Banana Chips Recipe (Crispy + Easy!) | How to Make Banana Chips at Home
This is the banana chips recipe you need! Made with raw bananas (or plantains), these crispy homemade banana chips are the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. These raw banana chips are gluten-free, a vegetarian-friendly snack, and a delicious side dish to your South Indian meal.
Store-bought versions are loaded with preservatives and added oils, and this healthy banana chips recipe uses minimal ingredients and can be deep-fried, air-fried, or baked to your liking. All you need is raw green bananas, a little turmeric, salt, and your preferred cooking method—no fancy equipment is required!
You may call them banana wafers, plantain chips, or nendran banana chips. In this post, you’ll learn how to make banana chips at home step by step, discover variations like spicy banana chips or baked banana chips, and get expert tips for getting them perfectly crunchy every time. So, let’s look at this easy and delicious South Indian-style banana chips recipe that you will keep coming back to again and again!
🍌 Why You’ll Love This Banana Chips Recipe
These homemade banana chips are the perfect crispy, crunchy, and healthy snack. These banana wafers made with raw bananas are perfect for a light snack or a healthy tea-time snack, and are better than store-bought chips!
✅ Crispy & Crunchy Every Time
Thinly sliced and perfectly fried or baked, these banana chips deliver the best crunch in every bite.
✅ Made with Simple Ingredients
Only 4 ingredients: raw bananas, salt, turmeric, and oil — no additives or preservatives.
✅ Healthy & Gluten-Free
These gluten-free banana chips are vegan and free from processed flours or sugars.
✅ Customizable & Versatile
Spice it up, bake it, or air fry — make this healthy banana chips recipe your own with easy variations.
These South Indian banana chips are perfect for air-fried snacks and vegan snack ideas.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make crispy homemade banana chips at home. These ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and pantry staples in many Indian kitchens. Perfect for both deep-fried banana chips and healthy baked or air-fried versions.
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✅ 4 Raw Bananas (Green Plantains):
Use firm, unripe bananas for the best texture and crunch. For authentic South Indian banana chips, try nendran bananas if available. -
✅ 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder:
Adds a hint of color and mild flavor. You can skip this if making plain banana wafers. -
✅ Salt to Taste:
Essential for seasoning. Use pink salt or black salt for a twist. -
✅ Water (for soaking):
Used with turmeric and salt to prevent banana slices from darkening. -
✅ Oil for Frying:
Coconut oil is best for a traditional flavor. Substitute with sunflower oil or avocado oil for a neutral taste.
🍌 How to Make Banana Chips at Home (Step-by-Step)
🥣 Step 1: Choose and Peel Raw Bananas
Image: Choose and Peel Raw Bananas
Select firm green bananas (or raw plantains). Cut off the ends, make a vertical slit on the skin, and peel carefully. Avoid ripe bananas—they won’t crisp up.
💦 Step 2: Soak in Turmeric Salt Water
To prevent oxidation, soak peeled bananas in water mixed with turmeric powder and salt for 5–10 minutes. This enhances flavor and helps maintain the chips’ golden color.
🔪 Step 3: Slice Thin and Even
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to make thin, uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and that all your banana wafers come out crispy.
🔥 Step 4: Fry Until Golden & Crisp
Heat coconut oil in a deep pan. Once hot, gently drop the slices in batches. Fry over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the chips are golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to remove chips and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Let them cool completely before storing them.
Step 6: Store for Freshness
Once cooled, transfer the chips to an airtight container. They’ll stay crispy for up to 2 weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.
🍴 Flavor Variations You Can Try
Upgrade your homemade banana chips with these exciting and healthy flavor variations! Perfect for those searching for spicy banana wafers, baked banana chips or healthy banana chip options.
🌶️ Spicy Masala Banana Chips
Sprinkle red chili powder, black salt, and a pinch of chaat masala after frying for a bold Indian flavor. These are perfect as a spicy tea-time snack!
🔥 Peri Peri Banana Wafers
Toss the chips in a little oil and coat with peri peri spice mix for a modern, spicy, and zingy twist. These are a hit with kids and adults alike!
💨 Air-Fried Banana Chips
For a healthier option, toss banana slices in coconut oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes. No deep frying needed—crispy and guilt-free!
🔥 Garlic & Herb Banana Crisps
Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of sea salt for a savory Western-style snack with an aromatic twist.
🥥 Sweet Coconut Banana Chips
Sprinkle powdered coconut sugar or a mix of cinnamon and coconut flakes after baking or frying. A sweet, tropical delight for dessert lovers!
♨️ Oven-Baked Banana Chips
Brush slices with oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Great for a low-fat banana chip recipe that still delivers crunch!
🧠 Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Chips
Master the art of making crispy homemade banana chips every time with these pro-level tips.
🥇 Use Raw Green Bananas
Always choose firm, raw bananas or plantains for the crispiest texture. Ripe bananas become soggy when fried.
🔪 Slice Evenly
Use a mandoline slicer for uniform banana slices. Even thickness ensures consistent frying and crispness.
🧂 Soak in Turmeric Water
Soaking slices in turmeric and salt water helps maintain color and adds a subtle earthy flavor.
🔥 Fry in Coconut Oil
Coconut oil gives authentic South Indian flavor and makes your banana wafers taste better than store-bought!
📦 Cool Completely Before Storing
Let the chips cool fully to avoid moisture buildup in containers. Store in airtight jars for long-lasting crispness.
🧺 Fry in Small Batches
Overcrowding the oil lowers the temperature, making chips soggy. Always fry in small batches for crisp banana chips.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Banana Chips
You can serve banana chips as a light snack or pair them with any meal because these homemade banana chips are so versatile. Below are some of the best ways to enjoy your banana chips at home:
🥤 With Tea or Coffee
Serve banana chips as a crunchy evening snack with chai or filter coffee — a favorite across Indian households.
🥣 As a Side Dish
Pair with South Indian meals like curd rice, lemon rice, or sambar to add a satisfying crunch.
🥗 In Trail Mix or Salads
Add chopped banana chips to trail mix, granola, or crunchy salads for added texture and flavor.
🧺 For Travel & Lunchboxes
Pack banana chips in lunch boxes or snack containers for road trips, school, or office – no refrigeration needed.
🎉 Party or Festive Snack
Serve banana chips as an appetizer or side dish during Diwali, Holi, or house parties with dips or chutneys.
These crispy banana wafers are not only a great stand-alone snack but also perfect for pairing with various Indian dishes and drinks. Try different flavorings and spice mixes to suit your taste!
🥡 How to Store Banana Chips
To keep your homemade banana chips crispy and fresh for weeks, follow these expert storage tips that prevent sogginess and extend shelf life naturally.
🧊 Let Chips Cool Completely
Never store warm banana chips. Allow them to cool to room temperature to avoid moisture buildup inside the container.
🫙 Use Airtight Containers
Store banana chips in a clean, dry, airtight container to lock in crispiness and prevent exposure to humidity or air.
🌡️ Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your container in a dry pantry or cabinet—away from sunlight, heat, or moisture—to maximize shelf life (up to 2 weeks).
✨ Pro Tip: Add a small silica gel packet (food safe) or some dry rice wrapped in cloth to absorb any residual moisture.
Want your banana wafers to stay crunchy longer? Always avoid plastic bags unless completely sealed.
Banana Chips Recipe
Crunchy, delicious, and lightly spiced banana chips are the perfect snack! These homemade chips are easy to make and much healthier than the store-bought version. They are perfect with tea or as a crunchy side.
Ingredients
- 4 raw bananas (plantains or nendran bananas)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (for soaking)
- Oil (for deep frying – coconut oil preferred)
Instructions
Slice off the ends, make a vertical slit, and gently peel off the skin.
Mix turmeric powder and salt in a bowl of water. Soak the peeled bananas for 5–10 minutes to prevent discoloration.
Pat the bananas dry completely. Using a mandoline slicer or knife, thinly slice the bananas into rounds.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai on medium heat. Test the oil by dropping one slice—if it rises gradually, it's ready.
Carefully drop a handful of slices into the hot oil. Stir occasionally and fry until golden and crisp.
Remove chips using a slotted spoon. Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle a little extra salt if needed.
Once completely cool, store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use firm raw bananas for the crunchiest chips.
- Coconut oil gives the most authentic South Indian flavor.
- Keep the pieces evenly spaced for cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan—fry in small batches.
- For extra flavor, add chili powder or black pepper after frying.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 137Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 149mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g
🍌 Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Chips
No, ripe bananas are too soft and sweet for frying. For the best crispy banana chips recipe, always use raw green bananas or plantains. These have the perfect texture for frying or baking and absorb less oil.
Homemade banana chips can be a healthy snack if baked or air-fried. When deep-fried, they should be eaten in moderation. For a low-oil version, try baked banana chips or air fryer banana chips.
Once completely cooled, store your banana wafers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid humidity to maintain their crunch for up to 2 weeks.
Yes! To make baked banana chips, brush thin banana slices with oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is a healthier alternative and still super crispy!
Coconut oil is traditionally used in South Indian raw banana chips recipes for its aroma and flavor. However, any neutral oil like sunflower or peanut oil works well too.
Yes, you can use a sharp knife, but ensure slices are thin and even to fry or bake uniformly. A mandoline slicer is recommended for best results and consistent chip texture.
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