Cinnamon Sugar Fried Banana Chips: The Ultimate Crispy Sweet Snack

When it comes to satisfying a sweet craving without reaching for processed candy, nothing beats the natural magic of Cinnamon Sugar Fried Banana Chips. This simple yet indulgent snack transforms humble bananas into golden, crispy discs of joy. Whether you are looking for a quick after-school treat, a unique topping for your morning yogurt, or a crunchy movie-night companion, these chips are a game-changer. The combination of warm cinnamon and caramelized sugar creates a flavor profile that is nostalgic, comforting, and incredibly addictive.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the art of making the perfect fried banana. We will cover everything from choosing the right ripeness of the fruit to the science of achieving that “ultra-shiny” caramel glaze that makes these chips look like jewels. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with this easy-to-follow, SEO-optimized recipe that brings the gourmet kitchen right into your home.

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Ingredients You Will Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Using fresh, high-quality spices will make a significant difference in the final aroma.

• – 3-4 Large bananas (firm but ripe are best)
• – 1/2 cup Granulated white sugar
• – 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
• – 1/4 cup Coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil (for frying)
• – 1/4 tsp Salt (to balance the sweetness)
• – Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Banana Slices

Start by peeling your bananas and slicing them into uniform rounds. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. If they are too thin, they may burn quickly; if too thick, they won’t get that signature crunch. For the best results, use bananas that have just turned yellow with no brown spots—these have the structural integrity needed for frying.

2. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Set this aside. You want this ready to go the moment the bananas come out of the pan so the sugar adheres to the hot oil.

3. Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You don’t need deep-frying levels of oil—just enough to coat the bottom of the pan generously. Place the banana slices in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a glossy, golden-brown crust. The natural sugars in the banana will begin to caramelize, creating a wet, glistening appearance.

4. The Final Toss

Once the bananas are browned and slightly crisp on the edges, remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately drop them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently to ensure every surface is drenched and saturated in sweet spice. The heat will melt the sugar slightly, creating a thick, candy-like coating.

5. Cooling and Serving

Transfer the chips to a wire rack or a piece of parchment paper. Avoid paper towels, as the sugar can stick to them. Let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes. As they cool, the caramelization will harden, giving you that perfect crunch.

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Tips for the Crispiest Results

Making homemade banana chips can be tricky if the moisture content isn’t managed. Here are some pro tips:

• Don’t Use Overripe Bananas: If the bananas are too soft, they will turn into mush in the pan rather than crisping up. Look for “starchy” yellow bananas.
• The Oil Temperature Matters: If the oil is too cold, the bananas will soak it up and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the sugar will burn before the chip is cooked. Aim for a steady medium sizzle.
• Air Fryer Alternative: For a lighter version, you can toss the slices in a tiny bit of oil and air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, before hitting them with the cinnamon sugar.

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Creative Serving Suggestions

While these are amazing on their own, you can use them to enhance other dishes:

• The Breakfast Boost: Crumble them over oatmeal or a smoothie bowl for added texture.
• Ice Cream Topping: Serve them warm over vanilla bean ice cream with a drizzle of salted caramel.
• PB&B Toast: Add these chips to peanut butter toast for a “gourmet” Elvis-style breakfast.

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Storage and Freshness

These chips are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Because they are fresh fruit with a high sugar content, they may soften over time. To regain the crunch, simply pop them back into a toaster oven for 2 minutes.