There is something irresistibly charming about Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe that perfectly balances crispiness with a warm hint of cinnamon and sweetness. This snack offers a delightful crunch that’s both satisfying and nourishing, making it an ideal treat for any time of day. Not only are these chips wonderfully delicious, but they’re also simple to make, using wholesome ingredients that transform everyday bananas into a crunchy, flavorful delight. If you’ve been searching for a snack that’s both tasty and guilt-free, you are going to adore this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe is rooted in its straightforward and purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a role in building that signature flavor, crispy texture, and inviting golden color.
- Ripe bananas: Choose firm, ripe bananas for natural sweetness and ease of slicing.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a subtle tang.
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice is what makes the chips irresistibly fragrant and cozy.
- Granulated sugar: A sprinkle of sugar brings just the right touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the chips.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: A light coating to promote crispness and a hint of richness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spice perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a low 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). This gentle heat is key to drying out the bananas slowly without burning them. Low and slow is the secret to crispy banana chips!
Step 2: Slice the Bananas
Peel your ripe bananas and cut them into thin rounds—aim for about 1/8 inch thickness so they crisp evenly. Thinner slices will be crunchier, but be careful not to slice them too thin or they might burn.
Step 3: Toss with Lemon Juice
Pop the banana slices into a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. This little splash keeps the chips from turning brown, ensuring they stay bright and appetizing throughout baking.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Blend
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This aromatic mixture will coat the bananas and infuse every bite with the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
Step 5: Coat with Oil and Spice
Drizzle the melted coconut or vegetable oil over the banana slices and gently toss to make sure every piece is lightly covered. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over them and toss again so the coating is even and thorough.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lay the banana slices out in a single layer without overlapping. Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the chips halfway through to ensure they dry evenly. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary and you want a golden brown, crisp result.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once your banana chips have reached that perfect crunchy texture, pull them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. When cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to a week.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving to amplify the flavors. For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or a drizzle of dark chocolate over the chips to make a decadent snack.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips make a fantastic accompaniment to yogurt parfaits, smoothie bowls, or even ice cream. Their crunch adds a delightful contrast that makes every bite more exciting and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chips in a colorful bowl at your next gathering, or layer them in small mason jars tied with a ribbon to gift to friends. They also work wonderfully as a crunchy topping for oatmeal or salads when you want a hint of Sweet Cinnamon goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. They’ll stay crisp for about a week, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Although these chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature and enjoy; note that freezing may soften the crispness slightly.
Reheating
If your banana chips lose their crunch after storage, a quick reheat in a low oven (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes will help revive their crisp texture without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use green bananas for this recipe?
Green bananas are not ideal since they are less sweet and more starchy. For the best flavor and texture, ripe bananas are the way to go, as they offer natural sweetness and crisp up beautifully during baking.
Is coconut oil necessary, or can I use other oils?
Coconut oil adds a lovely subtle flavor and promotes crispiness, but vegetable oil works just fine as a neutral alternative. Avoid oils with strong flavors that might overpower the cinnamon sugar coating.
How thin should I slice the bananas?
About 1/8 inch thick is perfect. Slices thinner than that run the risk of burning, while thicker slices will be chewier instead of crunchy. Uniform thickness ensures even baking and crispiness.
Can I make these chips vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, especially if you use vegan-friendly sugar and coconut or vegetable oil. That makes these chips a fantastic snack for many dietary needs.
Do I have to use an oven, or can I dehydrate them?
You can dehydrate the banana slices if you have a food dehydrator, which will take longer but also yield wonderfully crispy chips. Just be sure to sprinkle your cinnamon sugar blend evenly before dehydrating for consistent flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s both delightful and nourishing, Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe is a must-try. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a crunchy, flavorful treat ready to brighten any moment. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips: A Delicious and Healthy Snack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips are a crispy, sweet, and healthy snack made by thinly slicing ripe bananas, coating them with a cinnamon-sugar blend, and baking them to golden perfection. These homemade chips are easy to prepare and perfect for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
Banana Chips Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to prepare for slow baking the banana chips at a low temperature for crispiness.
- Slice Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring even slices for consistent baking.
- Toss with Lemon Juice: Place the banana slices in a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent them from browning during baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Coat with Oil: Drizzle the melted coconut oil or vegetable oil over the banana slices and gently toss to evenly coat each slice with oil.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the coated banana slices and toss again to ensure all slices have an even coating of sweetness and spice.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the banana slices in a single layer without overlapping to allow even airflow and crisping.
- Bake and Flip: Bake in the oven for 2 to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping on both sides. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Check Crispiness: The banana chips are done when golden brown and crispy. If they still feel soft, continue baking for a bit longer until desired texture is reached.
- Cool: Remove the banana chips from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes, during which they will continue to crisp up.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the banana chips to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure banana slices are uniformly thin (about 1/8 inch) for even baking and crispiness.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the sugar quantity accordingly.
- Using lemon juice prevents oxidation and keeps banana chips from turning dark.
- Try coconut oil for a slight tropical flavor or vegetable oil for a neutral taste.
- Store chips in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
