How to make banana chips in a food dehydrator

Craving a healthy snack? Banana chips are a great option! Using a food dehydrator is an easy way to make them at home․

Ingredients:

• Raw bananas (slightly green are best)
• Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
• Spices (optional, such as cinnamon or nutmeg)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Bananas: Peel and slice bananas thinly (about 1/8 inch)․
2. Pre-treat (Optional): Dip banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning․
3. Arrange on Dehydrator Trays: Place slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer․
4. Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-12 hours, or until crispy․
5. Cool and Store: Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container․

Enjoy your homemade banana chips! They are perfect for snacking or adding to trail mix․

Tips for Perfect Banana Chips:

• Choose the Right Bananas: Slightly green bananas hold their shape better and won’t become mushy during dehydration․ Overripe bananas will be difficult to slice and can result in sticky chips․
• Slice Evenly: Consistent thickness ensures even drying․ A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices․
• Don’t Overlap: Overlapping slices will prevent proper air circulation and result in unevenly dried chips․
• Check for Doneness: The chips should be crispy and slightly leathery․ If they are still soft or sticky, continue dehydrating․
• Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with your spices! Try cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick․ You can also sprinkle them with a little brown sugar before dehydrating for a sweeter treat․
• Storage is Key: Properly stored banana chips will last for several weeks․ Make sure they are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place․

Troubleshooting:

• Chips are too soft: Dehydrate for a longer period․ Ensure the temperature is set correctly․
• Chips are too hard: You may have sliced them too thin or dehydrated them for too long․ Adjust the slicing thickness and dehydration time in your next batch․
• Chips are browning excessively: Use lemon juice or another acid to prevent browning․ You can also try dehydrating at a slightly lower temperature․

Beyond Snacking:

Banana chips aren’t just for snacking! Here are a few other ways to enjoy them:

• Trail Mix: Add them to your favorite trail mix for a boost of energy and potassium․
• Yogurt Topping: Sprinkle crushed banana chips on top of yogurt for added flavor and texture․
• Cereal Topping: Use them as a crunchy topping for your morning cereal․
• Baking: Incorporate chopped banana chips into muffins, cookies, or bread for a tropical twist․

With a little practice, you’ll be making delicious and healthy homemade banana chips in no time! Enjoy!