Air fryer bananas have become of my go-to quick desserts. No longer just for crispy fries, my air fryer is perfect for easy, healthy sweets like caramelized bananas. They’re ready in minutes and are a guilt-free treat! They pack flavor that will remind of you Bananas Foster without any guilt (depending on how you serve them up, of course!)
Scroll down for a printable recipe card or keep reading for full details, tips, and tricks!
Air Fryer Bananas
This easy recipe turns bananas into a quick and healthy dessert with minimal effort. In minutes, air fryer bananas become delicious dessert or a versatile addition to ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Caramelized bananas on top of vanilla ice cream has to be one of the most perfect quick desserts in the world. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Air fryer desserts are so easy to make. They’re done in minutes!
- Good Snacking Option: Choosing air fryer bananas is a step towards healthier snacking options. If you’re craving sweets, this can help you satisfy for your craving!
- Versatility: You can use these as a stand alone dessert or swerve them in a variety of ways. I’ll share some of our favorite ways later in this post!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you need simple ingredients:
- Ripe bananas (their ripeness affects sweetness and texture)
- Brown sugar (for caramelization)
- Cinnamon
- Salt (to bring out the flavors)
I love that I usually have most of these ingredients in my pantry already. For full measurements, see the recipe card below.
If you have bananas that are getting pretty ripe, they’re great for this recipe. But you don’t need bananas that are ready for banana bread or anything like that.
You can use any ripe bananas that you have, but the more ripe they are, the sweeter they will end up out of the air fryer. So you want them ripe but not squishy banana bread ripe, if that makes sense.
You’ll also need a few other items from your kitchen, including:
Step-by-Step Directions
This recipe makes 2 servings. It needs 5 minutes of prep time and 5-7 mins of cook time.
Preheat the air fryer 400°F.
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- 1. With the peel still on, slice each banana in half lengthwise. (You can take the peel off of the bananas, it just helps to leave them in the peel for less mess. If you’re serving them alone, it’s also a great way to serve them.)
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- 2. Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
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- 3. Place the banana slices peel side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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- 4. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the bananas.
Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, until the sugar on top of the bananas is caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
I love how air-fried bananas have a natural sweetness and make a great healthy snack, but there are so many options for serving them!
- Top the bananas with chocolate chips, whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or granola
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Try almonds, walnuts, and pecans
- Topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast
- Add to peanut butter toast for extra flavor
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup can add even more flavor
- Serve warm bananas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates and a drizzle of caramel.
- Combine with fresh strawberries or blueberries.
These fried bananas are also vegan and gluten-free when served on their own. (Try them with dairy-free ice cream!)
Variations
- Pumpkin pie spice – you can swap this for the cinnamon for more spice.
- Vanilla extract – try brushing vanilla on the bananas before sprinkling with the brown sugar.
Leftovers & Storage
If you manage to have leftovers (we don’t have them here), you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. I recommend serving them fresh from the air fryer because they are best when they are warm. I do not recommend freezing your leftover bananas.
I wouldn’t recommend reheating the leftovers because they turn to mush. But these are pretty tasty from the refrigerator too!
FAQs
How do I preheat the air fryer?
If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting or button, you can still preheat it for faster cooking. Put the air fryer on the desired cooking temperature and put the empty air fryer basket in the appliance. Let it heat for 3-5 minutes. Then put the food in the basket and follow the recipe for cooking time.
Is fried banana the same as fried plantain?
They are not the same thing because bananas and plantains are not the same. You can fry both of them but you will get a different flavor and a different texture.
Are fried bananas good for you?
Fried bananas are a great way to wipe out your sweet craving in a better way. If you make them with less sugar, you will still get the sweetness and get a healthier way to enjoy dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas peel on
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer 400℉.
- Slice each banana in half lengthwise and place the bananas peel side down in the air fryer basket.
- Stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the bananas.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the sugar on top is caramelized.
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