My Sweet Journey with Banana Splits
Hi, I’m Imaa — the heart and hands behind Brood Recipes. I used to wear business suits and sit in conference rooms, but I traded it all for measuring cups and melted chocolate. Now, I’m your go-to girl for dreamy air fryer desserts that blend ease with indulgence. This air fryer banana split is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, sticky hug in dessert form. My twist on this classic will take you back to childhood ice cream bars but with a healthier, fuss-free spin — all thanks to the mighty air fryer!
PrintAir Fryer Banana Split: The Ultimate Gooey, Guilt-Free Dessert
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 15minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter or nut butter of choice
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to slice the ends off of the bananas and cut a slit down lengthwise down the center of each banana. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
- Spread about one tablespoon of peanut butter along the inside of the slit of each banana and stuff each banana with the half of the remaining toppings of choice.
- Air fry at 400F for about 10 minutes, or until the bananas are fully brown and soft to the touch.
- Drizzle with additional peanut butter and serve with yogurt or ice cream.
Notes
*If you are only making one banana, reduce the cook time to about 6 minutes.
*I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don’t forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 406kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 11g
Keywords: Nourished by Nic,Skinnytaste,Air Fried Banana Split
What is an Air Fryer Banana Split?
Forget everything you know about banana splits being just a scoop of ice cream and syrup. This air fryer banana split is a warm, melty dessert that turns a simple banana into a caramelized masterpiece. It’s stuffed with peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate chips, then air fried until gooey — and finally topped with crushed graham crackers and Greek yogurt (or ice cream if you’re feeling wild). It’s part s’mores, part sundae, and 100% magical.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Banana Split
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, including prep time.
- Healthy Twist: No refined sugar bombs here — bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter bring nutrients and energy.
- Customizable: Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free? No problem.
- Kid-Approved: It’s a fun way to introduce fruits and healthier desserts to kids.
- Perfect for Cravings: No cookies at home? No problem. This hits the spot fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab for your air fryer banana split:
- 🍌 2 ripe bananas (not green, but not too mushy)
- 🥜 2 tbsp peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
- 🍫 ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 🍬 ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- 🍪 2 tbsp graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookies)
- 🍦 ½ cup Greek yogurt or ice cream (for topping)
🛒 Pro Tip: Use bananas with some brown spots. They’re sweeter and perfect for caramelizing in the air fryer.
How to Make a Banana Split in the Air Fryer
This is a no-fuss recipe, so let’s dive in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Bananas
- Cut the ends off each banana.
- Slice lengthwise down the middle without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff It Up
- Spread 1 tbsp of peanut butter into the slit of each banana.
- Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top. Press gently to secure.
- Air Fry
- Place bananas in your air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or until the skin is dark brown and the insides are gooey.
- Top and Serve
- Drizzle with more peanut butter or chocolate sauce.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any model works, but basket-style is easiest)
- Small knife
- Silicone liner (optional, for easy cleanup)
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of this air fryer banana split? You can remix it a million ways:
- Nutella Bliss: Swap PB for Nutella and top with chopped hazelnuts.
- Salted Caramel Dream: Add warm caramel sauce and flakey sea salt.
- PB&J: Add a spoonful of berry jam with the peanut butter.
- S’mores Style: Add more marshmallows and torch the top post-air frying.
- Breakfast Banana Split: Top with granola, honey, and plain Greek yogurt.
Substitutions for Every Diet
| Dietary Need | Swap It With |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free graham crackers |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free chocolate and yogurt |
| Vegan | Use vegan marshmallows + dairy-free yogurt |
| Nut-Free | Try sunflower seed butter or tahini |
🍴Tip: The banana split base stays the same. Go wild with the toppings to suit your taste or pantry!
Storage & Reheating
Honestly? This dessert is best served fresh. But if you must store it:
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Reheat: Pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warm.
Note: It may get a little soggy, so fresh is always best!
Top Tips for the Best Air Fryer Banana Split
- 🍌 Don’t overstuff: Keep toppings inside the banana slit to prevent burning.
- 👀 Watch closely: Check after 6 minutes. Every air fryer cooks differently.
- 🥄 Spoon it out: The inside will be tender enough to scoop like a hot fudge sundae.
- ❌ Avoid green bananas: They won’t caramelize and will taste chalky.
Share the Love!
Did you try this air fryer banana split? Snap a pic and tag me @broodrecipes or use the hashtag #BroodBananaSplit. I love seeing your recreations!
Nutritional Benefits of an Air Fryer Banana Split
Not all desserts are created equal. One reason the air fryer banana split stands out is because it blends indulgence with real nutritional value:
- Bananas are a great source of potassium and soluble fiber, supporting heart and digestive health.
- Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats, making this dessert more filling than traditional sweets.
- Greek yogurt adds a dose of probiotics and calcium, giving a gut-friendly boost.
- Dark chocolate chips bring antioxidants, while mini marshmallows and graham crackers keep the fun alive!
✅ The perfect dessert for a post-workout snack or midday energy lift without a sugar crash.
Why the Air Fryer Banana Split is Going Viral
The air fryer banana split trend has taken off on platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram — and for good reason. It’s photogenic, melty, nostalgic, and comforting, all in one bite. Here’s why it’s resonating with so many:
- Combines trending cooking methods (air fryer) with nostalgic flavors.
- Quick and beginner-friendly — even kids can help.
- It’s versatile for nearly every dietary lifestyle.
✨ Pro Tip: Make this for guests or parties and watch it become the most talked-about dish of the night.
Where to Buy the Best Ingredients for a Banana Split
Want to make the perfect air fryer banana split every time? Ingredient quality makes a huge difference:
- Bananas: Look for ripe (yellow with brown spots) at local markets or organic options at Trader Joe’s.
- Nut butters: Opt for natural PB with no added sugar or palm oil.
- Mini marshmallows: Dandies (for vegan) or Jet-Puffed.
- Chocolate chips: Lily’s (sugar-free), Enjoy Life (dairy-free), or Ghirardelli for indulgence.
- Greek yogurt: FAGE, Chobani, or Kite Hill (for dairy-free).
🛒 Bonus: Keep these pantry staples on hand, and you’re always 15 minutes away from dessert magic.
How to make a banana split in the air fryer?
Slice the banana lengthwise, stuff it with peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate chips, then air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Top with yogurt or ice cream for a warm and gooey banana split dessert.
Can you cook a banana in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cooking a banana in the air fryer brings out its natural sugars, making it caramelized and delicious. It’s perfect for healthy desserts or as a base for toppings like chocolate and peanut butter.
What cannot be fried in an air fryer?
Avoid anything with a very wet batter (like tempura) unless frozen first. Also, leafy greens like spinach can fly around due to the high-speed fan. Bananas, however, are perfect for air frying!
Are banana splits healthy or unhealthy — why?
Traditional banana splits can be high in sugar and fat. But this air fryer banana split version is healthier! Using Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter, and bananas makes it rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats — a balanced treat without the guilt.
Final Thoughts: The Banana Split Reimagined
This air fryer banana split proves that you don’t need a dozen ingredients or an hour in the kitchen to enjoy something sweet, warm, and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a post-workout snack, or a dessert to share with your kids — this recipe is your golden ticket to guilt-free indulgence.
With natural sugars, creamy textures, and endless customization, it’s easy to see why this treat went viral. Now it’s your turn to make it your own!