Looking for a quick and easy dessert that feels indulgent but is simple to make? These air fryer bananas are slightly crispy and caramelized on the outside, soft on the inside, and a delightful way to enjoy bananas. Perfect for topping with ice cream!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here is why you’ll love this air fryer bananas recipe:
- Air fryer caramelized bananas are a fast, tasty treat that turns everyday bananas into a decadent dessert that is also nutritious.
- The outside gets crispy and caramelized, thanks to a coating of brown sugar and cinnamon, while the inside stays warm and soft. The magic happens in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. We used the Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex, but you can use any air fryer for similar results.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of granola for a balanced dessert that satisfies both the sweet craving and the need for a lighter option. Bonus: it's naturally gluten-free!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Bananas: Choose large, slightly under-ripe bananas for the best texture.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup and brown sugar provide the caramelization and sweetness. Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you prefer. Honey could also be used but it’s thicker and stickier and is harder to spread.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth. You could also use nutmeg or pumpkin spice for seasonal variation.
- Toppings (optional): Vanilla ice cream, crushed nuts, granola, or a drizzle of caramel. These add a fun crunch or creaminess!
Step by Step
1. Preheat air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare bananas
- Peel bananas and slice them lengthwise. Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Air fry
- Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket and lay the bananas in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. For smaller air fryers, check for doneness for around 7 minutes.
4. Serve
- Carefully remove bananas with tongs and serve immediately with ice cream, nuts, or your favorite toppings.
Video Instructions
Expert Tips
- Use slightly firm bananas. Overripe bananas may become too mushy in the air fryer.
- Want more flavor? Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Try adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cocoa powder before air frying for a richer flavor.
- If you love tropical flavors, swap the cinnamon for shredded coconut or drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate.
- You can air-fry bananas in their skins. Simply split them in half.
- You can also do these in the oven. Bake the bananas in a single layer on a parchment-lined flat baking sheet for about 15 minutes at 375 F / 190 C, or until the bananas are golden brown and caramelized. No need to flip them!
Also see: Air Fryer Vs Baking - What's The Best Cooking Method?
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve these caramelized bananas warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a lighter option, sprinkle them with crushed nuts, granola, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. They also pair wonderfully with pancakes or French toast for a fun breakfast twist.
Also read: What Is the Bake Setting on an Air Fryer?
FAQs
Yes, but they may turn mushy. For the best texture, stick to firm, not overly ripe bananas.
Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but they may not get as crisp.
Besides ice cream and nuts, try a drizzle of honey, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
You can omit the brown sugar and just use cinnamon for a more natural sweetness, though the bananas won't caramelize as much.
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Air Fryer Bananas
Print Recipe Pin RecipeEquipment
- Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex Plus
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas, not too ripe
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
To serve:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Crushed nuts of choice or peanut butter
- Granola
- Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce or extra maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the bananas:
- Peel the bananas and carefully slice them in half, going lengthways.
- Brush each side with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. You can use your fingers to press down the sugar.
Air fry bananas:
- Place a piece of parchment paper in the basket (to catch any caramelized sugar, makes the clean-up super easy!). Place banana slices in one layer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes or until the sugar is caramelized and the bananas have turned lovely golden brown. No need to flip the bananas!
- Remove using tongs or a flat spatula.
Serve
- Serve while hot with your favorite ice cream (vanilla is fabulous) and a drizzle of extra maple syrup or even caramel sauce. You can also add chocolate, peanut butter, granola or crushed nuts. Enjoy!
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