Banana and Kale Chips: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Snack You Need to Try Today

When it comes to snacks, I love finding that perfect balance between healthy and satisfying. That’s exactly what banana and kale chips bring to the table. They’re a fun combination of sweet and savory, with a crunch that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a go-to for busy days or last-minute cravings.

What I find so fascinating is how these two ingredients, so different on their own, come together to create a snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. Kale chips have that earthy, crispy vibe, while the bananas add a natural sweetness that feels like a treat. It’s a pairing that might surprise you, but trust me, it works beautifully.

Banana And Kale Chips Recipe

A quick recipe with bananas is my favorite way to bring their sweetness to life, and pairing them with crispy kale is just divine. This simple recipe highlights both ingredients beautifully, giving a mix of earthy crunch from kale and caramelized sweetness from bananas. Let’s dive into how I make it!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium bunch of kale, washed, stems removed, and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for bananas)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, to drizzle on bananas)

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Kale Chips

In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and salt. Massage the leaves gently with your hands for even coating, making sure each piece is lightly oiled but not dripping.

Step 3: Arrange Kale on Baking Sheet

Spread the kale in a single layer on one of the prepared baking sheets, ensuring the pieces don’t overlap. Overlapping can cause steaming instead of proper crisping.

Step 4: Prepare Banana Slices

Place the banana slices in another bowl. If you’d like a cozy twist, sprinkle them with cinnamon. You can also drizzle them with honey, but only a light touch is needed, as bananas are naturally sweet.

Step 5: Arrange Bananas on Baking Sheet

Lay the banana slices on the second baking sheet, also in a single layer. Space them out so they don’t stick together during baking.

Step 6: Bake Kale Chips

Place the kale baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven, baking for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as kale can burn quickly. Once crispy, remove from the oven.

Step 7: Bake Banana Chips

Transfer the banana sheet into the oven once the kale comes out. Bake for 1 hour, flipping the banana slices halfway through to ensure even drying. They’ll turn lightly golden and smell caramelized.

Step 8: Cool Everything

Let the kale cool completely on the tray to set its crispness. Allow the banana chips to cool for about 10 minutes on the tray before removing.

Ingredients

When it comes to banana and kale chips, using the right ingredients is key to creating snacks that are both delicious and perfectly textured. I’ve spent years experimenting with bananas straight from my backyard trees, and this simple combination always delivers.

For The Banana Chips

• 2 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

For The Kale Chips

• 1 bunch of kale, washed and thoroughly dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes (optional, for extra flavor)

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to making banana and kale chips, using the right tools ensures the process is seamless and enjoyable. As someone who spends a great deal of time experimenting with banana recipes, I rely on a few kitchen essentials to bring out the best texture and flavors in my snacks. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the bananas evenly. I use a non-slip cutting board to ensure safety while preparing the banana slices.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing the kale with oil and seasonings without making a mess.
• Citrus Juicer (Optional): Though optional, a simple hand juicer makes squeezing fresh lemon juice for the banana slices effortless. Keeping my bananas fresh and evenly coated with lemon juice is key to their perfect caramelization.
• Baking Sheets: I usually use two baking sheets, one for the banana slices and the other for the kale. This keeps the flavors from mingling and ensures even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for applying oil or honey evenly on banana slices if you opt for a sweet glaze.
• Tongs: Great for flipping kale midway through baking to achieve that light, crispy texture.
• Timer: I’m obsessed with checking the timer to avoid overbaking. Bananas and kale require different baking times, so keeping track is critical.

Directions

Making banana and kale chips at home is a breeze and results in a snack so satisfying you’ll never want to buy store-bought versions again. Let me guide you through the step-by-step process, starting with the bananas (my specialty!) and wrapping up with the crispy kale.

Preparing The Banana Chips

1. Peel 2 ripe but firm bananas. Look for bananas that are just starting to turn yellow with no brown spots – they hold their shape best when baked.
2. Slice the bananas into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. I like to use a sharp knife for precise cuts, but a mandoline works if you’re extra careful.
3. Place the banana slices in a single layer in a large mixing bowl.
4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning and enhance natural sweetness. If you’d like a touch of extra flavor, lightly brush the slices with optional honey or maple syrup using a pastry brush. Toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Lay the banana slices separately on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure none of them overlap – we’re aiming for perfectly crisp chips!

Preparing The Kale Chips

1. Wash and thoroughly dry 1 bunch of kale. I like to use a salad spinner to ensure the leaves are completely dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. Remove the tough stems and tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Think snack-sized, but not too small!
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with 1-2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil. Use your hands to massage the oil into the leaves, ensuring every piece is well coated.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and your choice of optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes. I love experimenting with new seasoning blends to keep things exciting!
5. Spread the kale pieces out across another parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer with no overlaps.

Baking The Chips

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). The low temperature is key to slow-drying the chips to crispy perfection without burning.
2. Place the banana chips and kale chips in the oven, ideally on separate racks. If possible, bake the bananas on a lower rack and the kale on a middle rack.
3. Start by baking the banana chips for 1 hour, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even drying. Depending on how thick your slices are, they may need an additional 30 minutes – just keep an eye on them!
4. Bake the kale chips for 15-20 minutes. Check them around the 15-minute mark, flipping them gently with tongs for even crisping. They should turn a rich, deep green and feel light and crunchy.
5. Once done, let the chips cool completely on their baking sheets. The banana chips will harden slightly more as they cool, and the kale chips will maintain their delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying banana and kale chips, I always like to pair them with complementary flavors that elevate their natural sweetness and savory crunch. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy these delightful snacks:

• As a Snack Plate Duo: Arrange the banana chips and kale chips on a platter, adding a small bowl of creamy Greek yogurt or nut butter for dipping the banana chips. For the kale chips, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or pair them with hummus for an extra-savory kick.
• Complement Breakfast or Brunch: I often use the banana chips as a topping for oatmeal, chia seed pudding, or smoothie bowls. Their sweet, caramelized flavor pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola. Meanwhile, the kale chips are a crunchy side addition to scrambled eggs or avocado toast.
• Party Appetizer: If I’m hosting friends, I like to style a snack board with these chips, fresh veggie sticks, and banana slices dusted with cinnamon. The mix of textures and flavors always impresses my guests!
• Salad Topper: Kale chips add an unexpected crunch to salads. Toss them over a bed of mixed greens with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette. While banana chips might not fit every salad, they’re fantastic with a spinach salad featuring strawberries, pecans, and a honey-lime dressing.
• Kids’ Lunchbox Favorite: My kids love banana chips as a treat in their lunchboxes. I make it fun by adding a handful with a few chocolate chips or dried fruit for a healthy twist on trail mix.

With these serving ideas, your banana and kale chips will shine as versatile and satisfying snacks or meal add-ons. As someone who takes pride in crafting banana-themed recipes, it always excites me to find new ways to highlight this incredible fruit while balancing it with nourishing options like kale.

Make-Ahead And Storage Tips

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of growing banana trees and experimenting with new recipes, it’s that proper storage can make all the difference in preserving the flavor and texture of banana-based snacks. My banana chips pair beautifully with crisp, flavorful kale chips, and thankfully both can be made ahead and stored to enjoy later.

Making the Chips Ahead of Time

When I know a busy week is coming up, I like to prepare banana and kale chips in advance. Once baked and fully cooled, these snacks can hold their crunchy texture and fresh taste for days if stored correctly. Cooling completely is key! Warm chips trap moisture in storage, leading to sogginess, so I always let them cool completely on the baking sheets for at least 30 minutes.

Storage Tips

To keep these chips as fresh as the moment they came out of the oven, use an airtight container. For banana chips, I layer them between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper in the container. This keeps them from sticking together—especially important since the natural sugars in bananas can make them a little tacky. For kale chips, I store them separately because they’re more delicate and could get crushed by heavier banana slices.

Avoid the fridge for both snacks! The cool environment can introduce unwanted moisture. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or kitchen cabinet.

Shelf Life

Here’s what I’ve found works best for maintaining the quality of my banana and kale chips:

If you want to keep your banana chips longer, you can try vacuum-sealing them—though at my house, they usually don’t last beyond a few days because we devour them so fast!

Refreshing Stored Chips

If any chips lose their crispiness (which occasionally happens in humid climates), I pop them back into the oven for 5 minutes at 250°F to restore their crunch. It’s like giving them a little second life and ensures nothing goes to waste.

Conclusion

Banana and kale chips have quickly become one of my favorite go-to snacks. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and bring a satisfying crunch to any moment. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or pairing them with dips and dishes, these chips are as versatile as they are delicious.

I love that they’re not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. With the right ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite snack!