Why Dehydrate Bananas?
Homemade banana chips are nothing like store bought ones. The factory produced banana chips you find in the grocery store are hard, flavorless snacks that lack the nutrition of homemade ones. The first time you taste homemade banana chips, you’ll wonder why anyone would buy them!
Homemade banana chips are a sweet, slightly chewy, delicious snack. In fact, it’s ridiculously easy to eat 5 bananas without even realizing you’ve done it. My family and I go camping at least once a year (usually 2 or 3 times) and I make snack packs every time. The packs have all sorts of dried fruit and beef jerky. Bananas are difficult to get in the packs, but only because my son can’t get enough of them! As soon as they come out of the dehydrator, they’re eaten up. We eat far more dehydrated bananas than fresh ones. They’re that good. Really.
Supplies Needed
Supplies for making banana chips are very simple. You just need bananas, something to slice the bananas with and a dehydrator. Somethings will make the process much easier, but that’s really all you need.
I recommend slightly overripe bananas. Overripe bananas are sweeter, but a bit too soft to want to eat fresh. These bananas are perfect for banana chips. I’ve tried just-ripe bananas before and they really weren’t sweet enough for banana chips. Just wait a few days and you’ll be much happier.
I use a fruit slicer to make sure my slices are even. This creates a consistent drying time, so I don’t need to check for doneness as often. I also use silicone dehydrating mats. It can be difficult to peel off the dried bananas from the hard, plastic trays. Flexible silicone makes it super easy to remove the chips.
You’re probably going to want a lot of bananas for this project. I used 4 bananas and it filled up less than 2 trays.
Fruit Slicer
This fruit slicer is super easy to use and lets me make even slices of banana, evening out drying time.
Dehydrator
This is the dehydrator I use. I have this one and the older version and I love them both. They’ve been real work horses in my kitchen.
Steps
Slice
Slice the bananas evenly, using a knife or fruit slicer. Thinner slices will take less time, but I think thicker slices create a better end product.
Spread
Spread the slices in a single layer on a dehydrating tray. I use a silicone tray to make it easy to remove them later.
Dehydrate
Dehydrate for 8-12 hours, depending on thickness. Slices will be slightly brittle and won’t be sticky to the touch.
Remove
Remove the banana chips from the tray. Silicone mats make this process easy. If you don’t have silicone mats, you’ll need to peel them off.
Storage
If you are able to keep the dehydrated bananas longer than a day or two, store them in an airtight container. If you have a lot and want to store them long term, I recommend using mason jars and a mason jar vacuum sealer. Store the jars in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Dehydrated Banana Chips
Homemade Banana Chips
4
servings10
minutesIngredients
4 Bananas (slightly overripe)
Directions
- Peel and slice the bananas.
- Spread the bananas evenly in a single layer on a dehydrator tray.
- Dehydrate at 140°F for 8-12 hours.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 12 months.
Notes
- You can add seasonings like cinnamon or nutmeg before dehydrating.
- I would not recommend adding any sugar as these chips are quite sweet.
Notes
If you are able to keep the banana chips longer than a day or two, store them in an airtight container. If you have a lot and want to store them long term, I recommend using mason jars and a mason jar vacuum sealer. Store the jars in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
