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Air Fryer Bananas Foster

Air Fryer Bananas Foster

5 from 4 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

This easy Air Fryer Bananas Foster is ready in just 15 minutes — warm caramelized bananas in a buttery brown sugar rum sauce, no flambé needed. Spoon it over vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

Ingredients 

For the bananas:

  • 4 bananas, ripe, but firm
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

For the sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup dark rum, see notes for alcohol-free option
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch kosher salt

For serving:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream, optional

Instructions

  • With the peels still on, slice each banana in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the cut sides of the bananas.
  • Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper and preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting). Place the banana halves cut-side up in a single layer and air fry for 6–8 minutes, until the tops are bubbling and caramelized.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and the salt, and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, carefully pour in the rum and vanilla, then return it to the heat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. (Never pour rum from the bottle over an open burner; keep a lid nearby in case of flare-ups.)
  • Slip the warm bananas out of their peels and into serving bowls. Spoon the warm sauce over the top, add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and serve immediately.

Equipment

Notes

  • Alcohol-free version: Skip the rum and stir in 1 teaspoon rum extract plus 2 tablespoons water or apple juice. Note that banana liqueur contains alcohol (typically 15–25% ABV), so it is not an alcohol-free swap.
  • Air fryer times vary: Every model runs slightly differently — start checking the bananas at the 6-minute mark.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of water. Air fry the bananas fresh; they don't store well once cooked.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 466mgFiber: 3gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 427IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg