If you’re craving a comforting treat that always delivers smiles, look no further than Banana Fritters. This beloved Caribbean-inspired snack features sweet, ripe bananas cloaked in a warm, fluffy batter and fried to perfection—a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving dessert, breakfast, or a midday pick-me-up. The golden, crispy outside paired with tender, fruity insides makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Banana Fritters show how amazing simple ingredients can taste when they’re brought together thoughtfully. Each item in this recipe brings something special to the table, from sweetness and spice to that signature fluffiness and crunch.
- Bananas (3 ripe, mashed): The heart and soul of Banana Fritters—make sure they’re nice and spotty for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure while keeping the fritters light and airy inside.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds extra sweetness that caramelizes as the fritters fry.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Guarantees a fluffy, cake-like texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the sweet and brings out the banana flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses each bite with inviting warmth.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and a touch of nuttiness.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the batter so every fritter holds together beautifully.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Loosens the batter and adds tenderness—dairy or plant-based both work.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with its sweet aroma.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable—enough for about 2 inches in your skillet or pot.
- Powdered sugar or honey (optional): For that dreamy finishing touch, dust or drizzle right before serving.
How to Make Banana Fritters
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This quick blend ensures every fritter comes out evenly spiced and fluffy, with no surprise pockets of flour or baking powder.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Ripe bananas will mash easily, so you don’t need fancy tools—a sturdy fork is perfect. The wet mix should smell delightfully sweet and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, then gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your Banana Fritters tender and prevents a tough texture. The resulting batter will be thick but still spoonable.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a heavy skillet or pot, and set it over medium heat. Let the oil warm until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer for best results). Keeping your oil at the right temperature guarantees fritters that are crisp and golden, without becoming greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Banana Fritters
Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Each Banana Fritter will puff and expand as it fries, so give them a little space to work their magic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Drain and Finish
Use a slotted spoon to lift the fritters from the oil onto a paper towel-lined plate. This quick drain keeps them crisp. Finish them off with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an irresistible, glossy shine.
How to Serve Banana Fritters
Garnishes
For a classic touch, a light sifting of powdered sugar or a ribbon of honey does wonders to highlight the warm, aromatic sweetness inside your Banana Fritters. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle chopped nuts or a touch of cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
Banana Fritters make a dreamy pairing with fresh fruit salad, tangy yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a totally indulgent dessert. On the breakfast table, balance them out with sliced mangos or a steaming mug of coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Banana Fritters into eye-catching finger food by stacking them on a platter with toothpicks, or serve mini fritters in paper cones for a festival vibe. For a party-worthy twist, set out little bowls of chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream and let guests dip away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have Banana Fritters left over, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days—just note that they may soften slightly as they sit.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled Banana Fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. It’s the perfect way to have a quick homemade treat on hand whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To revive their signature crispiness, reheat Banana Fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. For a softer texture, a quick microwave blast also works, but nothing beats the oven for that just-fried finish.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Fritters without eggs?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (one tablespoon ground seeds plus three tablespoons water, mixed and rested). Your fritters will still turn out beautifully moist and golden.
What oil is best for frying Banana Fritters?
Pick a neutral, high-smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or sunflower. These let the banana flavor shine and ensure even, crisp browning.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, a good gluten-free all-purpose blend works wonderfully here—just be sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.
Why are my Banana Fritters soggy?
Soggy fritters usually come from oil that isn’t hot enough. Make sure your oil is at a steady 350°F before frying and don’t crowd the pan, so each fritter cooks through and crisps up.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Certainly! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of shredded coconut make fun additions that bring extra flavor and texture to your Banana Fritters.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Banana Fritters at home, you’re in for a seriously delightful treat! There’s something magical about the rich banana flavor wrapped in a crisp, golden shell—and they’re easy enough for even a weeknight craving. Give these a try, and I guarantee you’ll want to make Banana Fritters part of your regular snack rotation!
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Banana Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15–18 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make banana fritters that are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. These fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with banana flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Powdered sugar or honey for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined; the batter will be thick.
- Frying: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the fritters from the oil, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Ensure the oil maintains temperature for even cooking.
- For variation, add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
