If you love snacking on something sweet, crunchy, and healthy, dried banana chips are an excellent choice. Making your own dried banana chips at home is easy, fun, and lets you control the ingredients for a wholesome treat. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best ways to make dried banana chips using common kitchen tools like your oven, air fryer, or dehydrator. Let’s get started!
What Are Dried Banana Chips?
Dried banana chips are thin slices of banana that have been dried until crisp. Unlike fried banana chips, which are cooked in oil and tend to be high in calories and fat, dried banana chips are a wholesome snack made by slowly removing moisture from the fruit. They retain the natural sweetness of bananas and can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of seasoning. Plus, they have a longer shelf life when stored properly.
Choosing the Right Bananas
The key to perfect dried banana chips starts with the bananas you pick:
– Use firm, barely ripe bananas for the best texture. Overripe bananas are too soft and won’t crisp up well.
– Green or slightly yellow bananas work well because they hold their shape during drying.
– Avoid bananas with brown spots or overly ripe ones, as they tend to become mushy.
Preparing Your Bananas
- Peel and slice the bananas thinly — about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick is ideal. Thin slices dry faster and become crispier.
- To prevent browning and add a bit of tang, soak the banana slices in lemon juice mixed with water (about 1 part lemon juice to 2–3 parts water) for 3 to 5 minutes. This also helps keep the chips looking fresh and appealing.
- Drain the slices well to avoid excess moisture, which can slow drying.
Methods to Make Dried Banana Chips
Oven-Dried Banana Chips
The oven is a convenient way to make dried banana chips without special equipment.
– Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200–250°F (90–120°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
– Lay the banana slices in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
– Optional: Brush the slices lightly with lemon juice or a bit of oil for extra crispness.
– Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even drying.
– Keep an eye on them; they should be dry and crisp but not burnt.
– Let them cool completely—they will crisp up more as they cool.
Air Fryer Banana Chips
If you have an air fryer, it’s a quick and efficient way to make dried banana chips.
– Preheat your air fryer to about 360°F (180°C).
– Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
– Place banana slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
– Air fry for about 12 minutes, then check and flip the slices.
– Continue cooking in 3-minute increments until the chips are crisp.
– Remove and cool before enjoying.
Dehydrator Banana Chips
A dehydrator is perfect if you want to make a large batch and have the time.
– Soak banana slices in lemon water as described above.
– Place slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
– Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for about 10 hours.
– Flip the slices halfway through drying.
– Continue drying for another 2 hours or until fully crisp.
Microwave Banana Chips (Quickest Method)
– Place lemon-soaked banana slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper.
– Microwave on high for 1 minute, flip the slices, and microwave again for 1 minute.
– Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the chips reach desired crispness.
– Cool before eating.
Tips for Perfect Dried Banana Chips
– Slice bananas evenly for consistent drying.
– Don’t overcrowd your drying surface; air circulation is key.
– Use lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tang.
– Store cooled banana chips in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
– For a savory twist, sprinkle a little salt before drying.
– For sweet chips, sprinkle cinnamon or lightly coat with honey before drying.
Why Make Your Own Banana Chips?
Making dried banana chips at home is healthier and more economical than buying pre-packaged ones. You avoid preservatives, excess sugar, and unhealthy oils. Plus, homemade chips are customizable—you can experiment with flavors and textures to suit your taste.
Dried banana chips are a great snack on their own, or you can add them to cereals, yogurt, trail mixes, or even desserts for a natural banana boost.
Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Dried banana chips are a simple, tasty, and nutritious snack you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients and kitchen tools. Give it a try and snack happy!