Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Snack smarter with sweet‑spiced banana chips. Snacks .

A quick, healthy snack of cinnamon-sugar banana chips, air‑fried to perfection.

Published: February 26, 2026
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Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures
Cinnamon‑sugar banana chips trace their roots to early 20th‑century snack stalls where sliced plantains were fried and sweetened for travelers. The technique evolved with modern appliances, turning a street‑food classic into a home‑cooked treat that delivers the same nostalgic flavor without the deep‑fried heaviness.

Why You'll Love It

  • - Minimal oil, so they feel lighter
  • - Naturally sweet bananas give gentle sweetness
  • - Cinnamon adds warm, comforting aroma
  • - Quick to make, ready in under 20 minutes
  • - Perfect for kids and adults alike

“These chips are my new go‑to afternoon bite—light, sweet, and perfectly crispy.”

Essential Ingredient Guide

  • Ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are just ripe—not too soft—to hold shape when sliced thin.
  • Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon releases the most fragrance; a teaspoon is enough for the batch.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar creates a delicate crust; you can substitute coconut sugar for a deeper note.
  • Olive oil spray: A light mist helps the sugar adhere without drowning the chips.
  • Lemon juice: A splash prevents browning while adding a subtle bright note.
  • Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the cinnamon flavor.
Preparing Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

Complete Cooking Process

  • Ingredient Readiness:

    Peel and slice bananas evenly, toss with lemon juice, then set aside so they stay bright.

  • Flavor Development:

    Mix cinnamon, sugar, and salt; coat the sliced bananas lightly with oil spray before dusting.

  • Texture Control:

    Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket; avoid overlapping to ensure uniform crispness.

  • Finishing Touches:

    After the final crisp, let the chips rest a minute; they will crisp up further as they cool.

  • Serving Timing:

    Serve warm or at room temperature; they stay crunchy for a few hours if stored properly.

  • Pro Tips

    • Pre‑heat the air fryer for steady heat
    • Shake the basket halfway for even browning
    • Use a mandoline for uniform thin slices
    • Cool on a rack to keep them from steaming

    Honestly, these little adjustments make a big difference. I remember when I first tried the chips and they were a bit soggy—once I started shaking the basket at the midway point, they turned golden and crisp. So, yeah, give the basket a gentle toss and let the chips rest on a wire rack; it helps keep that satisfying crunch. Well, another little secret is to pre‑heat the air fryer for a couple of minutes. It creates a steady temperature that seals the surface quickly, locking in flavor while the inside stays tender. These tiny habits turn an ordinary snack into something truly comforting.

The essence of the dish:

What makes these chips special is the balance between the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon, all amplified by a whisper of sugar that caramelizes just enough to give a delicate snap.

A fun fact or historical angle:

Bananas were first cultivated in Southeast Asia, and the practice of drying fruit with sugar dates back to ancient preservation methods.

Flavor or sensory focus:

Expect a fragrant aroma of cinnamon that greets you as the chips emerge, followed by a sweet‑spicy crunch that lingers lightly on the palate.

You Must Know

  • Slice uniformly for even cooking
  • Do not overcrowd the basket
  • Cool on a rack for best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use unripe bananas?

Unripe bananas are starchy and may not crisp as well; it’s best to use bananas that are just yellow with a hint of brown.

→ Do I need to pre‑heat the air fryer?

Yes, pre‑heating for 2‑3 minutes gives a consistent temperature that helps the chips crisp quickly.

→ How long can I store the chips?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; keep a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture.

→ Can I add other spices?

Absolutely—nutmeg, ginger, or a dash of vanilla powder can add interesting twists.

→ Is it possible to make them gluten‑free?

All ingredients are naturally gluten‑free; just ensure your sugar is pure and not processed with wheat additives.

→ What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the slices on a parchment‑lined sheet at 350°F for 12‑15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Chef's Tips

If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, increase the sugar to 3 Tbsp.,Make sure slices are uniformly thin; uneven pieces cook at different rates.,For extra aroma, add a pinch of ground ginger to the sugar mix.

Nutrition Facts

per serving

120

Calories

1g

Protein

24g

Carbs

3g

Fat

Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 30mg

Taste Profile

🍯 Sweet
Medium
🧂 Salty
Low
🌶️ Spicy
None
🍋 Sour
Low
🍖 Umami
None

Warm, sweet, and lightly spiced

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives

Bananas Plantain slices

Plantains need a slightly longer cooking time to achieve crispness.

Olive oil spray Coconut oil spray

Adds a faint coconut aroma that pairs well with cinnamon.

Recipe Variations

Try these delicious twists on the original

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon‑sugar blend for a subtle heat.

Nutty Twist

Stir in finely chopped toasted almonds after coating for added crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results

  • Overcrowding the basket, which leads to soggy chips.
  • Using overly ripe bananas, resulting in mushy texture.
  • Skipping the lemon juice step, causing browning.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead Tips

You can slice and coat the bananas, then refrigerate them up to 12 hours before air‑frying; just give them a quick mist of oil before cooking.

Leftover Ideas

Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2‑3 minutes to restore crispness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this with...

A warm cup of herbal tea Cold almond milk Fresh fruit salad for contrast

Cooking Timeline

0-5 min

Prepare bananas: peel, slice, and toss with lemon juice.

5-8 min

Mist with oil and coat with cinnamon‑sugar mixture.

8-14 min

Air fry first batch, flip halfway through.

14-20 min

Air fry second batch, then cool on rack.

20-27 min

Store or serve; enjoy the crisp snack.

Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Crispy, lightly sweetened banana chips made in the air fryer, perfect for a quick and healthy snack that feels comforting any time of day.

Author: Lily_Harper

Timing

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

Recipe Details

Category: Snacks
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 Servings Servings
Dietary: Vegan

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 01 3 ripe bananas, sliced thin
  • 02 1 tbsp olive oil spray
  • 03 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 04 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 05 1/2 tsp salt
  • 06 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

Peel the bananas and slice them on the bias about 1/8‑inch thick; place the slices in a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to keep color.

Step 02

Give the slices a quick mist of olive oil spray, then toss gently to coat.

Step 03

In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt; sprinkle the mixture over the banana slices, tossing until evenly coated.

Step 04

Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket; air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes, then flip and continue for another 5‑6 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 05

Remove the chips, let them cool on a wire rack; they will crisp up further as they reach room temperature.

Notes & Tips

  • 1 If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, increase the sugar to 3 Tbsp.
  • 2 Make sure slices are uniformly thin; uneven pieces cook at different rates.
  • 3 For extra aroma, add a pinch of ground ginger to the sugar mix.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer

  • Mandoline or sharp knife

  • Mixing bowl

  • Small spoon

  • Wire cooling rack

  • Spray bottle for oil

Must-Know Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket, Cook in batches for even crispness
  • Let chips rest, Allows final snap to develop
  • Taste as you go, Adjust cinnamon to preference

Professional Secrets

  • Room temperature bananas, Ensures even slicing
  • Pre‑heat the air fryer, Guarantees consistent heat
  • Cool on a rack, Prevents steam from softening chips
Lily_Harper

Recipe by

Lily_Harper

From crispy bites to soft nibbles, I’m all about snack-time happiness made simple and delicious.

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