How To Transform Banana Peels Into Plant-Based Bacon

It's hard to say where it began, but all over TikTok and Instagram people are using banana peels to make a plant-based bacon alternative that even looks like the real thing. We're more familiar with mushroom, eggplant, and even carrots transforming into faux bacon, so we were intrigued when the videos started circulating.

According to research, banana peel flour (which is derived, of course, from banana peels) showed that the peels themselves are rich in nutrients1 like essential amino acids and fiber. Another study, conducted in test tubes, found that less-ripe peels were also rich in antioxidants2. If you are going to eat the peels, it's worth picking up organic bananas to minimize any pesticides on the peel—though you'll still want to scrub them.

There are literally hundreds of videos on social media right now where people make this trend, many with their own twist. We came across it on the TikTok account wearegirlswhoeat, where she has a video showing how she uses a simple marinade and an air fryer (yep!) to make perfectly crisp plant-based bacon. Here's a quick overview of how she does it:

Want a full recipe? You can find the Girls Who Eat recipe in full here.

While you can enjoy it just as it is (this recipe advises eating it right when you make it, not storing it), there's actually a lot of things you can try with this vegan alternative to bacon. Use it to top a salad like this BLT-inspired option—or for that matter, just make a simple BLT, opting for leafy greens instead of iceberg or romaine if you want to add more nutrients to the mix. You could also chop it and sprinkle it on a grain bowl, or use it to top off a tray of roasted vegetables. The opportunities are endless, really.