If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and comforting—but still simple enough to make on a busy afternoon—Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re warm, lightly caramelized, naturally sweet, and infused with cozy cinnamon flavor. Best of all, they come together quickly using an air fryer, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought chips that often contain preservatives or excess oil.

This recipe is perfect whether you’re looking for an after-school snack, a movie-night treat, or a light dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy. With just a handful of pantry staples and ripe bananas, you can transform everyday fruit into something irresistibly crisp and golden.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know—from choosing the best bananas and slicing techniques to air fryer tips, variations, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll be able to make perfectly crisp air fryer banana chips every single time.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

There’s a reason banana chips have been popular for generations, but making them at home in an air fryer takes them to the next level. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Quick & easy: No deep frying, no long bake times.
Minimal ingredients: Just bananas, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of fat.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness and spice to your taste.
Crispy texture: The air fryer creates evenly dried, lightly crunchy chips.
Kid-friendly & family-approved: Sweet without being overpowering.

Whether you’re new to air frying or already obsessed with it, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and endlessly snackable.

Ingredients

Use simple, easy-to-find ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Ripe but firm bananas
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter or neutral oil (such as coconut or avocado oil)
Optional: pinch of salt for balance

Each ingredient plays a role: bananas provide natural sweetness, cinnamon adds warmth, sugar helps with caramelization, and fat encourages crisp edges.

Instructions

Prepare the bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them evenly into thin rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve crisp results.
Season the slices:
In a bowl, gently toss banana slices with melted butter or oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, tossing carefully to coat evenly.
Arrange in the basket:
Place banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for best crispness.
Air fry:
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping slices halfway through. Watch closely toward the end, as sugars can brown quickly.
Cool and crisp:
Remove banana chips and let them cool for 5 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Serve or store:
Enjoy immediately, or store once completely cooled.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Chips

Slice evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for consistency.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed.
Watch closely: Cinnamon sugar can burn if overcooked.
Cool fully: Chips firm up as they cool—don’t judge crispness too early.
Experiment with ripeness: Slightly green bananas are firmer; ripe bananas are sweeter.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about homemade banana chips is how easy they are to customize:

Honey Cinnamon: Replace sugar with a light drizzle of honey.
Maple Spice: Use maple sugar and add a pinch of nutmeg.
Chocolate Banana: Sprinkle cocoa powder with cinnamon.
Vanilla Sugar: Add a touch of vanilla extract to melted butter.
Spicy-Sweet: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne for contrast.

These variations keep the recipe exciting and adaptable for different tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon-sugar banana chips are delicious on their own, but they also shine in other ways:

Sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal
Add to trail mix or granola
Serve alongside apple slices and nut butter
Use as a topping for smoothie bowls
Pack as a lunchbox-friendly snack

They’re versatile, portable, and pair beautifully with both sweet and creamy foods.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days (note: they may soften slightly).
Re-crisp in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if needed.

Because these chips contain natural sugars and no preservatives, freshness matters—making small batches is ideal.

Fun Food Fact: Banana Chips Around the World

Banana chips are enjoyed globally, especially in tropical regions where bananas grow abundantly. In Southeast Asia, they’re often fried and lightly salted. In parts of India, bananas are sliced thin and spiced. This cinnamon-sugar version puts an American comfort-food twist on a timeless snack.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re crispy, fragrant, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying—without the fuss of traditional frying or baking. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this recipe delivers consistent results and comforting flavor every time.

Once you try them, don’t be surprised if bananas become a permanent staple on your counter—just waiting to be turned into your new favorite air fryer snack.

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

Crispy, sweet banana chips made easily in the air fryer with cinnamon sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 150