Air Fryer Bananas

Air fryer bananas are such a fun dessert for kids or adults! These banana bites get perfectly caramelized in the air fryer and are delicious as is or topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

I always have bananas in my house, so slicing up a couple and cooking in my air fryer makes for a quick and easy dessert. And when I add whipped cream and sprinkles? My kids think it's such a special treat.

These air fried bananas almost remind me of bananas foster. The brown sugar and cinnamon combine with the melted butter to caramelize perfectly, giving that sweet and delicious almost caramel-y flavor and crust.

I love eating these straight out of the air fryer, but also love them topped with a bit of whipped cream and sprinkles or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

This easy air fryer dessert is one of my favorite ways to cook bananas, but I also love cooking whole bananas in the air fryer! If you're looking for a recipe for cooking the banana in the peel, check out these air fryer caramelized bananas.

I also love making apples in the air fryer and these air fryer cinnamon apples are easy and quick.

And if you're looking for a non-air fryer bananas foster recipe, check out this bananas foster french toast which is a delicious brunch recipe!

Ingredients

• Bananas
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

What type of bananas to use

Yellow bananas actually work best when making these air fryer bananas. If you use ripe bananas, they do become a bit mushy when cooking and are harder to work with.

Yellow bananas will hold their shape better and be easier to slice, add to the air fryer basket, and remove from the air fryer basket after cooking.

Substitutions and customizations

If you would prefer to use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, that is an easy swap to make!

Instead of the pat of butter added to each banana slice, you could add a little coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative.

You could also give these a bit of fall flavor by adding ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Equipment needed

• Air Fryer - This is an air fryer recipe, so you'll need an air fryer!
• Parchment paper - I love using air fryer parchment paper. It helps me remove the banana slices from the air fryer easily, and helps with cleanup! I don't always use parchment paper with all my air fryer recipes, but this is one where I love using it!

Storage instructions

These air fryer bananas are best eaten shortly after cooking. I would not recommend storing them, but if you do, make sure to store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes until hot.

Recipe tips

• This recipe works best with yellow bananas, not ripe bananas
• If you are adding whipped cream/topping or ice cream to the caramelized bananas, it's best to let the bananas cool a bit before adding any cream, otherwise the cream will melt.
• All air fryers cook differently! Make sure to keep an eye on your bananas to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

How to make air fryer bananas

Combine your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Carefully peel your bananas, then slice into 1 inch pieces.

Place the banana slices in the air fryer basket standing up. I cooked one banana at a time, but if you have room in your air fryer, you can do both bananas at the same time.

Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top of the banana slices.

Add a small slice of butter to each banana slice. This will help the brown sugar and cinnamon caramelize.

Air fry at 380 degrees F for 6-7 minutes.

Let cool slightly, then remove from the air fryer and plate.

If desired, let cool a little more, then add whipped topping and sprinkles! (If adding the whipped topping while the bananas are still too hot, the topping will melt).

More air fryer desserts to love: