Name: Air Fryer Banana Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 green bananas or plantains; 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon optional spices (like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon)

Banana chips are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy. But when you make them in the air fryer, something magical happens. These crispy, golden discs transform into the ultimate snack: light, satisfying, and made with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re after a healthier alternative to traditional chips or simply looking for a fun way to use ripe plantains or bananas, this recipe is a game-changer.

Perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or guilt-free snacking at home, air fryer banana chips are quick to make and super customizable. You can go sweet with cinnamon and sugar, or savory with a sprinkle of sea salt and chili powder. And because they’re made in the air fryer, you skip the deep-frying and still get that crave-worthy crunch.

What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

For best results, use green or barely yellow plantains or firm bananas. These are less sweet and hold their shape better, making them perfect for slicing and crisping. If you use overly ripe bananas, they may turn mushy in the air fryer.

Choose bananas or plantains that are firm to the touch. The firmer the fruit, the more chip-like the result. You can also play around with different types of bananas for flavor variations.

Ingredients for the Air Fryer Banana Chips

Green Bananas or Plantains: The star of the show. Firm and starchy, they crisp up beautifully.
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: A light coat of oil helps the chips get golden and crispy without being greasy.
Salt: Just a touch enhances the natural flavor of the banana.
Optional Spices: Think garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon depending on whether you want a savory or sweet chip.

How To Make the Air Fryer Banana Chips

Step 1: Peel and Slice

Peel the green bananas or plantains and slice them into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices to ensure they crisp evenly.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Place the slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or coconut oil. Add salt and any desired seasonings (like cinnamon for sweet chips or garlic powder for savory). Toss gently to coat each slice evenly.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Lay the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for best results. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Crisp

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—thin slices can brown quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once cooked, transfer the chips to a wire rack or plate to cool. They will crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Banana Chips

These banana chips are perfect straight from the air fryer as a snack. You can serve them as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls, mix them into trail mix, or pair them with guacamole or yogurt dip for a savory twist.

For storing, once completely cooled, place the chips in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place. They’ll stay crisp for up to 5–7 days. Avoid moisture, as it can make the chips soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the bananas?

About 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thinner slices crisp faster but can burn quickly. Keep them even for best results.

Can I use ripe bananas?

It’s best to stick with green or just-yellow bananas or plantains. Ripe bananas are softer and may not hold up well in the air fryer.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps ensure an even crisp. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes.

Can I make sweet versions?

Definitely! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon and coconut sugar for a sweet variation.

What if my chips aren’t crispy?

They may be too thick or need a few more minutes in the air fryer. Let them cool completely—they crisp as they cool.

Are banana chips healthy?

When made in the air fryer with minimal oil, they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips. Great for whole-food snacking!

Want More Snack Ideas?

If you’re loving these crispy banana chips, you’ll enjoy these other fun and flavorful recipes:

Try the sweet-and-savory combo in these Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites
For a decadent party snack, whip up the Reese’s Cheese Ball – A Sweet and Salty Delight
Looking for another fruit-forward idea? Don’t miss this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding
Need a no-bake crowd-pleaser? Check out the No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Love a sweet crunch? You’ll go crazy for these Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go sweet or savory? Any favorite spice blends?

I love hearing your twists on these simple snacks. And if you’re looking for even more air fryer or snack ideas, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

Air Fryer Banana Chips

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Snacks
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Air Fryer Banana Chips are a light, crispy snack made with just a few ingredients. Skip the deep fryer and make your own sweet or savory chips at home with minimal oil. Perfect for lunchboxes, healthy snacking, or topping off smoothie bowls.