Air fryer bananas turn basic bananas from ordinary fruit to caramelized perfection in just 8 minutes. This recipe creates a warm, naturally sweet dessert that tastes way more indulgent than the zero effort it requires.
I first made these on one of those evenings when I promised my kids dessert but completely forgot to plan anything. Simply slice up some bananas, toss them into the air fryer, and you’ll end up with golden, caramelized bananas!
There’s no preheating, no waiting, and no dishes to wash beyond your air fryer basket. And if you think fruit for dessert sounds boring, think again.
The heat turns their texture into something soft while intensifying their natural sweetness. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a spoonful of peanut butter, and you’ve got a fancy dessert. You probably have everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.
No special ingredients, no complicated steps, just bananas and whatever toppings make you happy. Let me show you the simple steps to make these air fryer bananas happen in your kitchen tonight, because sometimes the easiest desserts are the most satisfying.
Looking for more things to make with bananas? Try blueberry banana bread, banana split fluff, or banana pudding icebox cake.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Bananas – Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Those super spotty, extra-soft bananas that are perfect for banana bread won’t work as well here.
- Cinnamon
- Brown Sugar
- Melted Butter
How to Make Air Fryer Bananas
- Start by cutting your bananas in half lengthwise, but don’t peel them first. The peel helps keep the bananas intact and prevents a sticky mess in your air fryer basket.
- Mix up your cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Melt the butter. Then, brush it generously over the cut side of each banana half. Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered banana surfaces.
- Place the banana halves in your air fryer basket, cut-side up. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes until they’re golden and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the bananas using a spatula – they’ll be quite soft at this point. Trying to pick them up with tongs can squish them.
Serving Ideas
These warm, caramelized air fryer bananas are best served while still warm. My kids love them topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
I like to add a generous spoonful of creamy peanut butter, which melts beautifully over the warm banana. Add some chopped peanuts for a little bit of crunch.
Here are a few more serving ideas:
- Scoop vanilla ice cream on top for an easy banana split.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Add to your morning oatmeal or yogurt bowl.
- Serve alongside French toast or pancakes.
- Top with Nutella and a few mini chocolate chips
How to Store
These are best when they are made fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for about an hour, but after that, they get mushy. So only make what you plan to use.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Look for bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots.
- Leaving the peel on while cooking is a game-changer. It acts like a little boat that holds all the delicious butter and sugar mixture in place. Additionally, it makes cleanup significantly easier.
- When brushing on the butter and sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture, try to achieve an even coating on the cut surface so that it caramelizes evenly.
- Give your bananas some breathing room in the air fryer basket. I usually cook just 2-3 banana halves at a time, depending on the size of the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Bananas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bananas sliced lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Halve the bananas. Don’t peel them since the skin will help keep the bananas from making a mess in the air fryer.2 bananas
- Combine cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Melt the butter and brush it on the cut side of each banana. Sprinkle on the sugar mixture.2 tablespoons melted butter
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes.
- Use a spatula to lift the bananas out of the air fryer basket.
- Serve warm, top with peanut butter or whipped cream.
Video
Notes
- Look for bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots.
- Leaving the peel on while cooking is a game-changer. It acts like a little boat that holds all the delicious butter and sugar mixture in place. Additionally, it makes cleanup significantly easier.
- When brushing on the butter and sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture, try to achieve an even coating on the cut surface so that it caramelizes evenly.
- Give your bananas some breathing room in the air fryer basket.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
These were very easy to prepare and very good. I served them with vanilla ice cream. Thank you for such a great recipe.