How to Make Banana Chips at Home

Banana chips are one of the easiest and healthiest snacks you can make at home. Whether you love them crispy, lightly chewy, or perfectly golden, homemade banana chips allow you to control the ingredients while skipping preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess oil. Even better, you can make them using tools you already have in your kitchen—an air fryer, a regular oven, or a food dehydrator.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make banana chips at home using three different methods, complete with detailed instructions, helpful tips, and a nutrition table. This is the perfect recipe for beginners and snack lovers who enjoy simple, wholesome treats.

1. How to Make Banana Chips ( Yield: 4 Serving )

Ingredients

• 2–3 bananas, ripe but firm
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

This recipe can be prepared using any of the three methods below. Choose the one that best suits your kitchen tools and the texture you prefer—crispy, crunchy, or lightly chewy.

Using Air Fryer Method

• Prepare the bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices will turn crispier, while slightly thicker ones will be a bit chewy.

• Toss with oil and lemon

Add the slices to a bowl and gently coat them with olive oil and lemon juice. The oil helps crisp the bananas, while the lemon prevents browning.

• Arrange in the air fryer

Place the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap, as this prevents them from crisping properly.

• Air fry

Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the texture during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

• Cool to crisp

Let the banana chips cool for at least 10 minutes. They will crisp up more as they cool.

Using Oven Method

• Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 95–110°C (200–225°F). Low and slow baking ensures even drying without burning.

• Slice the bananas

Cut bananas into uniform thin slices. Use a mandoline for perfect consistency if you have one.

• Coat with oil and lemon

Mix the slices with olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning and promote even cooking.

• Arrange on a baking sheet

Line a tray with parchment paper and place banana slices in a single layer, ensuring none overlap.

• Bake

Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. The chips should look dry and lightly golden at the edges.

• Cool completely

Allow them to cool fully before storing—they’ll become crispier as they sit.

Using Food Dehydrator

• Prepare the bananas

Slice bananas into even 1/8-inch rounds.

• Dip in oil and lemon mixture

Lightly coat the slices with olive oil and lemon juice to maintain color and enhance flavor.

• Arrange on dehydrator trays

Lay banana slices flat in a single layer without overlap.

• Dehydrate

Set dehydrator to 57°C (135°F) and dry for 6–8 hours. Check for crispness or desired chewiness.

• Cool before storing

Let chips cool completely before packaging to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Banana Chips

Use firm bananas: Soft or overly ripe bananas tend to break apart and won’t crisp well.

Slice evenly: Thin and uniform slices ensure every chip cooks at the same rate.

Avoid overcrowding: Whether using an air fryer, dehydrator, or oven, spacing the slices evenly guarantees better airflow and crispiness.

Cool before storing: Banana chips continue to crisp as they cool. Store only when completely cooled to avoid sogginess.

Store properly: Keep chips in an airtight container. If they soften over time, pop them back into the air fryer or oven for a few minutes.

Customize flavors: Try sprinkling cinnamon, coconut sugar, or a pinch of salt before cooking for unique variations.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bananas are best for making banana chips?

Firm, yellow bananas with very minimal brown spots work best. They slice neatly and crisp more easily than overly ripe ones.

Can I make banana chips without oil?

Yes. You can omit the oil if using a dehydrator or oven, but the chips will be chewier and less crisp. A small amount of oil improves texture.

How long do homemade banana chips last?

Stored in an airtight container, they last up to 1 week. In humid environments, they may soften quicker.

Why do my banana chips turn brown?

Bananas oxidize quickly. Lemon juice helps keep them light in color. Also, avoid slicing too far ahead—prepare bananas right before cooking.

Can I make salty banana chips instead of sweet ones?

Absolutely! Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt before baking or dehydrating for a salty snack similar to store-bought chips.

Do banana chips get crispier after cooling?

Yes. Just like other baked snacks, banana chips become crispier after resting for several minutes.

4. Nutrition Information

Whether you prefer using the air fryer for quick crisping, the oven for slow baking, or the dehydrator for long-lasting chewiness, this versatile recipe offers something for every kitchen. With a few ripe bananas and basic pantry staples, you can create a batch of flavorful chips that are healthier and fresher than anything you’ll find in stores.

Read More: Easy Banana Bread Recipe