Baked Banana Chips Recipe

Baked banana chips are a delightful and healthy snack that brings the natural sweetness of ripe bananas into bite-sized treats. They are light, crunchy, and satisfy your craving for something crispy without the added sugars and fats found in many commercial snacks. Making baked banana chips at home is not only simple, but also fun. You can enjoy them as is, use them in various dishes, or even pack them for on-the-go snacking!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love baked banana chips. First, they are an easy way to enjoy a healthy snack. Bananas are full of essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Second, making your own banana chips means you can control the ingredients. There are no preservatives, and just a touch of lemon juice to keep the bananas fresh and tasty. Lastly, baking these chips enhances their natural sweetness, creating a snack that is both satisfying and guilt-free.

 

 

HOW TO MAKE Baked Banana Chips

Making baked banana chips is a straightforward process that requires just a few ingredients and some simple steps. You will be amazed at how delicious and satisfying they turn out!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Small bowl
6. Brush (to apply lemon juice)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 bananas, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is important because it helps to dry the banana slices without burning them.

Prepare the baking sheet

While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the banana chips from sticking and make cleanup easier later.

Slice the bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them into ⅛-inch rounds. It is important to keep the slices even so they bake uniformly.

Brush with lemon juice

In a small bowl, pour the lemon juice. Brush each slice of banana with the lemon juice on both sides. This step will help to preserve their color and flavor while adding a hint of zesty taste.

Arrange on the baking sheet

Place the banana slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about half an inch apart. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each piece for even baking.

Bake the banana chips

Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the bananas bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be dry enough to flip. After the first hour, carefully flip each chip and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Cool completely

Once the chips are done baking, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they will become crispier.

HOW TO SERVE Baked Banana Chips

Baked banana chips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them as a simple snack on their own or add them to your breakfast. Try placing some chips over yogurt, mixing them into cereal, or adding them to granola. They make a great topping for oatmeal too! For a fun treat, you can dip them in nut butter or yogurt dip.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Baked Banana Chips

Store your baked banana chips in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should last for about one week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chips. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and they will stay fresh for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw completely before enjoying.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

There are many tasty ways to serve baked banana chips. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve them alongside a fruit platter.
• Use them as a crunchy topping for salads.
• Mix them into a trail mix with nuts and dried fruits.
• Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet treat for kids.
• Crush them and use them as a topping for desserts or ice cream.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize your baked banana chips! Here are some variations to try:

• Spiced Banana Chips: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the banana slices before baking for a warm flavor.
• Chili Lime Banana Chips: Add some chili powder and lime juice instead of lemon juice for a spicy twist.
• Sweetened Banana Chips: Lightly sprinkle sugar on the banana slices before baking for an extra sweet crunch.
• Coconut Banana Chips: Add shredded coconut on top of the banana slices before baking for a tropical flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas work well for banana chips since they are ripe and sweet. Just make sure they are not too mushy.

2. Why do I need to brush the banana slices with lemon juice?
Brushing with lemon juice helps prevent browning and enhances the flavor of the banana chips.

3. Can I bake these chips at a higher temperature?
It is best to bake at low temperatures to achieve crispy chips without burning them. Higher temperatures can cook them too quickly.

4. Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes! A dehydrator is a great option to make banana chips. Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for best results.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Baked Banana Chips

Baked banana chips are perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can slice the bananas and coat them with lemon juice, then store them in the refrigerator for a few hours until you’re ready to bake. If you want to make a big batch, simply double or triple the recipe and store them in an airtight container as needed. They are ideal for snacking anytime, so prepare your batches ahead and enjoy crunchy treats at your convenience!

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