The humble banana gets a delicious makeover in this quick and healthy snack recipe. Air Fryer Banana Chips are light, crunchy, and perfectly salted—ideal for curbing those mid-day cravings without the guilt. With just a handful of ingredients and no deep frying involved, they’re a satisfying alternative to store-bought chips. Whether you’re looking for a paleo-friendly treat, a lunchbox filler, or a Netflix snack, these homemade banana chips will hit the spot. Pair them with your favorite dip, sprinkle them with cinnamon for a sweet twist, or add chili powder for a spicy kick. They store well too—if you can resist eating them all at once!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe but firm bananas
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1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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Optional: pinch of cinnamon or chili powder
Directions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds (about 1/8-inch thick).
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In a bowl, gently toss the banana slices with olive oil or coconut oil to lightly coat them.
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Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even crisping.
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Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
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Once golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with sea salt (and optional cinnamon or chili).
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Let them cool completely on a wire rack – they will crisp up more as they cool.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes
Kcal: 95 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
A Brief Background on Banana Chips
Banana chips have long been enjoyed in many cultures around the world as a crunchy, slightly sweet snack. Traditionally, these snacks are deep-fried, often in palm oil, and heavily sweetened or salted. While delicious, they’re not always the healthiest option. That’s where the air fryer revolution steps in. With the rise in popularity of air fryers, many classic recipes are being reimagined for a healthier lifestyle—and banana chips are no exception. Air fryer banana chips are a modern take on a traditional treat, offering all the crisp texture and natural banana flavor without the added oils or preservatives.
This recipe takes ripe but firm bananas and transforms them into golden rounds of crispy goodness in just minutes. Air frying allows you to skip the heavy oils while still achieving the perfect texture—light, crunchy, and satisfying. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with only a few pantry staples.
Why Air Fryer Banana Chips Are a Must-Try
There are plenty of reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy and requires only three main ingredients: bananas, a touch of oil, and a pinch of salt. The simplicity is ideal for beginner cooks, busy parents, health-conscious snackers, or anyone looking for a quick and wholesome treat.
Another key benefit is the health factor. Compared to store-bought banana chips that are usually deep-fried and loaded with preservatives, air fryer banana chips are clean and minimally processed. You control the oil (if any), the level of sweetness or salt, and even the spice level. For example, you can add cinnamon for warmth, nutmeg for depth, or chili powder for a kick. They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for a wide range of diets like vegan, paleo, and Whole30.
Additionally, banana chips are packed with nutrients. Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. By air frying instead of deep frying, you preserve much of the nutritional integrity of the banana while still achieving that beloved crisp texture.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the most appealing aspects of air fryer banana chips is their versatility. They’re an excellent snack on their own, but they can also be used as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls, oatmeal, or even savory salads. They fit perfectly into lunchboxes, road trip snack bags, or post-workout snack routines.
Because they’re quick to make—usually ready in under 15 minutes—banana chips are ideal for last-minute guests or satisfying spontaneous snack cravings. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for days (though they rarely last that long in most households!).
They’re also an excellent alternative to less healthy snacks like potato chips, cookies, or candy. Especially for parents, this recipe is a game changer: kids love the crunch and natural sweetness, while parents appreciate the healthy ingredients.
Tips for Best Results
For best results, choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will be too soft and won’t crisp up well in the air fryer. Use a mandoline slicer if possible to ensure even, thin slices, which help the chips cook uniformly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give the banana slices space so air can circulate properly. This ensures they’ll crisp evenly on all sides. Flip the chips halfway through cooking for the best texture. Also, remember that chips may seem slightly soft when you remove them from the air fryer but will continue to crisp as they cool.
If you want to experiment with flavor, the possibilities are endless. Try sprinkling the chips with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like treat, or dust them with chili lime seasoning for a zesty twist. The base recipe is so simple that it welcomes creative variations.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled completely, banana chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. If they lose their crispness due to humidity, you can briefly reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 300°F to revive their crunch.
For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing small portions or placing them in moisture-proof bags. They make excellent additions to emergency snack kits or healthy snack jars at home or in the office.
A Family-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Option
Another reason why this recipe stands out is its affordability. Bananas are one of the most budget-friendly fruits available year-round. With just two or three bananas, you can create enough chips to serve several people, making it more economical than buying pre-packaged snacks. It’s a smart option for large families or meal preppers looking for nutritious snacks that don’t break the bank.
This recipe is also fun to make with kids. Letting children toss the banana slices in oil or sprinkle on seasoning gets them involved in the kitchen and more excited to try healthy snacks they helped make.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Banana Chips are the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and irresistible crunch. They’re a healthier, cleaner twist on a traditional snack—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re on a clean eating journey, managing food allergies, or simply looking to snack smarter, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your snack rotation. Once you try these crispy banana bites, you’ll see why they’ve become a favorite in so many kitchens—and you may never go back to store-bought again.
