Name: Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt

Golden crispy banana chips coated in cinnamon sugar served on white plate | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered banana chips during a trip to a local farmer's market, where a vendor was selling homemade versions that were absolutely incredible. The moment I tasted them, I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This recipe is my interpretation of those perfect chips - crispy, sweet, and with just the right amount of cinnamon warmth. What I love most is how the air fryer transforms ordinary bananas into something extraordinary. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating those gorgeous golden edges you see in the photo. The texture is perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining a slight chewiness that makes each bite satisfying. It's amazing how such simple ingredients can create something so delicious and addictive.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about cooking - taking simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something magical. I love that it's guilt-free snacking at its finest - no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, just pure banana goodness enhanced with warm spices. The air fryer makes the process so easy and efficient, and the results are consistently perfect every time. What really gets me excited is watching my family's faces light up when they bite into these crispy, sweet chips. It's become one of those recipes that brings everyone together, whether we're making them as an afternoon snack or preparing them for a movie night. The fact that they're healthy enough for kids but delicious enough for adults makes them absolutely perfect in my book.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Ripe bananas: Peel and slice into uniform 1/4-inch rounds
Granulated sugar: Mix with cinnamon for coating
Ground cinnamon: Combine with sugar and salt
Vanilla extract: Add to coating mixture for extra flavor
Salt: Pinch to enhance sweetness

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the bananas: Start by peeling your ripe bananas and slicing them into even 1/4-inch rounds. Uniformity is key here for consistent cooking and that perfect crispy texture we're after.
Create the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the vanilla extract and mix until you have a fragrant, well-combined coating mixture.
Coat the banana slices: Gently toss the banana slices in the cinnamon sugar mixture until every piece is beautifully coated. Take your time here - proper coating makes all the difference.
Air fry to perfection: Place the coated banana slices in your preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.

Recipe picture — Delicious cinnamon sugar banana chips with crispy texture and golden brown color | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this recipe on a rainy Sunday when I had a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on my counter. My kids were begging for chips, but I wanted something healthier. That's when I remembered my air fryer sitting there unused! I sliced up those bananas, tossed them with cinnamon and sugar, and popped them in. The smell that filled my kitchen was absolutely divine. When they came out golden and crispy, even my picky eaters were hooked. Now it's become our weekend tradition - we make a big batch and munch on them while watching movies. The best part? No oil needed, just pure banana goodness transformed into the most addictive snack ever.

Perfect Pairings

These cinnamon sugar banana chips pair beautifully with a variety of foods and beverages. Try them with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack, or crumble them over oatmeal for extra crunch. They're fantastic with peanut butter for dipping, or alongside a cheese board for a sweet contrast. For beverages, they complement coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk perfectly. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream or blend them into smoothies for added texture.

Homemade air fryer banana chips with perfect caramelized edges and sweet coating | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?: While you can use overripe bananas, they may become too soft and mushy. It's best to use bananas that are ripe but still firm for the crispiest results.
→ How long do these banana chips last?: Store the cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They'll maintain their crispiness if stored properly.
→ Can I make these without sugar?: Yes! You can skip the sugar and just use cinnamon, or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
→ What if I don't have an air fryer?: You can make these in a conventional oven at 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes, or use a dehydrator if available.
→ Why are my banana chips not crispy?: This usually happens if the slices are too thick, the air fryer is overcrowded, or they need more cooking time. Try thinner slices and cook a bit longer.

Conclusion

These cinnamon sugar banana chips are the perfect healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without any guilt. The air fryer creates the most amazing crispy texture while keeping all the natural banana flavor intact. They're ideal for lunchboxes, movie nights, or anytime you need a quick energy boost. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, though I doubt they'll last that long! This recipe proves that healthy snacking can be absolutely delicious.