You know the drill. It’s 3 PM. The snack attack hits. The kids are circling. You’re staring into the pantry abyss.
We need something fast. Something that feels like a treat but doesn’t make us feel awful. Something that won’t dirty every dish in the kitchen. If you love that perfect sweet-and-salty combo, you have to try our Salted Caramel Cracker Bites.
I have your solution. Let’s make Salted Caramel & Sea Salt Air Fryer Banana Chips. They are your new secret weapon. Sweet, salty, crispy, and done in under 30 minutes. Let’s turn those boring bananas into a snack superstar.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
Ultimate Guide to Salted Caramel & Sea Salt Air Fryer Banana Chips
This is the only guide you need. Why? Because I’m a busy cook just like you. I tested this over and over so you don’t have to.
We’re getting maximum flavor for almost zero effort. The air fryer does the hard work. It gives us that perfect crunch without deep frying. For another fantastic air fryer appetizer, check out these easy Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi Bites.
The combo of sweet caramel and flaky sea salt is magic. It’s a kid-friendly snack that adults will steal. It’s a healthy-ish treat that actually satisfies. Let’s do this.
The Simple Ingredients
This is the beauty part. You probably have most of this already. No fancy trips to the store needed.
- 3 just-ripe (slightly green) bananas
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of fine salt
- For finishing: Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Grab your air fryer basket. This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after one try. Ready, set, snack!
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This gives us a head start for even cooking.
- Slice your bananas. Use a knife to cut them into 1/4-inch thick coins. Not too thin, not too thick. This is the sweet spot for crispiness.
- Mix the “caramel” glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. It will smell amazing already.
- Coat the banana slices. Gently toss the banana coins in the glaze until they’re all lightly coated. Be gentle so they don’t break.
- Arrange in a single layer. Place the slices in your air fryer basket. Do not crowd them! They need space for air to flow. You might need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes. We want them golden brown and crispy on the edges. They will crisp up more as they cool.
- Cool and finish. Let the chips cool in the basket for 5 minutes. They get crunchier as they sit. Then, sprinkle immediately with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.
What to Serve With This Dish
These chips are fantastic all on their own. But if you want to turn them into a bigger snack or a light dessert, I’ve got ideas.
Salted Caramel & Sea Salt Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel & Sea Salt Air Fryer Banana Chips Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Try them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. The warm chips with cold cream is a dream.
Crunch them over your morning oatmeal. It beats boring cereal any day. They also pair perfectly with a handful of dark chocolate chips or almonds for extra protein.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Don’t have an ingredient? No stress. This recipe is built for easy swaps. Use what you’ve got.
Swap the maple syrup for honey or agave. Use melted butter instead of coconut oil. It works just as well.
Want a different spice? Try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon. For a chocolate twist, dust the finished chips with a little cocoa powder.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
If you miraculously have leftovers, we need to keep them crisp. Let them cool completely first.
Store them in a paper towel-lined airtight container at room temperature. The paper towel absorbs any extra moisture. They are best eaten within 2 days for maximum crunch.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~120
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Note: This is an estimate per serving. Values will vary based on your specific ingredients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 300°F for 25-35 minutes. Flip halfway through. Watch them closely.
Why are my banana chips soggy?
Two likely reasons. The bananas were too ripe (use firmer ones). Or, the air fryer basket was overcrowded. Single layer is key for crispiness.
Can I use olive oil?
You can, but it will add a savory flavor. For true “caramel” taste, stick with coconut oil, butter, or a neutral oil like avocado.
See? I told you it was easy. You just turned a snack emergency into a victory. Your kitchen smells incredible, and you have a crunchy, sweet-and-salty treat ready to go. If you’re craving more crispy, savory snacks, our Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a must-try.
This recipe proves that homemade fruit chips don’t have to be hard. Your air fryer is a snack-making powerhouse. Now you have a go-to healthy snack idea for any busy afternoon.
Go try this and win back your snack time! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
