Banana chips are a delightful snack that can be made in a variety of ways, from savory to sweet. These homemade chips are not only healthier than store-bought options, but they’re also incredibly simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients. Whether you prefer a touch of salt or a dash of cinnamon, this recipe allows you to create a snack tailored to your taste buds. Both savory and sweet variations offer a crunchy, satisfying treat, making banana chips a perfect addition to your snacking repertoire.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. Bananas are obviously the star of the show, but choosing the right type of banana is key. For savory banana chips, firmer, slightly underripe bananas work best. They hold their shape and crisp up beautifully in the oven. On the other hand, for the sweet variation, overripe bananas add natural sweetness, creating a caramelized, dessert-like flavor.

The lemon juice, combined with water, prevents the bananas from browning during baking, while also contributing a slight tang that balances the overall flavor. Kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas in the savory version, while cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the sweet version.

How to Make Banana Chips

Creating homemade banana chips is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure perfect results. The process starts with slicing the bananas thinly and evenly, ensuring that each piece crisps up at the same rate.

Thinly slicing the bananas, about ⅛ of an inch thick, ensures they bake evenly and achieve that satisfying crunch. Using a sharp knife or mandoline can help with consistency, which is crucial for uniform crisping.

Once sliced, each banana coin is brushed with a mixture of lemon juice and water. This step is essential as the lemon juice not only adds a subtle tang but also prevents the bananas from oxidizing and turning brown in the oven. The acidic nature of lemon juice halts the oxidation process, keeping the chips looking fresh and golden.

Baking at a low temperature, around 250°F, is the key to crisp, evenly cooked banana chips. Cooking them at a higher temperature may cause the chips to burn before they fully dry out. The slow baking process, which takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours, allows the bananas to dehydrate while developing a crisp texture. Flipping the chips halfway through ensures even browning and crisping.

Recipe Tips

Slicing Tips:
To achieve the perfect crisp, ensure the banana slices are about ⅛ inch thick. Thicker slices may remain chewy, while thinner ones may burn too quickly.

How to Ensure Even Crisping:
Flipping the chips halfway through the baking process is essential for even cooking. This step prevents one side from overcooking while the other remains soft.

Cool Down:
After baking, it’s important to allow the chips to cool completely. This final cooling stage helps the chips reach their maximum crispness. The longer they cool, the crunchier they’ll become.

Variations of Banana Chips

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your flavor preferences.

For a savory version, lightly sprinkle the banana slices with kosher salt before baking. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas while providing that irresistible savory crunch.

To create sweet banana chips, use overripe bananas, which will caramelize slightly during baking. After brushing the banana slices with the lemon water mixture, sprinkle them with ground cinnamon for a warm, sweet flavor that’s perfect for a healthier dessert option.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Banana chips are delicious on their own, but pairing them with dips can elevate the snack to a whole new level. For a savory twist, try serving them with guacamole or a zesty salsa. The creamy and tangy notes of guacamole complement the crisp, salty chips beautifully.

If you’ve opted for the sweet variation, a honey yogurt dip or a light cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-dusted banana chips. The contrasting textures and flavors make for an exciting and indulgent snack or dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, you can use a dehydrator to make banana chips. The process is slower, but it can produce an equally crispy result. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying fruit.

How do I store banana chips for maximum freshness?
To keep your banana chips crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about a week, but if they start to lose their crunch, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to refresh them.

Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! This method works well with other fruits like apples, pears, and even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the slicing thickness and baking time depending on the fruit’s moisture content.

Banana chips are a wonderfully versatile snack that can be tailored to suit both savory and sweet cravings. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create crispy, delicious chips that are far healthier than their store-bought counterparts. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with a tasty dip, banana chips are sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation.

Ingredients

Kosher salt
2 bananas
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 250°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 4 tablespoons of water.

Thinly slice the bananas into coins, aiming for about ⅛ inch in thickness. Brush each slice with the lemon water mixture and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.

Arrange the banana slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until they become crisp. Be sure to flip the slices halfway through baking for even crisping.

Once they are done, remove from the oven and allow the chips to cool. The longer they cool, the crispier they’ll become.

For a sweeter variation, use overripe bananas and add a sprinkle of cinnamon after brushing with the lemon water. Follow the same baking process for delicious sweet banana chips.