The kids will adore this healthy and crunchy snack!
Every time we look around, it seems there’s a new use for that handy new appliance. Of course, we’re referring to the air fryer. Whether it’s for crisping up a commercial product, cooking traditional favorites with less fat, or making something that is expressly created for the air fryer, there seems to be no limit to what we can do with this nifty tool. Take our air fryer banana chips, for example. Store-bought banana chips may be quick and easy, but do you know what’s really in them? They are likely deep-fried, so then you have to ask: what kind of oil was used? Are there any artificial ingredients or stabilizers in that bag?
On the other hand, homemade banana chips are super easy to make. Plus, you have total control over what’s in them. But, can I tell you a secret? Banana chips made at home, fresh, and as-needed are so much better than those packaged versions that have been sitting on the shelf for…oh, who knows how long. Let us show you how good a banana chip really can be.
The Top Banana
So, our primary star in this recipe, is, of course…the banana! If you’ve looked in the product department, there are several different types of bananas, or banana-cousins, like plantains, baby reds, and Ladyfingers. The varieties are great, and can be used interchangeably in this recipe. Bananas are nutritionally wonderful, full of potassium, fiber, folic acid, and more.
The Cavendish is our well-known, go-to, banana so let’s start there. Regardless of what kind you use, the “right” banana is one that isn’t totally ripe yet. A slightly firm, greenish banana will crisp up, whereas the best type of banana used in banana bread, for example, won’t get you the right results.
A Little Oil, a Little Salt…
Slice up your banana of choice into roughly 1/4″ thick slices. Put them in a bowl and toss them with your favorite heart-healthy avocado oil. Then, add a little salt and pepper.
During this time, you’ll want to preheat your air-fryer to 350 degrees. When the fryer is hot, add your bananas, one layer at a time to ensure they all get air circulation allowing them to crisp up properly. Cook them for about 10 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown, making sure to flip them after about 5 minutes of cooking time.
Place the cooked bananas on a plate or sheet pan, allowing them to cool. Cook remaining slices until they have all been processed. They will crisp up a bit more as they cool, so try to resist chomping them down all at once.
Make them Your Own
While these banana chips make a great snack all by themselves, you can also add them to a granola, even toss them in a salad as a fresh, unique crunch element!
And, once you’ve seen how great these can be, you may want to experiment. Try adding cinnamon to the mix instead of pepper, perhaps some crushed herbs, or spice them up by tossing in a few hot pepper flakes! It doesn’t matter how you prepare them or serve them, they are better made fresh, at home, whenever the craving hits.
- 3 firm bananas or plantains
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Peel and slice the bananas about 1/4 an inch thick. Place them in a bowl and drizzle the avocado oil over them. Then season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360F for 5 minutes. Place the banana slices in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the bananas from the air fryer and place them on a plate to cool. Repeat this process until all the bananas are cooked.
Make sure your bananas are not too ripe or your chips will not be crunchy. It is fine to use bananas that are still a little green.
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 4
Keywords Air Fryer, Quick and Easy
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If you enjoyed these air fryer banana chips, you might also like to try our Baked Apple Chips or these Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Rosemary and Sea Salt.
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Source by skinnyms.com
