I’ll be honest with you—this recipe started as a late-night snack experiment and turned into something my friends now request by name. You know those moments when you want dessert, but not a whole production? That was me, staring at a couple of bananas, a jar of peanut butter, and my air fryer like it owed me money. 😄
What came out of that moment was air fryer peanut butter banana chimichangas—crispy on the outside, warm and melty inside, and ridiculously comforting. IMO, this is one of those desserts that feels indulgent but still sort of wholesome. Sort of.
If you love easy air fryer desserts, or you’ve ever wondered what happens when peanut butter, bananas, and a tortilla get very cozy together, stick with me.
Why I Keep Making These (and You Might Too)
I’ve tested a lot of air fryer desserts, and most of them are… fine. These? These are repeat-worthy.
Here’s why I keep coming back to them:
- Five basic ingredients I already have at home
- No deep frying, which means less mess and less guilt
- Crispy like a restaurant dessert, but made in pajamas
Ever notice how the air fryer somehow turns tortillas into golden magic? Yeah, this recipe takes full advantage of that.
What Exactly Is a Peanut Butter Banana Chimichanga?
Traditionally, a chimichanga gets deep-fried and stuffed with savory fillings. This version flips the script.
I use:
- Flour tortillas
- Creamy peanut butter
- Sweet ripe bananas
- A light cinnamon-sugar coating
The air fryer crisps the outside while the inside turns warm, gooey, and borderline addictive. No joke—eat one hot and you’ll want another. Ask me how I know.
Ingredients That Actually Matter
Bananas: Ripe but Not Mushy
You want bananas with brown speckles, not banana bread level soft. Too ripe and they leak everywhere. FYI, I learned that the messy way.
Peanut Butter: Creamy Wins
Chunky works, but creamy peanut butter melts better and spreads evenly. I usually reach for Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
Tortillas: Flour, Always
Corn tortillas crack. Flour tortillas roll smoothly and crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
Why the Air Fryer Is the Real MVP
I tried baking these once. Meh. I tried pan-frying. Too greasy.
The air fryer?
- Crisps evenly
- Uses minimal oil
- Takes less than 8 minutes
If you don’t already own one, this recipe alone justifies it. I personally use the Ninja Air Fryer AF101
How I Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Chimichangas
Step-by-Step (No Guessing Required)
- Slice the bananas lengthwise into thin strips.
- Spread peanut butter down the center of each tortilla. Don’t overdo it—trust me.
- Add banana slices and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon if you feel fancy.
- Roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides.
- Brush lightly with melted butter or spray with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping once.
They come out golden, crisp, and smelling unfairly good.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Don’t Skip This)
Right after cooking, I roll them in:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
This step gives that classic churro-style finish. Ever bitten into something and immediately smiled? Yeah… this does that.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way
Don’t Overfill
Too much peanut butter equals leaks. Leaks equal smoke. Smoke equals panic.
Seal the Tortillas
Place the seam side down in the air fryer basket. It helps them stay closed without toothpicks.
Work in Batches
Crowding ruins crispiness. Patience pays off here.
Fun Variations I Actually Love
If you want to switch things up:
- Add mini chocolate chips
- Swap peanut butter for Nutella
- Use almond butter for a lighter taste
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce
Ever tried serving these with vanilla ice cream? Dangerous. Delicious. Dangerous.
Why This Recipe Works for Entertaining
I’ve served these at:
- Casual dinners
- Game nights
- Last-minute get-togethers
They look impressive, but nobody needs to know how easy they are. That’s our secret. 🙂
Storage & Reheating (Yes, They Reheat Well)
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To reheat:
- Air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes
They crisp right back up. Microwave works, but you lose the crunch—and the crunch matters.
Air Fryer Accessories That Help (But Aren’t Required)
I use:
- Air fryer parchment liners
👉https://amzn.to/4jqxyos - Silicone pastry brush for butter
👉https://amzn.to/490kN08
Not essential, but they make life easier.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spread peanut butter down the center of each tortilla.
- Add banana slices evenly.
- Roll tightly, folding in sides.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Roll hot chimichangas in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overfill or they’ll burst open
- Seam side down helps sealing
- Best eaten fresh and warm
- Adjust sugar if serving with ice cream

