Air Fryer Banana Fritters: A Healthy Frying Experience

Banana fritters are a delicious treat, but frying them in oil can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier way to cook, but can they be used to make banana fritters? The short answer is yes. Air-fried banana fritters are a quick, easy, and tasty snack that can be made in a similar way to their deep-fried counterparts. They are crunchy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, with a thin crust forming on the exterior.

How to make banana fritters in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 whisked egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut or almond meal
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar or regular sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup of milk (optional)
• Cooking spray or oil
• Powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, or ice cream to serve

Method

Start by preparing your bananas. Peel and cut the bananas in half. Roll the banana halves in the flour, making sure they are evenly coated. Next, dip the floured bananas into the whisked egg, ensuring they are fully covered.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon, butter, and desiccated coconut or almond meal. You can also add sugar to this mixture if you want your fritters to be sweeter. Roll the bananas in this mixture, pressing it onto the bananas with your fingers to ensure they are well coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the coated bananas into the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown.

Remove the fritters from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed as they are, or topped with powdered sugar, honey, or maple syrup. For a more decadent dessert, serve with a scoop of ice cream.

Tips

• If you want to make your banana fritters extra crispy, add a little more oil to the basket or spray a thin layer of oil on the fritters before cooking.
• Make sure the fritters are spaced out in the basket to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Check on the fritters regularly to ensure they don't burn, as air fryer temperatures can vary.
• If you want to add a little extra flavour to your fritters, try adding some nutmeg, or a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add vanilla extract and milk to the egg mixture.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the fritters in an oven preheated to 210°C for 10 minutes.

Ingredients for banana fritters in an air fryer

There are a few different ways to make banana fritters in an air fryer, with the ingredients varying slightly between recipes. Here is a list of ingredients that you can choose from to make your own banana fritters:

Ingredients for the batter:

• Ripe bananas
• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Butter
• Almond meal or desiccated coconut

Ingredients for the coating:

• Corn flour or corn starch
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• Coconut flakes
• Nuts (e.g. peanuts, almonds, or pecans)

Other ingredients:

• Powdered sugar
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Ice cream
• Caramel syrup
• Chocolate sauce
• Whipped cream

Choosing your bananas:

It is important to use ripe bananas for a sweeter taste. However, be careful not to use overripe bananas, as they can be too soft and difficult to work with.

Tips for a crispier fritter:

• Add a little more oil to the air fryer basket or spray a thin layer of oil on the fritters before cooking.
• Make sure the fritters are spaced out properly in the basket so they can cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Tips for making banana fritters in an air fryer

Ingredients

Firstly, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Bananas are a must, of course, but you will also need flour, eggs, and a form of fat (butter, oil, or cooking spray). Some recipes also call for sugar, cinnamon, and/or desiccated coconut.

Bananas

Use ripe, firm bananas for the best results. Overripe bananas tend to be too soft and slimy, making them difficult to work with. Cut the bananas into evenly-sized chunks—about 5 or 6 pieces per banana.

Dry Ingredients

Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cinnamon, and/or desiccated coconut) together in a separate bowl. You can also add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.

Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the wet ingredients (eggs and milk) in a separate bowl. You can also add melted butter to this mixture if desired.

Coating the Bananas

Roll the banana chunks in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, followed by the dry ingredient mixture. Ensure the bananas are evenly coated at each step.

Air Fryer Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-375°F (180-190°C). Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Cooking

Place the coated bananas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fritters halfway through. The fritters are done when they are golden brown.

Serving

Allow the fritters to cool slightly before serving. Banana fritters are excellent on their own or with a sweet dipping sauce like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or peanut butter. For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey or maple syrup. For a decadent dessert, serve with ice cream and whipped cream.

How to serve banana fritters

Banana fritters can be served as a sweet or savoury treat. For a sweet option, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, or drizzle them with honey, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce. You can also serve them with ice cream, yoghurt, or berries. For a savoury option, pair them with a spicy African pepper sauce.

Banana fritters are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. They can be a fun treat for kids, especially when served in an ice cream cone with yoghurt and fruit. They are also a great way to use up ripe or overripe bananas.

• For a indulgent dessert, serve hot banana fritters with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup.
• For a healthier option, skip the ice cream and serve the fritters with yoghurt and berries in an ice cream cone.
• For a sweet breakfast option, drizzle the fritters with honey or maple syrup.
• For a savoury breakfast, serve the fritters with tea and sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar.
• For an afternoon snack, dip the fritters in chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.

Reheating and storing banana fritters

Banana fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Banana Fritters

If you want to reheat your banana fritters, there are a few options. You can place the fritters on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 4-5 minutes, or simply reheat them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave for 30-second intervals, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can turn rubbery.

Storing Banana Fritters

If you want to store your banana fritters for later, it is recommended to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the fritters by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen fritters will keep for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions