Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. For consistent thickness, a mandoline slicer is ideal, but a sharp knife will also work. After slicing, pat the banana rounds dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the chips crisp up beautifully.

Step 2: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will provide the sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas perfectly. Next, lightly brush both sides of the banana slices with coconut oil or melted butter. This not only adds flavor but also helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere better. Once coated, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the banana slices.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the banana chips start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, promoting even crisping and preventing sogginess.

Step 4: Arrange and Cook

Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If you have a lot of slices, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the banana slices for 8–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, to prevent burning. The banana chips should be golden brown and slightly crisp when they’re done.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the banana chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, feel free to drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness if desired.