Air Fryer Bananas (Caramelized Tiktok Recipe)

You only need minutes to whip up these Air Fryer Bananas! Caramelized to perfection in the air fryer and filled with nut butter, chopped nuts, and melted chocolate chips, they taste 10x more indulgent than they really are.

Air Fryer Bananas – guys, this is one of the easiest and most versatile air fryer desserts you can make. There are only a handful of ingredients going into this with lots of room for variations so if you have bananas and some kind of nut butter or sweet spread, you can make air-fried bananas. 

What I love about making these banana boats in the air fryer is that you don’t need to fuss around and wrap them with aluminum foil as you would if you were to bake these in the oven. You can pop the stuffed bananas into the air frier unwrapped with the peel still on.

These air fried bananas are a cross between a banana boat and a banana split so if those are things you enjoy this recipe is for you. They are one of those snacks that you will definitely crave the next day. 

Of course, to turn them into air fryer banana splits, you would have to serve them with scoops of ice cream. Vanilla is my favourite but homemade yogurt ice cream or even nice cream would be great too.

I went with peanut butter, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and dark chocolate chips and LOVED this combo but I cannot wait to try more nut and seed butter combos! The chocolate melts into the warm caramelized cinnamon-kissed banana flesh and you can mix all that sweet hot and fudgy goodness together and scoop up a bit of cold vanilla ice cream. 

If you like air fryer recipes you should also try my Air Fryer Pineapple or Air Fryer Apples.

COMPLETE LIST OF INGREDIENTS FOR THE AIR FRYER BANANAS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these warm bananas (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• slightly overripe bananas – ripe but not too soft 
• nut butter – any nut or seed butter you like, peanut butter, sunbutter, almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter. Nutella would probably also be very very delicious but I would then skip the chocolate chips
• nuts – chopped walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios
• chocolate chips – dark or milk chocolate, sugar-free and/or dairy-free if you prefer 
• ground cinnamon – I love adding cinnamon to my desserts and I find it goes really well with the deep rich flavor of caramelized banana. It makes the whole dessert taste a bit like banana bread. You can skip it if you are not a fan.
• optional – brown sugar, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, etc.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER BANANAS

For this delicious banana dessert, we start with preferably ripe bananas for the best sweetest flavor. You know, the ones with a few brown spots here and there.

Leaving the peels on, cut each banana length-wise from one end to the other, leaving about 1/2″ of banana uncut at both ends. Only cut about 1/2″ deep so as not to go all the way through the banana ( see picture above) 

Now we start filling! Before filling, lightly pinch or squeeze each of the ends to shape them into boats and if you want, fluff up the flesh inside just a little bit. Then start filling them with approximately a tablespoon of peanut butter or any other nut butter such as almond butter, and spread it from one end to the other.

Add walnuts, chocolate chips, or whatever else you want to add.

Place on a piece of parchment paper to keep your air fryer basket clean. Then air fry for 5-6 minutes in a single layer.

Alternatively, you can bake them in a casserole dish or wrapped in foil in the oven at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes. This will caramelize the banana, so keep an eye on them and cook for as long as that takes.

Once the bananas are done, remove the basket and allow them to cool before adding extra toppings.

I sprinkled them with cinnamon after frying and I added a scoop of vanilla ice cream but this is completely optional.  Other great toppings would be Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup and granola (like a breakfast banana boat), homemade caramel sauce, whipped coconut cream, or cool whip. Get creative and enjoy!

HOW TO STORE

Storing air fryer bananas properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to store air fryer bananas:

1. Cooling: Allow the air fried leftover bananas to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup inside the storage container.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled air fried bananas into an airtight container. Choose a container size that fits the bananas without excess empty space.
3. Refrigeration: Place the airtight container with the air fried bananas in the refrigerator if you’re not going to use them immediately. This will help extend their freshness.
4. Layering: If you need to stack the bananas in the container, place parchment paper or a paper towel between layers to prevent sticking and moisture buildup.
5. Use Within a Few Days: Air fried bananas are best enjoyed within a few days of cooking. While they won’t last as long as fresh bananas, proper storage can help maintain their quality.

HOW TO USE YOUR CARAMELIZED BANANAS

1. Oatmeal: Add air fryer banana to your morning oatmeal for natural sweetness and extra flavor.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer air fried banana slices with yogurt and granola to create a delicious and nutritious parfait.
3. Pancakes and Waffles: Top your pancakes or waffles with air fried banana slices for a tasty and wholesome touch.
4. Ice Cream Sundae: Create a decadent ice cream sundae by topping your favorite ice cream with warm air fried bananas.
5. French Toast: Incorporate air fried banana slices into your French toast batter for a delightful twist.
6. Cereal: Sprinkle air fryer banana slices over your morning cereal for added flavor and texture.
7. Peanut Butter Toast: Spread peanut butter on toast and top with air fried banana slices for a satisfying snack.

CAN I REHEAT AIR FRYER BANANAS?

Yes, you can reheat air fried bananas in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a short time to restore their warmth and texture.

IS THIS A HEALTHY SNACK?

Air fried bananas can be a healthier alternative to fried snacks since they require minimal oil. They provide natural sweetness, fiber, and some vitamins.

DO AIR FRYER BANANAS TASTE LIKE FRIED BANANAS?

While air fried bananas don’t have the exact texture of deep-fried bananas, they offer a similar caramelized flavor without the excess oil. It’s a great way to enjoy this simple dessert without all the fat and calories.

What’s your favourite air fryer dessert or do you have a hack you want to share with us? Leave me a comment below!

More Banana Recipes To Try!

• Mug Banana Cake
• Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats
• Banana Bread Stove Top Oatmeal
• Healthy Banana Bread Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)
• The Best Banana Zucchini Bread Recipe

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