Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe

Dive straight into the delightful crunch of these air fryer banana chips, a recipe that's guaranteed to revamp your snack game.

As a seasoned home cook, I am absolutely smitten with this version of the recipe, primarily for its speed, ease, and unparalleled flavor. For those in pursuit of a snack that's swift, healthy, and packs a punch in the taste department, your search ends here.

Air frying takes the banana chips game to the next level by providing that perfect crunch, much sought after in the world of snacks.

Unlike other cooking methods, such as baking in the oven or pan-frying in a skillet, air frying delivers crispy, delightful chips without using excessive oil. No more waiting for ages for your oven to preheat or dealing with messy splatters from a skillet.

My love for this recipe stems from its speed and ease, along with the ability to tweak it according to my preference. The result? The tastiest, crispiest banana chips you'll ever make, right at home!

Jump aboard this air-frying adventure, and let's get cooking!

Jump to:

• Video Tutorial
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• How to Make Banana Chips in Air Fryer
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Substitutions
• Storing and Freezing Leftovers
• Top Tips for Success
• Can You Make Banana Chips in an Air Fryer?
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Mandoline slicer or knife
• Serving dish

How to Make Banana Chips in Air Fryer

Take a ripe, but not overly ripe, banana. Slice the banana into thin chips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even and thin slices.

Preheat your air fryer to 260ºF (125ºC).

Arrange the banana slices evenly in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap them.

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 25 minutes.

Once cooked, take the chips out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Optionally, you can sprinkle them with salt.

Once the chips have cooled down, they are ready to be served. Enjoy them as they are, or pair them with your favorite sauces or seasonings.

Just a heads-up from one home cook to another—before you get all excited about the serving suggestions, remember that all air fryers aren't made equal. Your model might need a little more or less time or temperature to get those banana chips just right. It's always a good idea to tweak the cooking time and temperature to suit your crunch preference.

Related: Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe (Made with Sourdough Starter Discard)

Serving Recommendations

Air fryer banana chips have a knack for versatility. They're so much more than just a solo snack. Here's how I love to serve them:

• On-the-move munching: Toss these crispy bites into a ziplock bag for a quick and healthy snack on your busiest days - a superior substitute for store-bought chips.
• Dip companions: Pair your banana chips with a dollop of your favorite nut butter. The mix of sweet and savory hits just right.
• Breakfast booster: Pop these banana chips on your morning yogurt or cottage cheese for that irresistible crunch and a natural sweetness kick. A few berries or a honey drizzle adds to the charm.
• Dessert enhancer: Jazz up your bowl of ice cream or frozen yogurt with these crunchy chips as a topping. It's a delightful combo of creamy and crispy.
• Trail mix treat: Mix these chips with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a DIY trail mix - perfect for hikes, picnics, or just a midday snack.

Remember, these are just my ways of enjoying them. Feel free to invent your own fun combos. With these air fryer banana chips, the sky's the limit!

Related: Upside Down Bananas Foster Cake

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this air fryer banana chips recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some twists I've tried and loved:

• Cinnamon Sugar Spin: Dust the banana chips with a cinnamon-sugar mix before air frying them for a sweet and spicy flavor burst.
• Tropical Touch: Toss your banana chips with shredded coconut and lime zest before air frying for a snack that takes you to the tropics.
• Herb Magic: Want a savory option? Coat the banana chips in a mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. They pair perfectly with hummus or tzatziki dips.
• Chocolate Bliss: After air frying, a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate on the banana chips is pure indulgence. Let the chocolate set before you start munching.

Related: Air Fryer Banana Bread

Substitutions

• Type of banana: Although plantain bananas are often used for banana chips due to their lower sugar content and firm texture, you can also use regular ripe (but not overripe) bananas. The result will be sweeter, and the texture might be a bit different, but still delicious.
• Spices: You can add a variety of flavors to your banana chips. Common options include cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet version or chili powder and cumin for a savory spin.
• Oil alternatives: If you’re looking to avoid traditional oils, you can use a spray of avocado oil or coconut oil. Alternatively, you can also try an oil-free version. Although the chips won’t be as crispy, they will be lower in fat.
• Air fryer alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the banana chips in the oven at a low temperature for a longer time or dehydrate them if you have a food dehydrator.
• Sweeteners: If you like your banana chips extra sweet, you can lightly coat them in a sugar alternative like stevia or honey before air frying.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

To store leftover banana chips, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

If you want to extend the shelf life of the banana chips, you can freeze them. Make sure the chips are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Top Tips for Success

• Cut your bananas into even slices. If they're too thick, they won't crisp up properly, and if they're too thin, they might burn. A mandolin slicer can help ensure uniform thickness.
• When placing the banana slices in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Whether you’re spraying or brushing oil onto your banana slices, make sure it's evenly distributed. This will help achieve a consistent golden color and crispness.
• Midway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking. If the slices are sticking, you can carefully unstick them with a silicone spatula.
• Allow the banana chips to cool completely before eating. They will continue to harden and become crunchier as they cool.
• Once cooled, store your banana chips in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. Exposure to air can make them soften over time.

Related: Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Can You Make Banana Chips in an Air Fryer?

Emphatically, yes! As we've seen, crafting perfectly crispy, tasty banana chips in an air fryer is not just possible, it's easy and quick too. This air fryer banana chips recipe offers a healthier and more flavorful snack option.

If you're curious about further ingredient substitutes, crave more mouth-watering recipes, or seek out insightful air fryer tips and tricks, our blog is your go-to resource.

Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities of air frying, and embrace the joy of creating delicious, homemade snacks with just the push of a button.

Dive in and happy cooking!

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