Banana chips are a yummy, crispy, healthy snack. They are perfect for a midafternoon bite to eat, a side in your kids’ lunch boxes, or anytime you want something light and flavorful. And the best part is, with 5 different flavors to choose from, you are bound to find the flavor your family loves the best! Everyone in our family has a different favorite, which is fine because it is super quick to make multiple batches.
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This recipe was originally published in Dec 2018. It has been updated with cleaner instructions and text.
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Why should you make plantain chips at home?
Store bought chips usually contain a ton of preservatives and added sugar to help increase shelf life. The added sugar increases the number of calories you’re eating and takes away some of the healthiness of the chips.
Also, homemade banana chips are a super easy, healthy snack. You only need a few ingredients including bananas or plantains and whatever you want to flavor them with.
Finally, homemade banana chips have a delicious fresh flavor. You really can’t get the same freshness from store bought varieties.
Healthy Homemade Air Fried Banana chips are a hit in kids snack bags!
We’ve been baking banana chips for years! They are one of my kids’ favorite healthy snacks! They are so much better for them then potato chips or other salty or sugary snacks you can get at the store.
And they are super easy to prepare ahead! You can make a huge batch over the weekend for a healthy snack all week long. Just store them in an airtight container and place them in airtight baggies to add to their lunch boxes.
They are sure to delight your kids. And their friends may just ask you to pack more for them!
What ingredients do you need for the recipe?
You really don’t need much for banana chips. How much you need depends on how you plan to flavor them. (See flavors below). But here is what you need for the basic recipe:
- Plantains or Raw bananas - raw, hard fruit works best
- Coconut oil - you could use another high heat oil like vegetable oil
- Turmeric powder - adds just a bit of extra flavor and helps the sweetness pop
Before frying the chips, you need to soak them in a bath of water. You’ll need:
- Salt
- Turmeric powder
- Medium bowl full of water
If you plan to air fry these, you obviously need a good air fryer. Also, a mandoline or slicer really helps to make the chips thin and even. To store the finished chips, you will need an airtight container.
How to make banana chips in the air fryer
- Air fryer banana chips use a small amount of oil to get a crispy crunch. Here’s what you need to do to use your air fryer. Directions may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Before getting started, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- As it heats, cut the ends off of the green bananas and peel.
- In a medium bowl, mix the turmeric and salt in cool water. Next, place the peeled banana in the water and let it soak for around 5 to 10 minutes.
- After it has soaked, remove the banana from the cool water bath and pat it dry. Next, carefully slice it on a mandolin. We usually use one of the thinner settings to make thin chips because they crisp up better that way. If you like thicker chips, you can make them thicker, just adjust the cook time if you make them thick so they cook through.
- Once they are cut into chips, coat them with a mixture of coconut oil and turmeric.
- Next, place the sliced green bananas inside the basket of the air fryer. Make sure you leave a little space between each chip. Unless you have a large basket, you will need to do multiple batches!
- Once the chips are placed in a single layer, cook for about 10 minutes. If they need additional time, leave them in for another few minutes. If some are crisp and ready, remove them and continue cooking the rest.
- Then, repeat the cooking process until all slices are cooked.
- Sprinkle some salt over the top, if you like, serve and enjoy!
What type of bananas do I need?
You’ll need raw, unripened or hard bananas or plantains for this recipe to work well. As a banana ripens, it starts to become softer, which makes it less ideal for making chips out of.
Plantains are more starchy than bananas which makes them a bit more forgiving. But it is still best to use unripened plantains.
Pro tips and tricks
Before you start, here are some pro tips and tricks to get you started making crispy chips every time!
- Use a mandoline slicer to have uniform shaped chips.
- Brush on a thin layer of coconut oil before baking or air frying for added flavor.
- Slice them thinner for faster cooking and crispier chips.
- Slice the fruit lengthwise for a longer chip.
- Make sure you peel the bananas before slicing them.
What is the difference between banana chips and plantain chips?
There really isn’t much of a difference between banana chips and plantain chips. In India, people often refer to bananas as plantains or just plain banana chips.
The main difference is that plantains are green in color. They are also a bit starchier and have slightly less sweetness.
Both can be used for cooking. Bananas are often added to quick breads, like banana bread, yogurt, cereals, and other sweet or breakfast foods. Meanwhile, people often use plantains as a sweet or savory side or main dish.
Five flavor variations for banana chips
When you are ready to make these healthy, homemade chips, you have a choice between five different flavors. Each one adds a unique taste the banana or plantain. And of course, you can make your own seasonings too!
Here are our favorite combinations of flavor:
- Plain – You will love the banana chips as they are! My kids’ second favorite choice after chili-lime.
- Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper add just a touch of flavor while bring out and contrast the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Curried – You can make a spicy curry version with curry powder, garlic, onion, and salt.
- Chili-Lime – My kids’ favorite! Toss the chips with lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spicy – For a neutral spicy flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika and black pepper.
How do you store the chips
You can store banana chips in an airtight container for up to about 3 week if your family doesn't gobble them all up right away!
To store, place them in an airtight container. You can then add a piece of parchment paper between layers if you want to help keep them from sticking together.
When you are ready to eat, you can take out a small amount to serve. You can also place them in airtight baggies and send them as a healthy snack in a lunch box.
Other amazing recipes
You should make sure you try our favorite air fryer recipes:If you are a fan of healthy eating and have just purchased an instant pot, Try out our 175+Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes. From Soups to Pasta and from Appetizers to Desserts and everything in between.
Made it, tag it
Did you make these healthy banana chips? Did you use one of our spice blends or try something different? Be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind and let us know what you think!
Homemade Banana chips
Banana chips are a yummy, crispy, healthy snack. They are perfect for a midafternoon bite to eat, a side in your kids’ lunch boxes, or anytime you want something light and flavorful. And the best part is, with 5 different flavors to choose from, you are bound to find the flavor your family loves the best! Everyone in our family has a different favorite, which is fine because it is super quick to make multiple batches.
Ingredients
- Large Plantains / Raw banana - 3
- Coconut oil - 3 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
For Soaking the peeled Banana for 10 mins
- Salt - 2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 2 teaspoon
- Medium bowl full of water
Gadgets you need
- Air-fryer
- Mandoline / Slicer
- Air-tight container
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Cut the ends of the green banana. Peel the banana
- Mix turmeric and salt to a bowl of water and add the peeled banana and let it soak for around 5-10 minutes.
- Pat the banana dry and slice it on a mandolin
- Coat it with a mixture of coconut oil and turmeric
- Place the sliced green bananas (in batches) inside the basket of the air fryer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes. If they need additional time leave on for another 5 minutes.
- Incase you notice that some of them are done, remove them and continue cooking the rest.
- Repeat step until all slices are cooked.
- Sprinkle some salt if you like!
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place a single layer of plantains on the parchment paper.
- Put the cookie sheet in oven for 16 to 20 minutes. Turn plantains after 8 minutes.
- Plantain chips are done when they start to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and serve.
Notes
- You may want to adjust the time for air-frying based on the thickness of the plantain slices
- To bake them heat the oven for 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes in the middle rack. Flip them over after 8 minutes
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 220Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 267mgCarbohydrates 76gFiber 10gSugar 38gProtein 4g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. We are not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on TheBellyRulesTheMind.net should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though we try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of our ability, these figures should still be considered estimates.
About Soniya
Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind. Originally from Mumbai, India, I am settled in Virginia US with my husband.
I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, referred to as R2 (15-year-old) and R3 (10-year-old) on the blog. In case you are wondering who is R1, well that is my husband.
My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't. Come join us on our journey to have "The Belly Rule The Mind"
Rahul says
Made this tonight for dinner and let me just say there are no leftovers. SO DELICIOUS!!
https://gojackma.com/bulk-banana-chips-manufacturer-buy-in-wholesale-rates/
Long says
Made this tonight for dinner and let me just say there are no leftovers. SO DELICIOUS!!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi long, thanks for sharing your feedback with us :) hope you try other air fryer recipes from our blog.
Scarlet says
How cool. I love plantain chips and banana chips but I never knew I could make them in the air fryer! I am totally going to try this soon! I can't wait.
Priya says
Very easy and clean recipes! Turned out good and crispy but definitely need to chop using a mandolin and thin slices. I had chopped the banana and were not even so some were chewy but those that cooked through was crispy like chips out of a bag. Mine was closer to 15mins at 350.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Priya, glad you loved the recipe. Yes mandolin does help alot. Hope you invest in one. :) Hope you try our other air fryer recipes too.
Anita Basappa says
What other oil can I use? Can't do coconut oil.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Anita, you can use any oil of your Choice.
Nicola Lavin says
This is so helpful. I've been eating plant based diet for health reasons for a while now so found this really useful.
Priya says
Hey, They look good. What temperature in the air fryer?? Thanks
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Priya as mentioned in the instruction 1 at 350*f
Angela Fry says
It's been such a long time since I've had plantain chips. These look so good!
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Angela!
Prime Beauty Blog (@PrimeBeauty50) says
I wish I had an air fryer because these look like so much fun to make. I enjoy making my own healthy snacks at home so I can control the ingredients.
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks! You can enjoy them by baking too.. instructions given in the notes :)
healthyfitcouple.com says
We love or air fryer, we use it to cook so many healthy meals.
Nicole Flower says
Yum, I love banana chips but they can be hard to find without all the extra preservatives and chemicals. Unfortunately we don't have an air fryer but these look so yummy and healthy!
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Nicole, it's a great investment! Do chrcj out some Thanksgiving deals ;)
Holly says
I love plaintain chips! I never thought to make them at home, but it’s a great idea.
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks holly! Hope you give it a try
Nicole Pharr (@pharr_away) says
You definitely make this sound like something I can do. I really think my kids would enjoy these so I'm up for giving this recipe a try!
Brianne Manz says
I have never thought about using plantains. These look tasty and would make a great snack. The use of the air fryer I bet makes them even more healthy.
Kasey Ma says
I love banana chips! This is a great recipe thanks!
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
Soniya Saluja says
Thank you Kasey! Hope you give it a try :)
Luci Cook says
Those chips look really tasty and really easy to make. Yummy.
Soniya Saluja says
Oh yes!! They are so darn easy , add in your favorite flavors and boom done!
Jessica Formicola says
I could snack on these all day long!
Soniya Saluja says
Hahaha same pinch @Jessica!
Tara says
Yum! I have never had banana chips before. Yours look incredible! I love the addition of turmeric.
Soniya Saluja says
Thank you Tara, if you have not tried it.. do give it a try.. you won't be disappointed ?
Vicky says
I love finding new ways to use my air fryer. I would have never thought to make plantains in there. So clever!
Whitney says
I LOVE plantain chips! Thanks for the recipe!
Soniya Saluja says
Thank you Whitney ?
Christina Holmes says
These plantain chips look delicious! I will have to try this out :)
Sheree says
These sound delicious, banana chips is always a great snack so I will definitely have to try the plantain chips!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Sheree ! My family loves it and I keep changing the spices.. right now we are loving the chilly lime flavors!
Stine Mari says
I never understood why people packed chips in kids' lunches, that is not normal in Norway. HOWEVER, when it's healthy plantain chips like these I am totally on board! I tried it for the first time in Cambodia, and it was super delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Soniya Saluja says
I don't like packing chips tok.. but when they are made at home and they are baked ( beetroot, sweetpsweet , zucchini) why not ;) Glad you liked these air-fryer version!
Joanna Stephens says
Ooh! I love the idea of using an air fryer. I have made some similar in a dehydrator, but now I am going to try your method. Banana chips are amazing!
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks JoanaJ, I love the dehydrated version, but sometimes you run out of patience ;) that all.. do try and share your thoughts with us :)