Crisp, sweet, and lightly spiced, these Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a simple snack that delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Thin banana slices get dusted with a mix of cinnamon and sugar, then air fried until golden and crunchy. The texture is crispy at the edges with a chewy center if you prefer shorter cook time, and pure crunch when you cook them a little longer. This recipe is fast, pantry-friendly, and great for a quick treat or a crunchy topping for yogurt or ice cream. If you want a printable reference or the original post, check the recipe page for extra photos.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Fast: ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Hands-off: air fryer does the bulk of the work once slices are arranged.
- Crunchy + sweet: cinnamon and sugar add warm flavor to naturally sweet bananas.
- Few ingredients: uses just ripe bananas, cinnamon, sugar, and cooking spray.
- Flexible snack: great for kids, lunchboxes, or topping for breakfast bowls.
- Healthier crisping: air frying uses little or no added oil compared with deep frying.
- Portable: cool, pack, and take as a light snack for work or travel.
What Is Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips?
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are thin slices of ripe banana that are coated with a simple cinnamon-sugar mix and cooked in an air fryer until they become crisp. The taste is sweet and warmly spiced, with a caramel hint from the banana sugars. Texture can vary by cook time — lightly crisp at shorter times, fully crunchy if cooked a bit longer. The air fryer gives even heat and removes moisture quickly, which helps the slices crisp without a lot of oil. This snack fits a cozy vibe — think quick comfort food, an easy brunch add-on, or a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
Ingredients for Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
For the Base
- 2 ripe bananas
For the Coating
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (about 7 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or sugar substitute) (about 12–13 g)
- Cooking spray
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)
- Bananas: ripe bananas work best because they are sweet and slice cleanly. Overripe bananas will be softer and may be harder to slice thinly.
- Cinnamon: use ground cinnamon. You can reduce to 2 teaspoons (optional) if you want a subtler spice.
- Sugar: regular granulated sugar gives a crisp, caramelized finish. For a lower-calorie option, use a 1:1 granulated sugar substitute that measures like sugar. For a slightly richer flavor, swap half the sugar for light brown sugar (optional).
- Cooking spray: helps prevent sticking and encourages browning. If you prefer, lightly brush slices with a neutral oil, but that adds calories.
- Glass or ceramic bowls: use a small bowl to blend the cinnamon and sugar evenly before sprinkling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Thin, even slices crisp best. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline with care for consistent thickness.
Visual cue: the slices should be nearly translucent at 1/8 inch.
Step 2 – Mix the cinnamon-sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until well blended. Set aside so it’s ready to sprinkle evenly over the slices.
Step 3 – Ready the air fryer
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the basket. Do not overlap too much; crowded slices will steam instead of crisping.
Step 4 – Season and start cooking
Sprinkle the banana slices evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cook time.
Step 5 – Check for doneness
Continue cooking until the slices are golden and crispy. Timing varies by air fryer model and slice thickness. Remove when edges are golden and centers feel firm.
Pro cue: thin slices crisp faster; if they are browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 10–15°F and add a few minutes.
Step 6 – Cool before serving
Transfer the chips to a rack or a plate and allow them to cool before serving. Cooling helps them firm up and become fully crisp.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice thin and even: use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness so all chips cook the same.
- Don’t overcrowd: cook in batches if needed. Single layers crisp much better.
- Flip once: flipping halfway helps both sides brown evenly.
- Watch the end few minutes: sugar can caramelize quickly and burn if left too long.
- Cool on a rack: a wire rack lets air circulate and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust heat for your air fryer: some units run hot; drop 10–15°F if chips brown too fast.
- Use ripe but not mushy bananas: they give sweetness without falling apart during slicing.
Flavor Variations
- Optional: Honey-Cinnamon — replace half the sugar with a light brush of honey before air frying for a floral note (brush lightly to avoid stickiness).
- Optional: Spiced — add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a warm spice blend.
- Optional: Citrus Zest — add a little grated orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar after cooking for a fresh pop (sprinkle after chips cool).
- Optional: Cocoa Dust — dust with unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with a touch of sugar after cooling for a chocolatey twist.
- Optional: Savory-Sweet — skip sugar and use a pinch of fine sea salt with cinnamon for a salted snack contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Snack bowl: serve plain in a bowl for dipping or nibbling on the go.
- Yogurt topper: crumble over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for texture and sweetness.
- Breakfast cereal: mix into oatmeal or cold cereal for crunch.
- Ice cream garnish: sprinkle over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Party platter: include with nuts, dried fruit, and cheese for a sweet element on a snack board.
- Lunchbox treat: pack cooled chips in an airtight container for a kid-friendly snack.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: slice bananas and mix cinnamon-sugar ahead of time, but do not coat or air fry until ready. Prepared, uncovered slices will brown quickly if left pre-sliced.
- Storage: store fully cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days for best crunch. They may soften over time.
- Reheating: to refresh softened chips, re-crisp in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–4 minutes checking closely. Short bursts of heat restore crispness without overcooking.
- Texture note: chips will lose some crispness in humid conditions or when refrigerated. Keep at room temperature in a dry place for best texture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room temp storage: best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Use silica packets or a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture if your environment is humid.
- Freezing: not recommended. Freezing causes moisture crystals to form and ruins the crisp texture when thawed. If you must freeze, flash-freeze single-layer chips, then store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; reheat in the air fryer to try to recover crispness, but expect texture changes.
- Instead of freezing, make small batches and store at room temp for short-term use.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This recipe makes about 2 servings.
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
—:|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:
130 kcal | 1.3 g | 33 g | 0.3 g | 3.1 g | 2 mg
Estimates vary by brands and portions.
FAQ About Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Q: My slices were too thick. How can I fix this?
A: Slice thinner (about 1/8 inch) next time or use a mandoline. Thinner slices crisp more easily.
Q: They turned out soggy. What went wrong?
A: Likely overcrowding. Cook in a single layer and avoid stacking. Also flip halfway and allow space for air flow.
Q: My chips burned on the edges before crisp. Any tips?
A: Lower the temperature by 10–15°F and watch during the last few minutes. Flip earlier if edges brown quickly.
Q: Can I use underripe bananas?
A: Underripe bananas are firm but less sweet and may not caramelize well. Ripe bananas give better flavor and browning.
Q: How do I keep them from sticking to the basket?
A: Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and check slices during cooking. Using parchment paper designed for air fryers can help if your model allows it.
Q: Can I replace sugar with a sugar-free option?
A: Yes, use a granulated sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Results can vary slightly in browning and crispness.
Notes
- For even slices, chill bananas for 10–15 minutes before slicing to firm them slightly.
- Use a flat spatula to flip delicate slices to avoid tearing.
- For crispest chips, remove immediately when golden and let cool fully on a rack.
- Adjust spice level by changing the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to suit taste.
- If making for a group, cook in batches and keep finished chips on a rack in a low oven (200°F) for a short time to maintain warmth without softening.
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Chips are too chewy. Fix: Slice thinner and air fry a few more minutes until firm.
- Problem: Banana slices stick and tear. Fix: Spray basket well and use a thin, sharp knife or mandoline; flip gently.
- Problem: Uneven cooking. Fix: Make sure slices are uniform thickness and arranged in a single layer. Rotate basket or switch tray position if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
- Problem: Sugar burned but centers not crisp. Fix: Lower the heat slightly and extend the time; use finer sugar to distribute more evenly.
- Problem: Chips became soft after storage. Fix: Re-crisp in air fryer at low temp for 2–4 minutes, then cool before storing.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are a quick, low-effort way to turn ripe bananas into a crunchy, sweet snack you can enjoy any time. They work as a stand-alone treat or as an add-on to breakfasts and desserts. Try simple swaps and small batches until you find your ideal crisp level.
Conclusion
If you want another take or extra tips for air fryer banana chips, this guide with photos and step-by-step notes is helpful: Air Fryer Banana Chips – Food Banjo.
Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 pieces ripe bananas Ripe bananas work best for sweetness.
For the Coating
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon Use ground cinnamon; can reduce to 2 teaspoons for less spice.
- 1 tablespoon sugar Can substitute with sugar substitute or light brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Cooking spray Helps prevent sticking and encourages browning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the bananas and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until well blended.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and arrange the banana slices in a single layer.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the banana slices evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
- Continue cooking until the slices are golden and crispy; timing may vary.
Cooling
- Transfer the chips to a rack or a plate and allow them to cool before serving.