Banana chips in air fryer are the ultimate solution when you’re craving something crunchy but don’t want the mess or oil of deep frying. These light, crispy snacks are fast, healthy, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. If you’ve ever wondered how to make banana chips in air fryer the easy way, this guide walks you through everything—from slicing and seasoning to cook time and texture troubleshooting. No more chewy chips or guesswork—just golden, crisp banana slices every time. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll love having this simple recipe in your back pocket.
Table of Contents
Banana Chips in Air Fryer: Crispy, Healthy Snacking Made Easy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These crispy banana chips in air fryer are a healthy, oil-free alternative to store-bought snacks. Naturally sweet, crunchy, and super easy to make.
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm bananas
Spray oil (optional)
Sea salt (to taste)
Cinnamon or chili powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice bananas into 1/8 inch rounds.
2. Pat slices dry with paper towel.
3. Lightly mist with oil and season as desired.
4. Arrange in single layer in preheated air fryer (330°F).
5. Air fry 8 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–8 minutes.
6. Cool on rack to crisp fully before eating.
Notes
Use firm bananas to avoid soggy chips.
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Experiment with flavors—sweet or savory.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
The Story & Why You’ll Love Making Banana Chips in Air Fryer
From childhood memories to crispy banana bliss
Let me take you back to a little grocery store in rural Vermont. I was barely tall enough to peek into the bulk bins, but every time my mom handed me a paper bag, I knew what I was getting: banana chips. They were crunchy, greasy, sweet, and I loved every bite. Fast-forward a few decades, and now I make banana chips in air fryer instead. It’s my modern take on a nostalgic treat, minus the frying oil and extra sugar.
In my Asheville kitchen, I try to keep things real and wholesome. That’s why I turn to my air fryer often. It’s the same tool I use for dill pickle bites in air fryer and baked sweet potato in air fryer. But nothing beats the ease and satisfaction of making homemade air fryer banana chips—especially when my kitchen smells sweet and toasty and there’s a fresh batch cooling on the counter.
Why banana chips in air fryer just work
Here’s the truth: making banana chips in air fryer takes almost no effort and delivers maximum crunch. Unlike store-bought banana chips loaded with preservatives or fried in palm oil, these are clean and naturally sweet. The air fryer locks in crispness without drying them out like a dehydrator might. Just slice your bananas thin, give them a light spray of oil if desired, and cook until golden.
You can even get creative—add cinnamon, smoked paprika, or sea salt depending on your flavor mood. If you love experimenting, try them with Italian sausage in air fryer or toss them into a salad like my retinol carrot salad for a crunchy contrast. Trust me—banana chips in air fryer are more than just a snack. They’re a habit waiting to happen.
Ingredients and Instructions for Banana Chips in Air Fryer
What You Need to Make Banana Chips in Air Fryer
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make delicious banana chips in air fryer. Just a few simple items are all it takes to make a healthy, crunchy snack that rivals anything you’d find in a store.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe but firm bananas (not overly soft)
- Optional: spray oil (coconut, avocado, or olive oil)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Optional flavor variations:
- Cinnamon
- Paprika or chili powder
- Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and require zero prep time beyond slicing. For a twist, try the same seasoning ideas you’d use in baked sweet potato in air fryer—they work beautifully here, too.
Instructions: How to Make Banana Chips in Air Fryer
Step 1: Slice the bananas
Peel your bananas and slice them into thin rounds—about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for even cuts, but a sharp kitchen knife works just fine. The key is consistency: even slices cook evenly.
Step 2: Pat slices dry
Lay the banana slices on a paper towel and blot gently. This removes surface moisture so your air fryer banana chips crisp rather than steam.
Step 3: Season and spray (optional)
Place slices in a bowl. Lightly mist with oil and sprinkle with sea salt or your chosen spices. Want that sweet-salty combo? A little cinnamon and salt is incredible on banana chips in air fryer.
Step 4: Arrange in air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 330°F. Place banana slices in a single layer in the basket or tray. Don’t overlap—airflow matters. You may need to work in batches depending on your fryer’s size.
Step 5: Cook to crisp perfection
Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip each slice, then continue cooking another 5–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the final 2–3 minutes. They should look golden and feel slightly firm.
Step 6: Cool before eating
Once done, remove the banana chips and cool them on a wire rack or paper towel. This is when they crisp up fully. Don’t skip this step—cooling time is what transforms air fryer banana chips from soft to crisp.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. But let’s be real—they probably won’t last that long!
For a full snack board, pair with Italian sausage in air fryer or a refreshing retinol carrot salad on the side.
Fixing Common Problems with Banana Chips in Air Fryer
Why your banana chips in air fryer aren’t crispy (and how to fix them)
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more disappointing than soggy banana chips. You followed the recipe, you air fried them, and yet… limp slices. So why aren’t your banana chips in air fryer crispy?
Here are the top reasons and how to fix them:
1. Bananas were too ripe:
Overripe bananas are perfect for baking but terrible for chips. They’re soft, moist, and high in sugar, which causes them to burn before they crisp. Stick with ripe-but-firm bananas for best results.
2. Slices were too thick:
The thicker the slice, the longer it takes to crisp—and uneven cuts mean uneven cooking. Try to keep all slices at about 1/8 inch. If you’re struggling, a mandoline helps with precision.
3. Moisture was left on the surface:
Wet slices = steamed chips. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This is a small step that makes a big difference.
4. Overcrowding the basket:
When banana slices touch or overlap, they block airflow. That leads to steaming and soft spots. Cook your air fryer banana chips in a single layer, in batches if needed.
5. Skipping the cooling step:
Banana chips continue to firm up as they cool. Pull them out when they’re golden and just slightly pliable—they’ll crisp as they sit.
How to improve flavor and texture of air fryer banana chips
Once you’ve nailed the crispiness, let’s make them even better. Here’s how to upgrade your flavor and texture game:
Add seasoning right after slicing: Seasoning sticks best when the banana slices are just cut. Salt, cinnamon, or chili powder cling better to fresh, slightly moist surfaces.
Try lemon juice: A quick dip in lemon water (1 cup water + 1 tsp lemon juice) prevents browning and adds brightness to the final chip.
Experiment with temperature: Some air fryers run hot or cool. If your chips burn too quickly, try reducing the temp to 300°F and increasing cook time slightly.
Use a silicone mat or parchment liner: This prevents sticking and helps chips crisp more evenly. Be sure to choose ones made for air fryers to allow airflow.
Bonus idea: Use your banana chips in air fryer as toppings! Sprinkle over yogurt, blend into trail mix, or serve with cottage cheese bagels for a sweet-salty breakfast combo. They’re also fantastic with air fryer onion blossom if you’re building a snack board.
FAQs About Banana Chips in Air Fryer – Your Top Questions Answered
Can I make banana chips in an air fryer?
Yes, you absolutely can—and should! Making banana chips in air fryer is faster and cleaner than using a dehydrator or oven. The air fryer circulates heat around the banana slices evenly, creating a crispy texture without deep frying or added oil. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have crunchy, naturally sweet banana chips in under 20 minutes. This method is beginner-friendly and works even if you’re short on time or equipment.
Looking to mix it up? Pair your chips with a side of chicken nuggets in air fryer for a salty-sweet combo the whole family will love.
How long does it take to dehydrate bananas in an air fryer?
While traditional dehydration takes hours, air fryer banana chips can be done in 13–16 minutes at 330°F. For slightly thicker slices or lower temperatures (e.g. 300°F), you may need up to 20 minutes. Always flip halfway through and check during the last few minutes to avoid burning. For extra-crispy chips, allow them to cool completely—this is when they firm up and get that satisfying snap.
Want another air fryer recipe that plays well with timing and crisping? Check out these dill pickle bites in air fryer.
Why are my banana chips not crispy?
Crispiness depends on a few key factors:
Your banana was too ripe (soft = soggy)
The slices were cut too thick or uneven
You skipped patting them dry before air frying
The basket was overcrowded
You didn’t allow them to cool after cooking
Follow the slicing, spacing, and cooling steps outlined earlier, and your banana chips in air fryer will turn out crispy every single time.
Are bananas good in the air fryer?
Yes—bananas are surprisingly good in the air fryer. They get sweeter as they cook, and you can transform them into chips, baked banana boats, or even lightly caramelized slices for toppings. Making banana chips in air fryer is one of the simplest, healthiest ways to enjoy bananas as a snack. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweet. Kids love them, and adults find them incredibly satisfying. It’s a smart way to use bananas before they get too ripe.
They also work beautifully on brunch boards with savory snacks like Italian sausage in air fryer or even a side of retinol carrot salad.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Want to Make Banana Chips in Air Fryer Again and Again
If you’re tired of buying overpriced snacks that are either too greasy or filled with additives, banana chips in air fryer offer a clean, crisp, and seriously satisfying solution. They’re easy to make, take less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and store beautifully for later munching. Whether you’re prepping school snacks, mid-hike fuel, or just trying not to waste ripe bananas, these chips are the answer. With the air fryer doing the hard work, you get consistent crunch without the mess of deep frying or the wait of oven drying.
Try them once, and like me, you’ll probably end up slicing a banana every week just to keep a jar full.
For more check Oven-Baked Banana Chips
