Air-Fryer Banana Fritters: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make a healthier version of banana fritters, a traditionally deep-fried delicacy. With an air fryer, you can achieve a similar taste and texture to the deep-fried version while using far less oil. The result is a delicious treat that is crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover bananas and only takes a few simple steps.

Choosing the right bananas

First and foremost, opt for very ripe bananas. Ripe bananas will add the right amount of sweetness to your fritters. If they are not ripe enough, your banana fritters might turn out bland and less sweet. Plan ahead and purchase the bananas a few days in advance to allow them to ripen sufficiently.

When selecting bananas, look for those that are bright yellow with some brown speckles on the peel. Avoid bananas that are all brown or have large patches of black, as these may be overripe and mushy. The ideal banana for fritters should be soft but still firm enough to hold its shape when peeled.

The size of the bananas also matters. Choose bananas that are uniformly sized, preferably small to medium, as they will be easier to work with and ensure even cooking. If using larger bananas, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, pay attention to the type of banana. While most varieties will work, some of the more common options include Cavendish, which is the typical yellow banana found in supermarkets, or sweeter varieties like the Dwarf Cavendish or Lady Finger bananas.

Finally, consider the quantity you will need. As a guide, one banana typically yields two fritters. Depending on the serving size and the number of people you are cooking for, adjust the number of bananas accordingly.

By choosing the right bananas, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering banana fritters that are sweet, soft, and perfectly cooked in your air fryer.

Preparing the air fryer

First, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set your air fryer to the right temperature, which is typically between 360°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C). Preheat it for around 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your fritters.

Next, prepare the air fryer basket. Some recipes suggest lining the basket with parchment paper, which can be helpful for easier cleanup. If using parchment paper, be sure to spray it with a cooking spray, such as propellant-free coconut oil spray, to prevent sticking. If you don't use parchment paper, lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent the fritters from sticking.

When placing the banana fritter batter into the air fryer, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to transfer dollops of batter, leaving space between them. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook the fritters in separate batches if needed. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may cook around 4-5 fritters at a time.

Once the air fryer is preheated and the basket is prepared, you're ready to start cooking your banana fritters! Place the basket inside the air fryer, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Depending on the recipe, you may need to cook the fritters for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they are a dark, golden brown colour.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and guidelines, as different models may have varying recommendations.

Mixing the batter

First, prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly combined. This forms the base of your batter.

In a separate bowl, prepare your wet ingredients. Mash the bananas with a fork until you have a smooth consistency. To this, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until they form a homogeneous mixture. The cinnamon and vanilla bring the recipe to the next level, so don't skip out on these!

Now, it's time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring continuously as you pour. This will prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth batter. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be thick and sticky.

At this stage, you can adjust the consistency of your batter by adding a small amount of milk or water if it seems too thick. You want a batter that is pourable yet thick enough to coat the bananas.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to dip the bananas. Roll the bananas in some flour first, then coat them completely in whisked egg. Finally, dip them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use a spoon to drizzle the batter over the bananas and tap gently to remove any excess.

Now you are ready to place the battered bananas into the air fryer. Remember to leave space between them so they don't stick together, and cook in batches if needed.

With these steps, you'll have perfectly mixed batter for delicious banana fritters!

Cooking the fritters

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360–375°F (180–190°C) for 5 minutes. You should also line your air fryer with parchment paper and spray with propellant-free coconut oil or a similar cooking spray.

Now it's time to cook the fritters! Place the fritters into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fritters in separate batches.

Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown.

Once cooked, remove the fritters from the air fryer and serve once they have cooled down. Be careful, as the inside of the fritters may be very hot!

Serving suggestions

Banana fritters can be served as a dessert, snack, or even for breakfast. They can be served with a scoop of ice cream, drizzled with honey or maple syrup, or topped with powdered sugar. For a healthier option, serve with yoghurt and berries in an ice cream cone.

For a more indulgent dessert, serve the fritters hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some caramel syrup. Banana fritters also work well as part of a larger dessert, such as Air Fryer S'mores Banana Boats or Banana and Peanut Butter 'Ice Cream'.

If you want to serve the fritters for breakfast, you could serve them with yoghurt and berries, or even in a smoothie.

Frequently asked questions