Banana Chips Recipe
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My banana chips recipe needs only three ingredients and turns out crunchy with the perfect amount of sweetness. They’re a healthy, wholesome snack!
Need an unconventional recipe to use up some brown bananas? I’ve got you covered.
Dehydrated banana chips have been a guilty pleasure of mine for years, but they’re so expensive, especially if you want the ones with a short ingredient list (um, yes please!). Once I learned how to make them from scratch, they became a staple in my house.
I tested a few different methods: oven-baked, air-fried, and even oil-free, before landing on this version. The air fryer provides the fastest crunch, while the oven is ideal for larger batches. Either way, you only need three ingredients and no dehydrator.
Table of Contents
Why make my homemade banana chips
- Made with 3 ingredients. All you need is bananas, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cheaper than store-bought. All you’re paying for is the fancy packaging. Banana crisps don’t have to be expensive if you make them from scratch.
- Healthier. Packaged banana chips are often deep-fried and/or contain tons of sugar, but not mine! I use two tablespoons to toss the slices, though much of it doesn’t end up on the chips themselves.
- No dehydrator is needed! Dehydrators are cool and all, but they cost a pretty penny. I find the air fryer or oven does a great job.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “These are so good- I’ve stopped buying them from Trader Joe’s.” – Alyssa
★★★★★ – “Now I have a snack I feel good about sharing with my kiddos.” – Luisa
Ingredients needed
- Fresh bananas. They should be ripe but firm. If they’re too soft, they won’t crisp up in the air fryer (but don’t worry, they’ll work for my flourless banana bread!).
- Fresh lemon juice. Just a dash to keep the color.
- Oil. Use olive oil or any neutral-flavored oil of your choosing.
Recipe variations
As much I love the OG version, here are some ways I’ve tweaked things:
- Dip them in chocolate. I practically grew up on chocolate-dipped bananas. To make them, crisp up the chips, dunk them in melted chocolate, and let them dry on a tray before storing.
- Sweeten them up. This recipe is for unsweetened banana chips, but if you like them sweeter, mix in a bit of sugar with the lemon juice or some honey.
- Add flavor. Toss the chips in cinnamon sugar, paprika, or a dash of kosher salt.
How to make banana chips
For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Slice the bananas into ¼-inch thick slices and transfer them to a large bowl.
Step 2- Coat the bananas. Toss the banana slices in olive oil. Dip each slice in lemon juice.
Step 3- Air fry. Place the slices of bananas in an air fryer basket and air fry the chips for 20 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 10-15 minutes.
Step 4- Crisp up. Remove them from the air fryer and let them dry until crisp.
How I make these in the oven
Yes, while I prefer the crispness (and convenience) of the air fryer, I also tested the oven method. To do this, preheat the oven to 200°F (100°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the banana slices, then bake them for 1 ½-2 hours, flipping them halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a mandolin slicer. This is totally optional, but a mandolin slicer will help get even-sized slices.
- Did your chips turn brown? If so, you didn’t add enough oil, or the bananas weren’t coated enough in it. Oil is the difference between brown banana chips and bright yellow ones (as pictured).
- Keep an eye on the chips. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your banana slices. If they’re not firm and slightly crisp after 15 minutes, continue air frying and check every 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t worry if they’re soft. Once they’re out of the oven or air fryer, they’ll continue to crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Don’t worry if your homemade banana chips aren’t crispy after baking or air-frying. This is expected, and it will crisp up as they cool, usually within 30 minutes to an hour.
Homemade banana crisps are healthier than store-bought chips because they use less oil and are prepared using an air fryer.
I’ve tried this with ripe plantains, and they came out sturdier and less sweet than bananas. Honestly, they’re just as good, especially if you like a more savory-style chip.
Yes! I tested an oil-free version too. They still crisp up, but mine turned out darker and not as glossy. I prefer the tiny bit of oil for texture.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Since these banana chips discuss health benefits and cooking methods, the nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Banana Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 bananas ripe but firm
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°F (100°C).
- Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick slices. Transfer them to a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and mix well. Dip each banana slice in the lemon juice mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes, flip, and cook for a further 10-15 minutes.
- Let them dry out completely until crispy.
Notes
- Oil-free: While these will work without the oil, they will be brown in color.
- Oven option: Preheat the oven to 200°F (100°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the banana slices, then bake them for 1 ½-2 hours, flipping them halfway through.
- Leftovers: Leftover chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks.
Nutrition
More healthy chip recipes
Originally published July 2024
I bought bananas so that I can try this recipe! I only ate raw bananas before.
I was always buying banana chips for years but now finally I know how to make them.
Really thanks!
Okay, these banana chips are SO good and so crispy!!!!
Usually I was always buying banana chips. Now I can finally know how to make them!
Thank u very much dor sharing
So welcome!
Friends, I hope you enjoy my family’s go-to banana chips recipe. It’s so easy and yield crispy banana chips every time.
Thanks a ton for all your fabulous recipes and meal plans that I love the most – can’t wait to try out the banana chip recipe today. Will let you know how they turned out. Our family Love banana chips too
Thanks, Eunice!