Name: Banana Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 4 Firm Bananas; 2 Lemons (juiced)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for snacks that are not only delicious but also healthy. That’s why I absolutely love making Banana Chips. They bring back memories of lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors and textures. The crunchy sound they make when you bite into them is irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare! Simply slice those ripe bananas and let the oven transform them into crispy goodness. Trust me, once you start making your own Banana Chips, store-bought snacks just won’t cut it anymore. You can customize them by adding your own favorite spices or maybe even a hint of sweetness. It’s not just about making a snack; it’s about creating something special that you can share with family and friends.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
3 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
180 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
0.5 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Oven, Peeler

Why This Banana Chips Is So Good

Healthy and Guilt-Free Snack

What I love most about Banana Chips is that they are a guilt-free indulgence. Unlike many store-bought snacks that are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, these chips are made from simple, wholesome bananas. They’re perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your health in check.

Customizable to Your Taste

You’re in control of the flavors! Want something sweet? Just sprinkle a bit of cinnamon. Prefer a savory twist? Add a pinch of sea salt or cayenne pepper. The ability to experiment makes making Banana Chips a joyful experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or just snacking at home, Banana Chips are always a great choice. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the day and can be served alongside a plethora of dishes.

Great for Kids

If you have little ones running around, they’ll love the crunchy texture and sweet flavor of these Banana Chips. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to healthier snacking without compromising on taste.

Easy to Make

Making Banana Chips is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you can create a delightful treat that’ll impress everyone.

Long-Lasting Snack

Once you’ve made your Banana Chips, you can store them in an airtight container for weeks. They’re a great option for meal prepping or having on hand for quick snacks.

Main Ingredients for Banana Chips

The ingredients for Banana Chips are simple yet incredibly effective. Starting with fresh, ripe bananas, we also use lemons to prevent browning and enhance the overall flavor. Each component works harmoniously to create a crunchy, fulfilling snack.

Firm Bananas: 4 – Choose ripe yet firm bananas for the best texture. When sliced and baked, they transform into crispy chips.
Lemons: 2, juiced – The juice of lemons adds a zesty flavor and helps preserve the bright color of the bananas.

Instructions for Banana Chips

Making Banana Chips is a labor of love, and the process is just as enjoyable as the final product. Let’s dive into how to turn those bananas into crispy snacks.

First, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature is crucial for slowly drying out your bananas without burning them.
Next, peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/16th to 1/8th inch thick. A mandolin slicer can make this task much easier and ensure uniform thickness.

Once sliced, dip or brush the banana slices with fresh lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a lovely citrus flavor. Arrange the slices close together on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake the slices in the oven for approximately one to one and a half hours. Keep an eye on them; they should easily peel off the parchment when ready.
After an hour, flip the banana chips over and continue baking for another hour or until they reach your desired level of dryness.

Check the banana chips regularly to ensure they do not overcook. They will become crispier as they cool.
Allow the chips to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, they will have a firm yet flexible texture.
Store your Banana Chips in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t skip the lemon juice: It not only prevents browning but adds a refreshing flavor to your chips.
Uniform slices matter: The thickness of your banana slices will ensure even cooking. Use a mandolin for best results.
Storage conditions: Keep your chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness. A cool, dark place is ideal.

Experiment with flavors: Try adding different spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a twist on the classic flavor.

Tips and Tricks about Banana Chips

If you want to perfect your Banana Chips, here are some valuable tips. These will help you achieve the best possible results and make your snacking experience even better.

Storage: Store your Banana Chips in an airtight container to keep them crispy and fresh for weeks.

Freezing: You can freeze Banana Chips for long-term storage. Just ensure they are completely cooled and sealed properly.
Pairing: Serve Banana Chips with yogurt or dip them in nut butter for a delicious snack.
Batch prep: Consider making a large batch at once. They’re perfect for snacking or adding to breakfast bowls.

Watch the time: The baking time may vary depending on how thick you cut your bananas. Always check for doneness periodically.

Perfect Pairings for Banana Chips

When it comes to enjoying Banana Chips, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great ideas for how to serve them:

As a snack: These chips are perfect for munching on their own, providing an enjoyable crunch that satisfies any snack craving.

In trail mixes: Combine Banana Chips with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a delightful trail mix that’s perfect for on-the-go snacks.
For breakfast: Add Banana Chips to your cereal or oatmeal for an extra crunch and natural sweetness.
During parties: Serve them at gatherings or parties; they make a fantastic addition to any snack table.

With desserts: Use Banana Chips as a topping for yogurts or ice creams for an added crunch and flavor.
In smoothies: Blend them into smoothies for natural sweetness and a unique texture.

FAQ

To keep your homemade Banana Chips fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They should remain crispy for several weeks. If you find that they lose their crunch, you can also refrigerate or freeze them for long-term storage. Just ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture from ruining their texture.

While you can technically make Banana Chips without lemon juice, I highly recommend using it. The lemon juice serves two purposes: it prevents the bananas from browning and adds a subtle flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using a splash of lime juice or vinegar, but keep in mind the taste may differ slightly.

Making Banana Chips takes a bit of time, primarily due to the baking process. Prepping the bananas takes about 10 minutes, and then they need to bake for approximately three hours in total. It might seem long, but it’s mostly hands-off time, allowing you to do other things while they crisp up in the oven.

Absolutely! Adding spices is a fantastic way to customize your Banana Chips. You can sprinkle them with cinnamon, sea salt, or even cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Feel free to get creative with flavors to suit your palate; the options are endless!

Conclusion

The simplicity and deliciousness of Banana Chips make them a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy snack. With just a couple of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a crunchy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll not only satisfy your cravings but will also enjoy the satisfaction of making a wholesome snack at home.

Banana Chips

The ultimate healthy snack, Banana Chips are crispy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for satisfying your cravings without any guilt, they're a must-try for your next snack time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 10

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Chef's Knife
Oven
Peeler

Ingredients

4 Firm Bananas
2 Lemons juiced

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature is crucial for slowly drying out your bananas without burning them.
Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/16th to 1/8th inch thick. A mandolin slicer can make this task much easier and ensure uniform thickness.

Once sliced, dip or brush the banana slices with fresh lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a lovely citrus flavor. Arrange the slices close together on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake the slices in the oven for approximately one to one and a half hours. Keep an eye on them; they should easily peel off the parchment when ready.
After an hour, flip the banana chips over and continue baking for another hour or until they reach your desired level of dryness.

Check the banana chips regularly to ensure they do not overcook. They will become crispier as they cool.
Allow the chips to cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, they will have a firm yet flexible texture.
Store your Banana Chips in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze.

Notes

Tip 1: Store your Banana Chips in an airtight container to keep them crispy and fresh for weeks.
Tip 2: You can freeze Banana Chips for long-term storage. Just ensure they are completely cooled and sealed properly.
Tip 3: Serve Banana Chips with yogurt or dip them in nut butter for a delicious snack.

Tip 4: Consider making a large batch at once. They’re perfect for snacking or adding to breakfast bowls.
Tip 5: The baking time may vary depending on how thick you cut your bananas. Always check for doneness periodically.