How to Make Red Banana Chips (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Red Banana Chips, known locally as "Nendran Pazham Chips" or "Sevvalai Vazhai Chips," are a beloved South Indian snack, especially popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These crispy, golden chips are made from ripe or semi-ripe red bananas, which are sliced thinly and cooked until crunchy. Traditionally, they are prepared during Onam and Vishu festivals, served alongside a flavorful sadhya (feast), and enjoyed with a fragrant cup of chai. The unique reddish hue and rich, slightly sweet taste set them apart from regular banana chips, providing an authentic and nostalgic flavor profile cherished across generations. Red banana chips are not just a festive treat; they are also a healthy, guilt-free snack when prepared using minimal oil and air-frying or baking techniques. These chips are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be adapted to vegan diets. Homemade red banana chips allow you to control the quality of ingredients and seasoning, making them a wholesome alternative to store-bought fried snacks. Their delightful crunch and subtle sweetness make them ideal for tiffin boxes, tea-time munching, or even as a quick on-the-go energy booster. With their roots deeply embedded in Indian culture and cuisine, red banana chips are a perfect blend of taste, tradition, and nutrition. Their preparation is simple and accessible, making it easy for anyone to recreate this classic Indian snack at home.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash and peel the red bananas
Wash and peel the red bananas. Slice them thinly and evenly into round discs using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Step 2 · Mix turmeric powder and salt in 1/2 cup water
Mix turmeric powder and salt in 1/2 cup water. Keep this spiced water ready for seasoning the chips.
Step 3 · If deep-frying: Heat coconut oil in a kadhai or heavy-bottomed pan
If deep-frying: Heat coconut oil in a kadhai or heavy-bottomed pan. Once hot, reduce to medium flame. If air-frying or baking: Preheat air fryer/oven to 180°C.
Step 4 · Carefully add banana slices in batches to the hot oil or arrange in...
Carefully add banana slices in batches to the hot oil or arrange in a single layer in the air fryer/baking tray. Fry or air-fry until they start to turn pale golden and crisp.
Step 5 · While frying
While frying, sprinkle a spoonful of turmeric-salt water over the chips (if deep-frying). For air-frying/baking, lightly brush or spray the mixture on the chips before cooking.
Step 6 · Once the chips are crisp and golden
Once the chips are crisp and golden, remove them onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle black pepper and/or red chilli powder if desired.
Step 7 · Repeat for remaining banana slices
Repeat for remaining banana slices. Store the cooled chips in an airtight dabba (container).
Why this recipe is healthy
Red Banana Chips are a healthy snack because they use nutrient-dense red bananas, minimal oil, and natural spices. By air-frying or baking instead of deep-frying, you reduce unhealthy fats and calories. No artificial preservatives or additives are used, and the chips are gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs. This homemade recipe gives you control over salt and spice levels, helping maintain a balanced diet.
A note on tradition
Red banana chips are a staple in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, especially during festive occasions like Onam and Vishu, where they are part of the elaborate sadhya meal. They are also enjoyed as an everyday snack with tea or packed in tiffin boxes. Across South Indian homes, making banana chips is often a family affair, with recipes passed down through generations. The use of coconut oil and turmeric gives these chips their distinctive flavor and cultural significance.