How To Make Banana Chips [oven vs. dehydrator methods]

If you’re looking for a fun and healthy snack, here’s how to make banana chips two ways. One in the oven and the other in a dehydrator. I’ll show you how to dehydrate bananas so that they turn out great every time.

Both methods are easy, but if you ask me, dehydrating banana chips in a dehydrator is my go-to choice. I remember the first time I used my dehydrator for bananas. I was amazed at how perfectly they turned out, with no need for extra ingredients, just bananas.

I love how the dehydrator keeps the bananas’ natural flavor. You can also make your banana chips exactly how you want, with either a softer more chewy texture, or crispier.

In this banana chip recipe, I’ll show you both ways, so you can choose what works best for you! There’s also a really good banana chip recipe below to try which my kids absolutely love.

How To Make Banana Chips In The Oven

Ingredients for making banana chips in the oven

Ripe bananas: as many as you want to make

Recipe steps for making banana chips in the oven

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees F

Step 2: Grease a stainless steel drying rack and place it on a baking sheet. If you do not have a drying rack, then you can also line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I use the unbleached parchment paper for dehydrating and for making fruit leather.

Step 3: Cut the bananas about 1/4 inch thick and put them onto the drying rack so that they are not touching.

Step 4: Dry for about 3 hours. The drying time is going to depend on several things like how your oven holds heat, the size of the bananas and how soft or crunchy you like them.

Step 5: Peel the banana chips off of the racks and let them cool before storing them. If they don’t peel off of the racks easily, then they might need more time in the dehydrator.

Note: Sometimes the bananas will stick to the drying rack. This doesn’t bother me and I just peel them off. But if you want, you can lift them off of the drying rack few times during dehydrating so that they are easier to get off when they are done. If you have a big batch, this might take a bit of time.

Drying at 175F for about 3 hours made banana chips that are slightly crispy on the edges and softer in the middle.

If your oven does not bake evenly, you might want to rotate the trays halfway through the dehydrating.

How To Make Banana Chips In The Dehydrator

This is my favorite way to dry bananas when I have large batches.

Ingredients for making banana chips in a dehydrator

Ripe bananas: as many as you want to make

Recipe steps for making banana chips in a dehydrator

Step 1: Cut your bananas at about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Place them on your dehydrator racks that have been greased with olive oil so they are not touching. When I do this, I put them on the stainless steel wire racks. I don’t really like dehydrating food on plastic but that’s just a personal choice.

Step 3: Set your dehydrator for 130 degrees F and dehydrate for about 8 hours checking on them from time to time.

Step 4: Peel the banana chips off of the racks and let them cool before storing them. If they don’t peel off of the racks easily, then they might need more time in the dehydrator.

Tips for making banana chips

• Choose ripe but firm bananas: Look for bananas that are ripe but not too soft, as they hold up better during the drying process. If they are too ripe, they will not dehydrate the best.
• Slice evenly: Cut the bananas evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, so that they dry evenly.
• Use lemon juice: I never have a problem with browning, but if you want brighter dehydrated bananas you can lightly spray the banana slices in lemon juice before drying.
• Monitor the temperature: If using an oven, keep the temperature low (around 200°F) to avoid burning the bananas.
• Store in airtight containers: Once your banana chips are done, store them in a sealed container in a dark, cool place.

Oven Drying Vs. Dehydrating

The main difference between dehydrating bananas in an oven and a dehydrator lies in temperature control and air circulation.

A dehydrator is specifically designed for drying food, offering consistent, low heat and excellent airflow to remove moisture evenly. It operates at a temperature range of 125–135°F, preserving nutrients while drying.

In contrast, an oven can dry bananas, but some ovens may not have a low enough temperature setting to provide the same even airflow, which can result in uneven drying, or even cooking the bananas instead of drying them.

How to store dehydrated bananas

Storing your banana chips properly will help them be more shelf stable. Once they’re fully dried and cooled down, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag to prevent moisture from getting in.

It’s important to store them in a cool, dry place. Over the course of the first week, it’s a good idea to shake the container every few days. This helps to distribute any remaining moisture evenly and prevents any spots from becoming soft.

Even though they’re dried, bananas can still hold a little moisture that can cause them to soften or even spoil. Shaking them helps so that they don’t stick together. If you skip the shaking process, you could end up with a clump of dried bananas.

Salted Cocoa Banana Chip Recipe

Here’s one of my family’s favorite banana chip recipes. It uses a bit of sea salt and cocoa.

This recipe is for 10 bananas in a dehydrator.

Ingredients for making salted cocoa banana chips

Ripe bananas: as many as you want to make that will fit in your dehydrator

Recipe steps for making salted cocoa banana chips

Step 1: Take 3 tbsp sea salt and 3 tbsp cocoa powder and mix together.

Step 2: Cut your bananas at about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Place them on stainless steel dehydrator racks that have been greased with olive oil so they are not touching.

Step 3: Sprinkle the sea salt and cocoa onto the bananas. For this a tea steeper is really helpful.

Step 4: Set your dehydrator for 130 degrees F and dehydrate for about 8 hours checking on them from time to time.

Recipe ideas

• Cinnamon: Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on the banana slices for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Chili Lime: For a spicy twist, add a bit of chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt can bring out the natural sweetness of the bananas while adding a savory contrast.

What is the best dehydrator for banana chips?

When it comes to dehydrators, I absolutely love my Cosori. It’s become my go-to for making banana chips and drying all sorts of fruits. It also makes the best fruit leather and my family makes a ton during the fall harvest season.

It’s super easy it is to use—it has multiple trays, precise temperature settings, and it doesn’t make a ton of noise.

It’s a perfect fit for me because I can set it up and let it do its thing while I get other stuff done. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable dehydrator, I highly recommend the Cosori.

Here’s a helpful article about some of the top selling dehydrators to check out if you are looking for a dehydrator.

Differences between dehydrating and freeze drying bananas

Dehydrating bananas and freeze-drying them are two different methods that result in unique textures and uses.

Dehydrating removes most of the moisture by using gentle heat and airflow, leaving bananas chewy and slightly pliable—perfect for snacks, baking, or adding to trail mix.

Freeze-drying, on the other hand, removes nearly all the moisture by freezing the bananas and then using a vacuum to turn the ice into vapor.

This process creates a super light, crispy texture and preserves more of the nutrients and flavor.

While dehydrated bananas feel hearty and chewy, freeze-dried bananas are delicate and almost melt in your mouth, making them a great topping or quick snack option.

Troubleshooting dehydrating bananas

Why Are My Banana Chips Brown?

Bananas can turn brown due to oxidation during the drying process. To prevent this, try dipping your banana slices in lemon juice or a mixture of lemon juice and water before drying. This helps preserve their color and keeps them looking fresh. I personally don’t ever do this step, I think they look perfectly fine just as they are.

Why Are My Banana Chips Sticking Together?

Banana slices can stick together if they are too close when placed on the drying trays. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer with space between each slice. If you’re using a dehydrator, try rotating the trays occasionally for even drying.

Why Do My Banana Chips Taste Bitter?

If your banana chips have a bitter taste, it’s likely that they were over-dried or overheated. Make sure you’re following the correct temperature and drying times for the method you’re using (oven or dehydrator).

How Can I Make My Banana Chips Crunchier?

If your chips are a bit chewy instead of crispy, give them some extra drying time.

Thanks for reading! I hope these tips help you make the perfect banana chips. What’s your favorite way to enjoy them—oven-baked or dehydrated? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you might have!

Do you love bananas? Here are some popular banana recipes.

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