Why You’ll Love This Banana Chips for Kids Recipe
Looking for a wholesome snack your kids will actually want to eat? This frozen banana chips recipe for kids delivers big on crunch, flavor, and simplicity. Made from only bananas, lemon juice, water, and a dash of salt, these chips bake up beautifully into a crispy, naturally sweet treat. They’re perfect for snacking on the go, packing in lunchboxes, or munching during movie night.
Skip the overly processed snacks—these homemade chips are oven-baked with care, using everyday ingredients you likely already have. It’s an easy, feel-good recipe the whole family can enjoy.
Print
Crispy Banana Chips for Kids (Easy Baked Snack)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy banana chips for kids are a fun, wholesome snack made with just four simple ingredients—bananas, lemon juice, water, and salt. Baked low and slow, they turn out golden and crunchy, making them a perfect lunchbox treat or after-school munch. This kid-friendly recipe is free from added sugar and oil, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought chips that kids and parents both love.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (not overripe)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons water
- Kosher salt, to taste (just a sprinkle)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the lemon juice and water to create a light soak.
- Peel and slice the bananas into thin, even rounds (about ⅛-inch thick).
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides of each banana slice with the lemon-water mixture.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly sprinkle kosher salt over the top.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping the slices over halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Once golden and crisp, remove the tray and let the chips cool fully on a rack or the tray itself.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, use overripe bananas and sprinkle cinnamon after brushing with lemon-water.
- Keep all slices the same thickness to prevent uneven cooking.
- If chips soften during storage, re-crisp them in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes.
- Great for toddlers and older kids (avoid for babies under 1 year due to texture and sugar).
- Try fun variations with cinnamon-sugar or a light paprika sprinkle for savory chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90–120 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~¼ banana’s worth of chips
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ingredients & Budget Breakdown
What You Need to Make Banana Chips for Kids
- 2 bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons water
- Kosher salt
Sweet version:
Use very ripe bananas and add cinnamon after applying the lemon-water mix.
Estimated cost Breakdown for Homemade Banana Chips
- Budget option: about $2.00 (regular bananas, basic pantry items)
- Standard: around $3.50 (organic produce and parchment paper)
- Premium: up to $5.00 (artisan salts, premium fruit)
Money-saving tips & waste reduction
- Cut the bananas into really thin pieces so you end up with more crunchy chips from each one.
- Use very ripe bananas you might otherwise throw away.
- Any extra lemon-water mix can be saved for use in beverages or dressings.
- Banana peels make excellent additions to compost or garden mulch.
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Step-by-Step: How to Make Banana Chips for Kids
- Start by setting your oven to 250°F and prepping a baking tray with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the lemon juice with water in a 1:4 ratio.
- Cut the bananas into uniform, thin coins—about ⅛ inch thick.
- Gently brush the lemon mix on both sides of every banana piece to make sure they’re fully covered.
- Add a light sprinkle of salt.
- Lay the slices out on the baking tray in one even layer.
- Bake for 90 to 120 minutes, remembering to flip each slice at the halfway mark.
- Let the chips cool completely before eating, as they become crunchier once fully cooled.
To make sweet chips:
Opt for overripe bananas, coat with lemon-water, dust with cinnamon, and bake as directed above.
Total prep & cook time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Baking: 1½ to 2 hours
- Cooling: 15 to 20 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Tools to Make the Best Banana Chips at Home
- Grab a sharp knife or a slicer to cut the bananas evenly so they all bake the same way.
- A pastry brush for even application
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Oven mitts for safety
Pro Tips, Common Mistakes & Personal Notes
- Be generous when brushing with lemon-water—it brightens flavor and helps prevent browning.
- Make sure to flip the chips halfway through so they get crispy on both sides.
- Full cooling is essential—chips firm up significantly as they cool.
- Slightly underripe bananas are ideal for this recipe; riper ones are best reserved for the sweet version.
- Keep slice thickness uniform for consistent baking results.
These banana chips became a household favorite—my kids love the crunch and subtle sweetness, and I love how quick they are to prep.
Servings & Portion Suggestions
How Many Banana Chips per Serving for Kids?
This batch makes about four modest portions.
Ideal portion sizes
Kids typically enjoy about 10–15 chips at a time—great for a small snack bowl or packed in a lunch.
Tips for scaling up or down
If you’re making more, just follow the same ratio—one banana needs half a tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of water. Bake in multiple batches if needed.
Variations & Dietary Adjustments
Fun Flavor Twists for Banana Chips Kids Will Love
- Cinnamon coconut chips: Mix cinnamon with a hint of coconut sugar for extra sweetness.
- Spiced savory chips: Swap in spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Yogurt-topped chips: Once cooled, dip one side in yogurt and freeze for a chilled snack.
Suitable and unsuitable diets
- Works well for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets
- Not recommended for babies under one due to texture and sugar content
Healthy Banana Chips for Kids: Nutrition & Storage
These banana chips are low in fat, naturally sweet, and rich in potassium and fiber.
Estimated nutrition per serving:
- 60–80 calories
- 8–12g of natural sugar
- 0g fat
- Minimal sodium
Storage:
Keep them in a sealed jar or container in a cool spot. They stay crisp for a few days. If they soften, pop them back in the oven briefly to refresh.
Waste-saving ideas:
- Use overripe bananas in smoothies or oatmeal.
- Crushed chips work great as a topping for yogurt or cereal.
- Compost peels or blend into banana peel fertilizer.
Background, Fun Facts & Suggested Menu Pairings
Banana chips are popular across the globe, with many cultures deep-frying them for a crispy treat. This lighter, oven-baked method skips the oil while keeping the satisfying crunch.
These pair especially well with smoothies. Try serving them alongside our kid-approved Banana-Date Chia Smoothie or layer them into a colorful Rainbow Layered Fruit Smoothie for added crunch and fun.
FAQs
Can I use thawed frozen bananas?
Nope—frozen bananas get too mushy and won’t turn into crispy chips.
Are these chips safe for toddlers?
Yes, for toddlers over 12 months. Be sure to keep an eye on little ones and cut the chips smaller if needed so they can chew safely.
Can I switch out lemon juice?
If you’re out of lemon juice, a little lime juice or watered-down apple cider vinegar does the job just fine.
How long will they stay crispy?
They usually stay crispy for three to five days in a sealed container—if your family doesn’t eat them all first!
Final Thoughts
This frozen banana chips recipe for kids proves that healthy snacks don’t have to be bland or boring. These crunchy, naturally sweet bites are budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and totally customizable. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into savory territory, these chips are sure to become a family favorite.
Try them out today and experiment with your own fun toppings or seasoning blends. Let your kids help and turn snack time into kitchen fun!