Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

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I’ve always had a soft spot for anything coated in cinnamon sugar, especially when it comes with a satisfying crunch. That’s how I stumbled upon these Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. One crisp fall afternoon, I had a few overripe bananas and a craving for something sweet—but not too indulgent. So, I sliced the bananas thin, tossed them in cinnamon sugar, and gave them a whirl in the air fryer. The result? An addictive snack that’s naturally sweet, perfectly crispy, and a little bit nostalgic.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried chips, a quick dessert, or a fun after-school snack for kids, these banana chips deliver. They come together in minutes, require just a handful of ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon. If you haven’t tried air frying bananas before, you’re in for a treat.

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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

These banana chips are the definition of guilt-free snacking. They’re made with no added oils, use just a sprinkle of sugar, and are naturally gluten-free. The air fryer locks in the sweet banana flavor while giving the outside a golden crunch. And because they’re so easy to make, they’ve quickly become my go-to for potlucks, after-work treats, and even road trips. Plus, you can adjust the spice level, add a pinch of salt, or experiment with other sweet coatings if you’re feeling adventurous.

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What Kind of Bananas Should I Use for Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips?

For the best results, I always recommend using bananas that are ripe but still firm. You want that hint of natural sweetness, but not so much ripeness that the banana turns mushy when sliced. Look for bananas with a few brown speckles—those are ideal. If they’re too green, they’ll lack flavor; if they’re overly ripe, they’ll fall apart in the air fryer. It’s all about balance—sweet but sturdy.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty adaptable, and I love switching it up depending on what I have in the pantry:

• Sweetener Swap: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit for a low-carb version.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a different flavor profile.
• Oil Option: While I usually go oil-free, a light spray of coconut oil or avocado oil can give an even crispier finish.
• Banana Variety: If you find small red bananas or burro bananas at your local store or farmer’s market, give them a try—they create a unique texture and flavor twist.
• Savory Style: Skip the sugar and sprinkle with sea salt or chili powder for a savory chip alternative.

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a simple yet essential role. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and why:

• Bananas – The star of the show. Choose ripe but firm bananas to ensure the chips hold their shape and crisp up nicely without getting soggy.
• Granulated Sugar – Brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas and forms that irresistible crunchy coating once air-fried.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm spice and coziness to each bite, pairing beautifully with the sweetness of the banana.
• Lemon Juice (optional) – Helps prevent the banana slices from browning too quickly and keeps their color vibrant.
• Cooking Spray (optional) – A very light mist of neutral oil or coconut oil spray can enhance the crispiness, but the recipe works well without it too.

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Step 1: Slice the Bananas

Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices will crisp up faster and more evenly, so take your time with this step. If you want a bit more texture, slightly thicker slices work too, but they may come out a bit chewy.

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Step 2: Toss with Lemon Juice (Optional)

Place the banana slices in a bowl and lightly toss them with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice. This helps preserve their color and prevents premature browning, especially if you’re preparing them in batches.

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Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Adjust the ratio to your liking—I prefer a 2:1 sugar-to-cinnamon mix for a good balance of sweet and spice.

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Step 4: Coat the Banana Slices

Lay the banana slices flat and gently press each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture. If you prefer a lighter coating, you can simply sprinkle the mixture on top instead. Just make sure each slice gets a little love.

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Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil if you’re using it. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

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Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden and Crisp

Air fry the banana chips at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure both sides crisp evenly. Keep an eye on them in the last couple of minutes—some air fryers run hotter than others.

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How Long to Cook Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your banana slices and the model of your air fryer. In general:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes
• Flip halfway through: Around the 4–5 minute mark

For ultra-thin slices, check at 7 minutes. If the slices are thicker, you might need to add a couple more minutes, but keep a close eye—they can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

• Uniform Slicing Is Key: Aim for consistent thickness so that all chips cook evenly. A mandoline slicer works wonders here.
• Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give each slice room to breathe. Overlapping will cause uneven cooking and soggy spots.
• Flip Carefully: Use tongs or a silicone spatula to turn the chips gently—especially if they’re already starting to crisp.
• Watch the Edges: The edges will brown first. Don’t wait for full darkness—golden brown is usually your best bet for flavor and texture.
• Cool on a Rack: Once done, transfer the chips to a cooling rack. They continue to crisp as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft straight from the air fryer.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you’re cutting back on sugar, reduce the cinnamon sugar mix or sprinkle it only on one side.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes like banana chips can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are some common missteps to avoid:

• Using Overripe Bananas: While those brown, spotty bananas are great for banana bread, they’re too soft for chips. Stick to firm-ripe bananas.
• Skipping the Flip: Not flipping the chips halfway means one side could burn while the other stays soggy.
• Overloading the Air Fryer: Crowding the basket is the fastest way to end up with unevenly cooked chips.
• Too Much Sugar: While tempting, overcoating can cause the sugar to burn before the chips are crisp. A light dusting works best.
• Not Letting Them Cool: Banana chips crisp up as they cool. Don’t judge their texture straight from the fryer.
• Inconsistent Slicing: Thin, even slices are essential. If one end is thicker than the other, it won’t cook uniformly.
• Ignoring Your Air Fryer’s Personality: Every air fryer is a little different. Know yours well—some run hotter or cook faster than others.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips?

These banana chips are delicious on their own, but pairing them can take your snack or dessert game to the next level.

With Greek Yogurt or Vanilla Dip

Serve alongside a small bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

On Top of Oatmeal

Sprinkle a handful over a warm bowl of oatmeal for added crunch and sweetness.

As a Crunchy Topping for Ice Cream

Crumble the chips over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a dreamy dessert.

Paired with Nut Butter

Spread almond or peanut butter on a plate and dip the banana chips—simple and satisfying.

With a Cup of Chai or Coffee

These chips go beautifully with a warm mug of chai or a strong espresso.

Layered in Parfaits

Add them to yogurt parfaits for extra texture and flavor in each spoonful.

Mixed into Trail Mix

Toss them with dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate chunks for a sweet homemade trail mix.

As a Lunchbox Treat

Tuck a baggie into a lunchbox or picnic basket for a sweet, healthy snack.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips crispy and fresh, proper storage is key:

• Cool Completely First: Let the chips cool on a wire rack before storing to avoid trapped steam, which leads to sogginess.
• Use an Airtight Container: Store the chips in a glass jar, plastic container, or zip-top bag with all the air pressed out.
• Add a Paper Towel: Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and extend crispness.
• Room Temperature: Keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 5–7 days.
• Refresh If Needed: If they soften over time, just pop them back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 325°F to re-crisp.

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Estimated Nutrition

While the exact values will depend on the size and sweetness of your bananas, here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 1 medium banana and 1 teaspoon of sugar):

• Calories: ~105–120
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Sugar: ~15g (including natural banana sugars)
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~1g
• Fat: 0–1g (depending on use of cooking spray)
• Sodium: 0mg

These chips are a naturally sweet, low-fat snack with a bit of fiber and a whole lot of crunch. Perfect for both clean eating and sweet cravings!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bananas work best for air fryer banana chips?

Ripe but firm bananas are ideal. They should be yellow with light speckling—sweet but still able to hold their shape when sliced.

Can I make these banana chips without cinnamon sugar?

Absolutely. You can go completely unsweetened, or try savory variations with salt, chili powder, or garlic powder for a totally different vibe.

Do I need to use lemon juice?

It’s optional, but helpful. Lemon juice prevents the bananas from browning too quickly and helps preserve their appearance, especially if you’re making multiple batches.

Can I use frozen bananas?

No, frozen bananas become too soft once thawed and won’t hold up in the air fryer. Stick to fresh ones for the right texture.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Make sure slices are thin and even, don’t overcrowd the basket, flip halfway, and let them cool completely on a rack after cooking.

How long do these banana chips stay fresh?

They’ll stay crisp for 5–7 days in an airtight container stored at room temperature—add a paper towel to help absorb moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches. Overlapping slices will result in uneven chips. You’ll get the best crunch if they all get proper airflow.

Are they kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the sweet crunch, and it’s a healthier option than traditional chips or candy. Great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously satisfying—crunchy, sweet, and lightly spiced. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend movie night or just looking to use up those last few bananas on the counter, this recipe hits the spot. And once you make them, you’ll probably never look at store-bought banana chips the same way again.

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