One of the reasons I got my Ninja Foodi was to make healthy snacks. Dehydrating bananas in the air fryer has been a game changer. Dehydrating bananas in the air fryer is a great way to create a delicious, healthy snack with a long shelf life. Unlike traditional food dehydrators, an air fryer can dehydrate bananas quickly and efficiently, using hot air to remove moisture.
This method is perfect for making banana chips, a sweet-tasting snack that can be a healthier alternative to store-bought chips. Plus, it’s an excellent option for air fryer beginners looking to try dehydrating different fruits like strawberries, apples, mangoes, or even pineapple for varied fruit snacks.
If you do not own an air fryer with the dehydrator setting, it is best to use the lowest temp setting possible on your air fryer. I have had success with using
Ingredients:
- Ripe but firm bananas
- Lemon juice (optional for preventing browning)
How to Dehydrate Bananas in the Air Fryer
Preparation: Begin by peeling the bananas and cutting them into even, thin slices. A thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch works best for dehydration. Thicker slices equate to a longer dehydration time. If you’d like to prevent the bananas from browning, gently toss the slices in lemon juice. Dab with a paper towel to absorb the moisture.
Air Fryer Setup: Preheat your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting. If your air fryer has a dehydrate function, select this setting for the best results. The ideal dehydration temperature is around 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the Banana Slices: Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the air fryer racks or basket, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for even airflow and drying.
Dehydrating Process: Dehydrate the banana slices at the lowest setting for 6 to 8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the slices’ thickness and the bananas’ water content. Checking on the bananas periodically and flipping them halfway through the drying process is a good idea.
Storage: Once dehydrated, let the banana chips cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in a dry place to maintain their crispy texture.
PRO Tips for Perfect Dehydrated Bananas:
Even Slices: Ensure your banana slices are of even thickness for uniform dehydration. Use a mandoline slicer for the best precision.
Lower Temperature for Longer Time: Dehydrating fruit is a slow process that can’t be rushed. A lower temperature for a longer time ensures that your bananas dry out completely without getting cooked.
Air Circulation: Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket or dehydrator racks. Good air circulation is crucial for the dehydration process.
Periodic Checks: Check on your bananas occasionally to make sure they are dehydrating evenly. This also helps to prevent them from becoming too dry or brittle.
FAQ on Dehydrating Bananas at Home:
Can I dehydrate bananas in a regular oven?
Yes, you can use a conventional oven to dehydrate bananas by setting it to the lowest temperature, typically around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and leaving the door slightly ajar for air circulation. However, this method may take longer and require more energy than using an air fryer with a dehydrate function.
How long do dehydrated bananas last?
When stored properly in an airtight container or a zip loc bag in a cool, dry place, dehydrated bananas can last for several months.
Can I flavor my banana chips?
Absolutely! Before dehydrating, you can toss the banana slices in cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a mix of sugar and cinnamon for added flavor.
Different Methods of Dehydrating Bananas:
While using an air fryer is an efficient and easy method to dehydrate bananas, there are other ways to achieve similar results. Traditional food dehydrators are specifically designed for this purpose and can handle large batches of food. Ovens, as mentioned, can also be used for dehydration but may require more energy and time. Each method has its benefits, and the best choice depends on your preferences, the equipment you have, and how much food you’re planning to dehydrate.
Picking the best bananas
When selecting bananas for dehydrating in the air fryer, aiming for the best quality fruit will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your dried bananas. Here are some tips to help you pick the best bananas for making dehydrated bananas:
- Ripeness: Look for bananas that are ripe but still firm. You want bananas that are yellow with small brown speckles. Overly ripe bananas might be too mushy, leading to a stickier, less pleasant texture when dehydrated.
- Uniformity: Choose bananas of similar size and ripeness. This ensures they dehydrate at the same rate, preventing some slices from becoming too dry or not dehydrated enough.
- No Bruises: Avoid bananas with large bruises or overly soft spots. While slight imperfections are fine (and inevitable with natural produce), significant bruising can affect the texture and appearance of your dried bananas.
- Organic Option: If possible, opt for organic bananas. Since you’ll be consuming them dried and concentrated, choosing organic can reduce your pesticide exposure. This is a personal preference and may depend on availability and budget.
- Freshness: Try to select the freshest bananas you can find. While this might be harder to gauge, bananas that have been sitting out for a shorter time are likely to have a better texture and taste once dehydrated.
- Color: The ideal bananas for dehydrating are those with a bright yellow color and without any green at the ends. Green indicates under-ripeness, which can result in a harder texture and less sweetness after dehydration.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to select the best bananas for dehydrating, resulting in delicious, sweet, and chewy dried banana chips that are perfect for snacking or using in recipes.
Air Fryer Dehydrate Bananas
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi 15 in 1
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe but firm Bananas
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by peeling the bananas and cutting them into even, thin slices. A thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch works best for dehydration. Thicker slices equates to longer dehydration time. If you’d like to prevent the bananas from browning, gently toss the slices in lemon juice. Dab with paper towel to absorb the moisture.
- Air Fryer Setup: Preheat your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting. If your air fryer has a dehydrate function, select this setting for the best results. The ideal dehydration temperature is around 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange the Banana Slices: Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the air fryer racks or basket, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow for even airflow and drying.
- Dehydrating Process: Dehydrate the banana slices at the lowest setting for about 6 to 8 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the water content of the bananas. It’s a good idea to check on the bananas periodically and flip them halfway through the drying process.
Other Air fryer fruits on the blog:
Dehydrated orange slices
Dehydrated fresh strawberries
Do you love this recipe? Let us know how your s went whenever you make this recipe. The Dehydrated Bananas in the Air Fryer also make the perfect school lunches, or add the chips when making homemade granola bars!
