Looking for a healthy and delicious snack to satisfy your cravings? Baked banana chips are a perfect choice! This easy recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare and offers a crispy, naturally sweet treat that’s great for snacking on the go. Whether you’re trying to make a healthier alternative to store-bought chips or just want a crunchy addition to your snack collection, these baked banana chips will quickly become a favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create homemade banana chips, while highlighting the nutritional benefits of this simple yet tasty snack.
Baked Banana Chips Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Additional Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 just-ripe bananas: Make sure they are firm but not overripe. The ripeness of the bananas impacts how well they hold their shape and crisp up during baking.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: This helps preserve the color and adds a subtle tang to the banana chips. You can adjust the amount to taste.
- (Optional: Add extra bananas as needed depending on how many servings you want to prepare.)
Step-by-Step Directions
01. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 225°F (110°C). This low temperature ensures that the banana slices dry out slowly without burning, giving them that perfect crisp texture.
02. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the banana slices from sticking. Parchment paper also allows for even baking.
03. Slice the Bananas
Slice the bananas into thin rounds, about 1/10-inch thick. Consistent thin slices ensure even drying and crisping. If you prefer, you can use a metric ruler to slice them into 1/4-centimeter rounds.
04. Apply Lemon Juice
Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the slices don’t touch each other. Brush each slice with a bit of lemon juice. This helps keep the bananas from browning too much and adds a light tart flavor.
05. Bake the Bananas
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes. Check the bananas occasionally, gently lifting them from the parchment paper to ensure they don’t stick. After the initial 90 minutes, continue baking for another 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices. The bananas should look dry and crisp when done.
06. Cool and Enjoy
Once fully baked, remove the banana chips from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the chips to become extra crispy. If they don’t seem crispy enough after cooling, simply pop them back into the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use Just-Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can become too soft and may not hold their shape during baking, making it difficult to achieve the desired crispy texture.
- Check for Crispiness: If your chips aren’t crispy after the initial cooling period, you can return them to the oven for a few extra minutes. This ensures the perfect crunch every time.
- Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe is simple, feel free to experiment by sprinkling cinnamon or a touch of salt on your banana slices before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Baked Banana Chips
Banana chips made at home are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, which are often fried in oil and contain added sugars. Here are the key nutritional benefits of this homemade snack:
- Low in Calories: Each serving of baked banana chips contains just 106 calories, making it a guilt-free snack for those watching their calorie intake.
- Rich in Potassium: Bananas are naturally high in potassium, with 426mg per serving. Potassium is essential for heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
- Fiber-Rich: With 3g of fiber per serving, these banana chips promote digestive health and can help keep you feeling full between meals.
- Naturally Sweetened: The natural sugars in bananas (15g per serving) provide just the right amount of sweetness without the need for added sugars.
Conclusion
Baked banana chips are a fantastic homemade snack that’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make. With just two main ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of crispy, naturally sweet chips that are perfect for a light snack or as an addition to your favorite trail mix.
Whether you’re looking to cut back on processed snacks or simply enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought options, these baked banana chips are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Informative
nice article. very healthy