Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Halved bananas brushed with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, then air fried until bubbling. A warm dessert in fifteen minutes.
by Junie Alvarez · June 16, 2026
Jump to recipe ↓
Cooking a banana concentrates its sugars and turns the texture almost custardy. Add butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and you get something close to bananas Foster without a flambé or a skillet.
Bananas that are yellow with a few brown freckles work best. Very green fruit stays starchy, and overripe fruit collapses in the heat.
Ways to serve
Spoon them over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, tuck them into a crepe, or pile them on top of pancakes or oatmeal. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or flaky salt adds crunch and contrast.
Air fryer notes
Air fryers vary in strength. Start checking at seven minutes. The bananas are done when the sugar is bubbling at the edges and the flesh is soft when pressed with a spoon.
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
You'll need
Let's make it
- Peel the bananas and cut each one in half lengthwise.
- Stir the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt together.
- Set the bananas cut side up on air fryer parchment or in a small heatproof dish and spoon the butter mixture over them.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until soft and the topping is bubbling and lightly caramelized.
- Serve warm with the pan juices, whipped cream and chopped nuts.