Banana chips are a delicious, healthy snack that you can easily make at home using a food dehydrator. Whether you want a crunchy treat or a chewy bite, dehydrating bananas locks in their natural sweetness and nutrients without the need for frying or added sugars. If you’ve ever wondered how to make banana chips in a dehydrator, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with tips to get perfect results every time.
Why Use a Dehydrator for Banana Chips?
Using a dehydrator is one of the best ways to make banana chips because it dries the fruit evenly at a low temperature. This preserves the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the bananas without cooking or frying them. Unlike oven baking or frying, dehydrating doesn’t require oil, making your banana chips a healthier snack option. Plus, dehydrators allow you to control the drying time and temperature for your preferred texture, from chewy to crispy.
What You’ll Need
– Ripe or slightly overripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter)
– Food dehydrator with adjustable temperature settings
– Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
– Parchment paper or non-stick dehydrator liners (optional but helpful)
– Lemon juice or a citric acid solution (to prevent browning)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banana Chips in a Dehydrator
1. Choose and Prepare Your Bananas
Select bananas that are ripe with some brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor. Avoid overly green bananas as they won’t taste as sweet once dried. Peel the bananas and slice them evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer can help get uniform slices, which dry more evenly.
2. Prevent Browning with a Pretreatment
Banana slices tend to brown quickly once cut due to oxidation. To keep your chips looking bright and appetizing, dip the slices in a lemon juice and water mixture (about half lemon juice and half water) for a few minutes. This adds a bit of vitamin C and slows down browning.
3. Arrange the Banana Slices on Dehydrator Trays
Line your dehydrator trays with parchment paper or non-stick liners to prevent sticking. Lay the banana slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap or touch. Proper airflow is key to even drying and crispiness.
4. Set the Temperature and Drying Time
Preheat your dehydrator to around 135°F (57°C), which is ideal for drying bananas without cooking them. Drying times vary depending on slice thickness and desired texture:
– For chewy banana chips: 6 to 8 hours
– For crispy banana chips: 8 to 12 hours or longer
Check the chips every few hours and rotate trays if needed to ensure even drying. If your dehydrator doesn’t have a timer, it’s best to start checking around 6 hours.
5. Check for Doneness
The banana chips are ready when they feel dry and slightly leathery or crisp, depending on your preference. A good test is to bend a chip gently; it should bend without breaking if chewy, or snap if crispy. Avoid over-drying, which can make them too brittle.
6. Cool and Store
Let your banana chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps them fresh longer. Conditioning the chips by loosely packing them and letting them sit for a few days can help equalize moisture for better shelf life.
Tips for Perfect Banana Chips
– Slice bananas evenly for uniform drying.
– Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
– Don’t overcrowd the trays; leave space for air circulation.
– Flip or rotate slices halfway through drying if your dehydrator requires it.
– Experiment with drying times to find your perfect texture.
– Store banana chips in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
– Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the slices before dehydrating for a warm spice flavor.
– Lightly brush with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
– Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty snack twist.
Making banana chips in a dehydrator is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a nutritious snack anytime. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own batch of crispy or chewy banana chips that are free from additives and full of natural flavor.
Enjoy your homemade banana chips as a quick snack, a topping for yogurt or cereal, or a healthy treat on the go!
Banana chips made at home are a tasty, wholesome snack that you can customize to your liking and feel good about eating.