Chef Mitchell preparing Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips during a summer spent with my grandmother. We experimented with various fruits, but the bananas quickly became my favorite. Perfecting the technique of baking them to a perfect crisp took time, but now they are a staple in my kitchen. I love sharing this snack with family and friends, as it brings back fond memories of those sunny days."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating delightful snack recipes that are both easy and flavorful. His passion for healthy eating drives him to develop recipes that balance nutrition and taste. Chef Mitchell believes in using fresh, quality ingredients to create memorable dishes that everyone can enjoy.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips served on a plate

Why This Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips Recipe Works

This recipe for Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips stands out because of its simplicity and the delightful combination of flavors. By using ripe bananas, the natural sweetness is enhanced by the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a snack that is hard to resist. The baking method ensures they are perfectly dried and crispy without frying, making them a healthier option.

The technique of slicing the bananas thinly is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp texture. By keeping the oven temperature low and drying them slowly, you avoid burning while allowing moisture to escape. This results in a light and crunchy chip that can be enjoyed straight from the container or used as a topping for your favorite desserts.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use ripe but not overripe bananas. The ideal banana should be slightly speckled with brown spots, indicating the right level of sweetness without being too mushy. Additionally, experiment with spices like nutmeg or cayenne for a unique twist on flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They maintain their crispiness for about a week. Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.

If you don't have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or even apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both options will help prevent the bananas from browning too quickly while adding a slight tang that complements the sweetness.

The chips are done when they are golden brown and feel completely dry to the touch. They should snap easily when bent. If they still feel chewy, they need more time in the oven.

Yes, you can freeze Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or re-bake to restore crispiness.

Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with yogurt, oatmeal, or as a topping for salads. They add a delightful crunch to desserts like ice cream or parfaits, making them a versatile snack.

Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips are best stored in a cool, dry place and can last up to a week in an airtight container. However, storing them in the fridge is not recommended as it may introduce moisture and make them soggy.

Yes, you can definitely make Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips in advance. They keep well and can be prepared a few days ahead of when you plan to serve them. Just ensure they are fully cooled and stored properly.

To reheat Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and spread the chips out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them chewy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the chips are too dry, they can become overly crunchy or brittle.

Solution: Try slicing the bananas a bit thicker next time or reduce the baking time slightly to retain some moisture while reaching the desired crispiness.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chips are not crispy enough, they may have been cut too thick or not baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure you slice the bananas thinly and consider increasing the baking time by 10 minutes, checking for doneness regularly.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the chips are overcooked, they may taste burnt or have an unpleasant bitter flavor.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep a close eye on the chips during the last 10 minutes of baking and remove them as soon as they are a golden color.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chips have an undercooked center, they may feel chewy instead of crispy.

Recovery: To recover undercooked chips, return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the chips have a burnt exterior, this might have happened due to high oven temperature or uneven baking.

Prevention: Make sure to bake at the recommended low temperature and consider rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the chips are too sweet, you can balance it out by adding a pinch of salt or serving them with a tangy yogurt dip.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, pair them with sweet toppings like honey or ice cream to mask the saltiness.

Bland: If the chips taste bland, try adding more cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor next time.

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

The key ingredients for Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips are simple yet effective. Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, offering natural sweetness and the perfect texture when dried. Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the snack, making it more enjoyable. Additionally, coconut oil helps in achieving that crispy finish while providing a subtle coconut flavor.

Using quality ingredients is essential for the best results. Choose organic bananas if possible, as they are often fresher and tastier. For the spices, opt for fresh, high-quality cinnamon and other flavorings to make a noticeable difference in taste. The right combination of these ingredients will ensure your banana chips are a hit.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Bananas: Choose ripe but not overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. Slightly speckled bananas will provide the perfect sweetness without becoming mushy during the drying process.
  • Cinnamon: Using high-quality ground cinnamon will enhance the flavor of the chips. Look for Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, more fragrant profile compared to the common Cassia variety.
  • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil not only helps in achieving a crispy texture but also adds a subtle flavor that complements the bananas. Make sure to use refined coconut oil to avoid a strong coconut taste if preferred.
Cooking process for Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and effort. The key is to slice the bananas evenly and bake them at a low temperature to achieve that perfect crunch. Follow each step carefully to ensure you get the best results.

After baking, allowing the chips to cool completely is crucial, as this will help them firm up and become crunchier. By following these steps, your banana chips will turn out deliciously crispy and ready to snack on!

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

The most important technique for making Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips is slicing the bananas thinly and evenly. This ensures they bake uniformly, achieving the desired crisp texture without burning. Additionally, maintaining a low baking temperature helps to dry the bananas thoroughly while preventing overcooking.

Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut oil
    Melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    For aroma

For the Sauce

  • 4 ripe bananas
    Peeled and sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
    For coating
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
    To sweeten
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    To prevent browning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    For flavor
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
    Melted for baking
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
    For added crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to ensure even drying of the banana slices.

  2. Prepare the Bananas

    Peel the bananas and slice them thinly into 1/8 inch rounds.

  3. Coat the Slices

    In a large bowl, mix the banana slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until evenly coated.

  4. Prepare Baking Sheets

    Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  5. Arrange Banana Slices

    Lay the banana slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap.

  6. Bake the Chips

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, flipping the slices halfway through for even crispness.

  7. Cool and Crisp

    Once crisp, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

  8. Store or Serve

    Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid exposing them to humidity, as moisture can make them lose their crunch. If stored properly, they can last up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips are perfect for snacking on their own, but they can also be enjoyed with yogurt or as a topping for oatmeal. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a peanut butter dip or adding them to trail mixes.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor. You can also try drizzling the chips with chocolate or adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.