake bars, you’re going to love this one. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, store them for days, and snack whenever that cinnamon craving hits. It’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something special—and that’s always been my favorite kind of kitchen magic.
Print
Air fried cinnamon banana chips – 1 Quick Recipe for Sweet & Crisp Results
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air fried cinnamon banana chips are a quick, sweet, and healthy snack made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Perfect for lunchboxes or late-night cravings.
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm bananas
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp coconut sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
Instructions
1. Slice bananas into ⅛ inch rounds.
2. Toss with lemon juice in a bowl.
3. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then coat banana slices.
4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
5. Arrange slices in a single layer in basket.
6. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. Let cool 5 minutes to crisp up.
Notes
Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Add chili powder or cocoa for variation.
Don’t overcrowd air fryer basket for best crisp.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Making Air Fried Cinnamon Banana Chips
Simple Ingredients, Crisp Results
If you’ve never made chips from scratch, don’t worry—air fried cinnamon banana chips are one of the easiest snacks to start with. All it takes is a handful of basic pantry ingredients and just 15 minutes of your time. The trick is choosing the right bananas and slicing them evenly.
Start with firm, just-ripe bananas—too soft and they won’t crisp properly. A squeeze of lemon juice keeps them from browning too quickly and adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness. Then comes the fun part: tossing them in cinnamon sugar before the air fryer works its magic.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
Slice the bananas into thin, uniform rounds—about ⅛ inch thick is ideal. This ensures even cooking and crispiness across each chip. If the slices are too thick, they’ll turn chewy, not crunchy. After tossing them in lemon juice, coat them lightly with your cinnamon-sugar mix. A light spritz of oil will help them crisp without becoming greasy.
Tips for a Perfect Air fried cinnamon banana chips
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This step helps start the crisping process the moment you drop the chips in. Lay the banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket—avoid overlapping. You might need to cook in several rounds, depending on the size or capacity of your air fryer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—they can go from golden to too dark fast. Once done, let them cool for 5 minutes. They’ll crisp up more as they sit.
Craving more no-fuss desserts? Try my Mexican lime icebox cake for a chilled treat that pairs beautifully with these warm chips.
Flavor Variations & Storage Tips
Fun Twists on Air Fried Cinnamon Banana Chips
The beauty of air fried cinnamon banana chips is how versatile they are. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to get creative. A pinch of chili powder adds a sweet-heat combo that reminds me of street snacks from Jalisco. My kids love a version with a dusting of cocoa powder and cinnamon—like banana chips met Mexican hot chocolate.
Here are a few tasty ways to switch things up:
- Spicy-sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or Tajín to the cinnamon mix.
- Chocolate twist: Mix cinnamon with cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla sugar.
- Savory option: Skip the sugar and toss with sea salt and smoked paprika.
- Tropical vibe: Add shredded coconut to the chips right after air frying.
These flavor ideas keep things fun and kid-friendly—great for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or even topping your morning oatmeal.
If you’re exploring healthy spins on classic treats, check out more Gluten-Free Mexican Desserts or swing by the Vegan Mexican Desserts for fuss-free favorites.
How to Store Air Fried Cinnamon Banana Chips So They Stay Crispy
Once your chips are cool, transfer them to an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any leftover moisture. Keep them at room temperature for up to 4 days—though in my house, they rarely last beyond day two.
Avoid refrigerating banana chips, which can make them soggy. If they do lose some crunch, pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to revive them.
These little crisps are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or a full afternoon to make something that feels special. Sweet, simple, and full of comforting spice—they’re everything I love about homemade snacks.
Conclusion
Making air fried cinnamon banana chips is one of the simplest ways to turn a few bananas into a feel-good treat. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a fun recipe to try with kids, or just want to satisfy that crunchy-sweet craving without heating up the oven, this recipe checks all the boxes.
It’s sweet, crisp, and layered with warm spice—basically comfort in chip form. And the best part? You made it from scratch in under 15 minutes. For more sweet ideas, check out the home page and discover recipes that turn every day into something worth celebrating.
Never miss another one of our recipes and culinary inspirations!
Join our community on Facebook, Pinterest to discover new delicious ideas, practical tips, and much more every day.
FAQs
How do you air fry bananas with cinnamon?
Start with firm bananas. Thinly slice the bananas and gently coat them with lemon juice, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through for even crisping. Let them cool before serving.
How to make crispy banana chips in an air fryer?
Uniform thin slices and preheating your air fryer are key. Use firm bananas, don’t overcrowd the basket, and let the chips cool before storing—they crisp up as they sit.
Why are my banana chips not crispy?
Your slices might be too thick, or your bananas too ripe. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Also, check your air fryer’s temp—lower heat can leave them chewy instead of crisp.
Can I dehydrate bananas in my air fryer?
Yes! Use the dehydrate setting or cook them at 200°F for 2–3 hours. They’ll be chewier, not crisp, but still delicious. Perfect if you prefer a softer texture or want a no-sugar option.
Craving more crunchy snacks? Visit my air fried banana chips post or browse the Traditional Mexican Desserts for your next kitchen win.