Hey there! So, the other day I was reminiscing about my childhood snacks, and it hit me – banana chips! They were always a treat at my grandma’s house, but I’ve jazzed them up a bit with cinnamon sugar and, bonus, they’re made in the air fryer now. Seriously, this nifty gadget has saved me more than once when I’m in a snacking crisis.
Why You’ll Love This
I whip these up when my sweet tooth kicks in but I want to feel slightly virtuous. My kids devour them like there’s no tomorrow (and sometimes I don’t tell them it’s just bananas, ha!). Plus, they’re a brilliant way to use up those bananas that are just a bit too ripe for regular eating. You know, the ones that pretend they’ll be okay tomorrow but you know they won’t.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (not too mushy, though)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (brown sugar is my go-to, but white works)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (my grandma insisted on Ceylon, but honestly, cinnamon is cinnamon)
- A spritz of cooking spray or a brush of coconut oil (if you’re feeling fancy)
Directions
- First, slice those bananas nice and thin – about 1/8 inch. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife and a steady hand do the trick.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Go on, sneak a taste – I won’t tell.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Or, if you’re like me and out of spray, a quick rub with oil works.
- Lay the banana slices in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd; they need their space to get crispy.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over your bananas – don’t be shy!
- Air fry at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. I usually check around the 10-minute mark. They might look a bit weird at first, but trust me, they’ll crisp up.
- Let them cool (if you can wait that long). They continue to crisp as they cool, promise.
Notes
One time, I tried using unripe bananas – big mistake. They just didn’t sweeten up enough. Stick with the ripe ones!
Variations
Sometimes I toss in a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick. Once, I tried drizzling chocolate, but it was a messy affair. Maybe you’ll have better luck?
Equipment
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 200°F, but it takes longer. Just adjust the times and keep an eye on them.
Storage Information
Store in an airtight container, though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
We love them as a breakfast topper on yogurt or oatmeal, but they’re also great by the handful for a snack attack.
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the cooling stage and ended up with soggy chips. Patience is key here!
FAQ
Q: Can I use plantains instead of bananas? A: Sure, but they’ll be less sweet – which could be a good thing if you’re watching sugar.
Q: How do I prevent them from sticking? A: A light spray of oil should do the trick, and make sure they’re in a single layer.
Q: Are these really healthy? A: Well, they’re healthier than a bag of chips – and they taste pretty darn good!