How to Dehydrate Bananas

There’s something special about the sweet simplicity of this yellow fruit. With its natural packaging and rich, creamy texture, it’s the perfect on the go snack. But what if you could take this beloved fruit and transform it into a crunchy, long-lasting treat? That’s where my dehydrating bananas recipe comes in.

Of course fresh these can be used in a variety of recipes like Banana Bread Pudding and breads. With just a few simple steps though you can create a healthy snack that’s perfect for hikes, lunch boxes, or just when you’re a bit hungry.

Ingredient Notes

This only involves three ingredients: ripe bananas, honey, and lemon juice. If you want them sweeter, feel free to use a bit of agave or maple syrup too. However, if you want to maintain their color, lemon juice is your best bet.

You’ll also need a good food dehydrator as far as equipment goes. While it’s possible to dehydrate fruits in the oven on a sheet pan (shared below) I find that a dehydrator gives me more control over the temperature and results in a more evenly dried fruit. Dried lemons are another great thing to do with after you fall in love with these.

Tips on Dehydrating Bananas

First, be sure to slice your bananas uniformly. This ensures even drying, so you won’t end up with some slices burnt and others still moist.

Secondly, don’t skip the honey or lemon juice. They may seem like optional add ins, but they play crucial roles. Honey will enhance the sweetness of the bites, making the dried chips taste more like a dessert. Lemon juice, on the other hand, prevents them from turning brown, maintaining their appealing yellow color.

Last but not least, don’t forget to let them cool to room temperature before storing. If you pack them up while they’re still warm, condensation can form, leading to soggy chips.

How do you know when they’re done?

When your bananas are fully dehydrated, you’ll notice that they have shrunk quite a bit and become rather hard. This is exactly what you want! It means that most of the moisture has been removed, and are now shelf-stable ready for long-term storage.

Storage Suggestions

Before you stash them away, make sure to let them cool to room temperature. This will prevent any condensation from forming in your storage container, which could lead to mold or spoilage. Then transfer into an airtight bag or jar, any air inside will dry them out more than you’d like.

FAQ

Yes, you can dehydrate bananas too long. If left for too long in the dehydrator or oven, banana slices can become too hard and lose their pleasant texture. It’s important to check on them periodically to ensure they reach your desired level of dryness.

The dehydration process can take around 9 hours at 135 degrees, but this can vary depending on the humidity in your area. So patience is key here! Once your banana slices are hard and crispy, let them cool to room temperature before storing them.

If you ever need to re-hydrate your banana slices, just let them stand in boiling water for about 7 minutes. Just be sure to refrigerate them afterwards to avoid spoilage but they are best used right away in a mashed form because they will be quite soft.

How to Make Banana Chips in Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can still make these in the oven. The process is pretty similar to using a dehydrator. After slicing and dipping them in either honey or lemon juice, lay the slices out on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake the slices in a preheated oven at 200 F for around 1.5 hours or until crispy. Remember, every oven is different, so the cooking time may vary slightly.

How long does homemade banana chips last?

When storing your dehydrated banana chips, there are a few different options. You can use sealed jars, like mason jars, or ziploc bags if you’re planning to eat them soon. For long term storage, mylar sealable bags are a great option. If stored in a cool place in a sealed airtight container they will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks.

What can you make with dried bananas?

Dried bananas are incredibly versatile. They make great snacks on their own, or you can add them to trail mixes, cookies, cakes, and even breads. You wouldn’t want to try and rehydrate them as the texture isn’t great so just mix with nuts and seeds for added sweetness.

In addition to making a perfect snack on their own, or in trail mixes, they are great inside oatmeal chocolate chip banana cookies, crushed on top of banana coffee cake or on breads.

Other Easy Banana recipes you’ll love

• We love this recipe for banana bread with mayonnaise!
• Make a loaf of Banana Bread with Yellow Cake Mix
• Banana Tempura is a fun one fried to crispy
• Banana bread in a mug is just for one and takes just a few minute to “bake”
• Or for grab and go breakfasts give our Coconut Banana Bread Muffins a whirl!

There’s a great satisfaction in making your own dehydrated fruits. These crunchy chips are not only a healthier alternative to store-bought ones, they’re also a fun and rewarding kitchen project. You’ll be amazed at how fresh fruit can be transformed into a crunchy, sweet, and tangy snack.

Want to do this with meat too? You can make Chicken Jerky with this machine too! I hope you’ve found this post helpful and that you’re feeling excited to try dehydrating bananas for yourself. Remember, patience is key, and the end result is so worth it! Happy dehydrating!