This caramelized banana air fryer dessert recipe turns ripe bananas into a sweet treat with just cinnamon and sugar. It’s easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and you can customize it with different toppings!
🍌 What makes air fryer bananas so good?
Air-fried bananas turn soft and naturally caramelize with a warm, sweet center. They’re easy to make and perfect as a quick dessert or snack. This recipe adds sugar and cinnamon, bringing extra flavor and sweetness without overpowering the banana itself.
🍚 Ingredient tips & substitutes
- Bananas Use ripe bananas that are soft with a few brown freckles but not mushy. Underripe bananas will stay too firm, and overripe ones can turn too soft. For the best results, go for firm varieties like kluay nam wa, kluay hom (Cavendish), or kluay kai.
- Cinnamon Adds warm spice, but feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Sugar White sugar gives the classic caramelized texture, but brown sugar adds a deeper molasses-like flavor. Coconut sugar works too!
Topping ideas
- Drizzled sauces Honey, maple syrup, condensed milk, peanut butter, Nutella, or melted dark chocolate
- Shredded coconut Toasted or plain
- Crushed nuts Peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or cashews
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
🍰 More Asian dessert recipes to try
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweet. This easy air fryer banana recipe is perfect when you want a quick, simple dessert so you can spend time with your guests. Let me know if you tried it in the comments, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more!
Caramelized Banana Air Fryer Dessert Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board + knife
- Air fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ tsp brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Prep the banana. Slice the banana in half lengthwise.
- Season. Place the banana halves on a plate (cut side up). Lightly sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet or spiced you like it.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Air fry. Gently place the banana halves in the air fryer basket, cut side facing up. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until caramelized and lightly golden. Optional: Line the bottom with parchment paper or foil to catch any melting sugar.
- Serve. Remove carefully (they’ll be soft). Serve warm with your favorite toppings like ice cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey!
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 How to make air-fried bananas
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat.
Step 2: Prepare the banana. Slice one banana in half lengthwise, keeping the peel on to help hold its shape while cooking.
Step 3: Season. Sprinkle the cut sides with sugar and a small pinch of cinnamon if using. Adjust the amount to taste.
Step 4: Air fry. Place the banana halves in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the tops are golden and caramelized. Optional: Line the bottom with parchment paper or foil to catch any melting sugar.
Step 5: Serve. Carefully remove the bananas; they’ll be soft. Enjoy warm with toppings of your choice like ice cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
❓Frequently asked questions
Are air-fried bananas healthy? Air-fried bananas are a healthier option than deep-fried ones. They use little to no oil, keep the natural sweetness, and are lower in fat. Bananas also give you fiber, potassium, and energy, making them a great snack when air-fried without added sugar.
Can I use underripe bananas? Green bananas are too firm and starchy for air frying, so it’s best to avoid them. Use yellow bananas with a few brown spots. They’re sweet, soft enough to caramelize, and hold their shape well.
