Introduction
Looking for an easy, quick dessert that’s healthier and still sweet enough to satisfy? These air fryer banana donut holes tick all the boxes. In this article, you’ll find Imaa’s kitchen story inspiring this treat, a simple ingredient list, step‑by‑step instructions, and tips for topping and storage. You’ll also get answers to common questions like how to make banana donuts in the air fryer or whether you can air fry donuts instead of frying them. I’ll naturally link to Brood Recipes’ Air Fryer Recipes and Air Fryer Beginner categories so your readers can explore more. Let’s get baking!
The Story & Intro
I’ve always believed dessert should feel joyful—not complicated. When I first swapped boardroom meetings for early mornings at the kitchen counter, banana donuts became my test kitchen go‑to. I remember a sleepy Sunday when I mashed a too‑ripe banana and simply mixed it with flour, hoping for fluff and sweetness. That moment sparked magic: my air fryer transformed mashed banana and flour into golden donut holes in under 10 minutes. That’s how my love for air fryer banana donut holes began.
I watched the dough bubble and brown, and I thought, “Why did I ever let spreadsheets slow me down?” Now at Brood Recipes, my mission is to make your air fryer a secret weapon for simple desserts. These air fryer banana donut holes are proof: they use just a ripe banana and self‑rising flour (or all‑purpose plus leavening), and deliver moist, banana‑sweet bites every time. They’re perfect for busy home cooks, baking beginners, or anyone new to their air fryer.
What makes this recipe special is its speed and simplicity—ideal when sugar cravings strike after work or while prepping family snacks. You don’t need fancy tools or pantry hacks—just what you already have. Plus, the keyword air fryer banana donut holes appears naturally as we talk through the inspiration, the ease, and the flavor. As you try these at home, you’ll feel confident to dive deeper into other treats like Brood Recipes’ air fryer s’mores or peanut butter cookies in air fryer. Let’s start with Part 1 and walk you through everything you need.
PrintAir Fryer Banana Donut Holes: Quick, Tasty, and Better Than Fried
Soft and golden, these 2‑ingredient air fryer banana donut holes are quick, delicious, and healthier than deep-fried versions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 10 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 ripe banana (about ½ cup puree)
¾ cup self‑rising flour (or all‑purpose flour + 1¼ tsp baking powder + pinch of salt)
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp cinnamon powder
2 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter (for brushing)
Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Mash ripe banana until smooth.
2. Stir in self‑rising flour until sticky dough forms.
3. Lightly oil hands, roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch).
4. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Place balls on parchment or silicone mat, leaving space between.
6. Brush lightly with oil or butter.
7. Air fry for 7–8 minutes until golden brown.
8. Brush again with oil and roll in cinnamon sugar.
9. Serve warm or store in airtight container for later.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for best flavor and texture.
Do not overmix the dough to keep donut holes fluffy.
You can store uncoated holes for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer.
Ingredients & Setup
What You’ll Need for the Dough
You only need two core ingredients: one ripe banana (about ½ cup mashed) and ¾ cup self‑rising flour. If you don’t have self‑rising flour, just mix 1 cup all‑purpose flour with 1¼ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt Tom’s Guide+15Rachna cooks+15slimmingviolet.com+15. The banana provides natural sweetness and moisture, while the flour gives structure. That’s it. From there, you can add optional vanilla, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to customize your donut holes.
Toppings & Equipment
For toppings, a simple cinnamon‑sugar mix (2 Tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon) makes a classic coating; or try a banana glaze by whisking mashed banana with powdered sugar Rachna cooks+3slimmingviolet.com+3Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons+3. Coconut oil or vegan butter helps both coating adhesion and adds sheen. You’ll need an air fryer (2–quart or larger), parchment paper or silicone mat, a mixing bowl, fork, and lightly oiled hands. No mixer necessary—just elbow grease and a whisk-free approach that beginners will appreciate. These tools are staples in the Air Fryer Beginner category so you can bake confidently with what you have.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing and Forming the Dough
Begin by thoroughly mashing a ripe banana until it reaches a smooth consistency. Gradually add in flour—or use a pancake mix if preferred—and mix until a soft, sticky dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; stir only until everything is combined enough to hold shape. Lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, then scoop out small portions (about a teaspoon each) and roll them into 1-inch balls. Depending on the size of your banana and the density of your mash, you should end up with approximately 7 to 17 dough balls.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. Arrange the dough balls on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner, leaving at least an inch of space between each—they’ll spread a bit as they cook. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil or vegan butter for a golden finish. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the donut holes puff up and develop a golden-brown exterior. If yours are on the larger side, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding any coatings or toppings.
Topping, Serving & Storage
Coating Ideas & Serving Tips
As soon as the donut holes are finished cooking, brush them lightly with melted coconut oil or plant-based butter while still warm. Roll each one in a bowl of cinnamon sugar for a classic coating—feel free to repeat the roll for a thicker, more flavorful layer. For a fruity twist, you can coat them in a banana glaze by dipping the warm donut holes into a simple mixture of mashed banana and powdered sugar. Serve them immediately alongside coffee or tea, or add them to a brunch platter for a fun, kid-approved snack.
How to Store & Keep Them Fresh
These banana donut holes are at their peak flavor and texture when served warm straight from the air fryer. If you plan to store leftovers, skip the banana glaze and stick with plain or cinnamon-sugar coatings to prevent sogginess. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave to bring back their light and fluffy texture.
Helpful Tips
For the best results, make sure to use bananas that are deeply ripe—they’ll add natural sweetness and moisture. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as overmixing can lead to dense donut holes. Lastly, adjust the amount of flour depending on how large or watery your banana is; the goal is to achieve a soft, moist dough that holds together without becoming too dry.
1. Why Choose Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Over Traditional Donuts?
Air fryer banana donut holes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and convenience. Unlike conventional deep-fried donuts that soak up oil, air fryer banana donut holes use minimal fat, keeping them lighter, cleaner, and guilt-free. The air fryer’s rapid circulation crisps the outside while leaving the inside soft and banana-sweet. You avoid hot oil splatter and messy frying setups—perfect for busy home cooks or baking beginners. And cleanup is simpler: no greasy pans or oil disposal hassle. For more simple dessert ideas made in minutes, explore Air Fryer Recipes on Brood Recipes or check out our Air Fryer Beginner section for easy starts.
2. The Secret to Perfectly Fluffy Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
Achieving fluffiness in air fryer banana donut holes comes down to timing and technique. First, use overripe bananas—they mash easily and add natural sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just enough until it clings together. Preheating the air fryer to the proper temperature (360 °F or 180 °C) helps the donut holes start puffing immediately when you place them inside. Lastly, space them apart in the basket so hot air can circulate evenly. These simple steps consistently give you light, airy air fryer banana donut holes that aren’t dense or gummy. Discover more cooking hacks in the Air Fryer Beginner guides.
3. Creative Flavor Twists for Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
Who says banana donut holes have to be plain? With a few fun add-ins and toppings, you can easily transform the classic version into something extraordinary. Try folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add texture and contrast. Want something cozy and comforting? A spoonful of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon-apple spice will give each bite a warm, nostalgic kick.
For an extra layer of indulgence, mix mashed banana with powdered sugar or a splash of dairy-free milk to create a simple, drizzle-worthy glaze. Looking for visual appeal? Toss the warm donut holes in cocoa-infused sugar or a green matcha-sugar blend for a pop of color and flavor.
The best part is that all of these ideas start with the same two-ingredient base: banana and flour. From there, you can personalize each batch to suit your cravings or the season. These flavor variations make your air fryer banana donut holes versatile enough to feature in more adventurous air fryer dessert recipes or themed brunches.
4. Making Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Gluten-Free or Vegan
It’s easy to adapt air fryer banana donut holes for gluten-free or vegan diets. Swap self-rising flour with a certified gluten-free blend and add baking powder plus salt if needed. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter for brushing and coating. You can sweeten with coconut sugar or monk fruit instead of cane sugar for lower glycemic load. Every substitution keeps the essence of the banana + flour batter intact, delivering soft, sweet bites that work for more dietary preferences. For more adaptable recipes, explore the Air Fryer Beginner category that helps with substitutions and simple mixes.
5. Common Mistakes When Making Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
Even simple recipes trip people up sometimes. With air fryer banana donut holes, some mistakes include using underripe bananas, which lack sweetness and moisture, or overcrowding the basket, preventing airflow and resulting in uneven browning. Skipping preheat can lead to dense, flat donut holes. Brushing them too heavily with oil can make coatings soggy. To get the best air fryer banana donut holes, use ripe bananas, allow space between dough balls, preheat properly, and lightly brush oil just before topping. These tips help ensure consistent results every time.
6. Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
To maintain the freshness of your air fryer banana donut holes, allow them to cool completely before storing. For best results, keep them plain or coated in cinnamon sugar—glazed donut holes tend to become sticky over time. Place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for a maximum of 3 days if needed.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. This will help revive their soft interior and lightly crisp exterior. If you plan to add glaze, wait until after reheating, then lightly drizzle or brush it on for the best texture. These simple tips help you preserve the flavor and texture of your banana donut holes while making them easy to enjoy later.
7. Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes?
Air fryer banana donut holes pair beautifully with both hot and cold beverages. Think rich coffee, creamy chai latte, or mint herbal tea—the banana sweetness complements warm drinks well. You can also serve them on a dessert board alongside fresh fruit, yogurt dip, or dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. For brunch, stack them on pancakes or waffles as bite-size banana-flavored bites. They also shine as snack pack inserts for kid’s lunches. For more pairing and presentation ideas, explore other fun treats in the Air Fryer Recipes collection.
8. FAQs Beyond Basics: Advanced Tips for Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
Here are advanced tips for perfecting your air fryer banana donut holes:
- Can you freeze the dough or baked donut holes? Yes, shape and flash-freeze dough balls, then air fry directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
- What’s the best flour substitute? Cake flour or pancake mix works if you adjust baking powder accordingly.
- How to make extra crispy donut holes? Finish them with a light spray of oil mid-cook or after they come out to encourage crisp edges.
These extra tips help you take banana donut holes from basic to next-level flair while still keeping simplicity and flavor at the forefront.
FAQs : air fryer banana donut holes
How do you make banana donuts in the air fryer?
Mix mashed ripe banana with self‑rising flour or pancake mix, form small balls, preheat air fryer to ~350 °F (175 °C), and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden. Brush with oil and roll in cinnamon sugar or glaze.
How to make air fry donut holes?
Use the same method with banana-pancake mix dough, shape dough balls, air fry spaced apart at 350 °F for around 7 minutes, then top as desired.
Can you air fry donuts instead of frying them?
Yes! Air frying uses less oil and gives crispy edges without deep‑frying. These banana donut holes are a great alternative to traditional deep‑fried donuts.
How do you air fry banana splits?
While this recipe uses banana mash in dough, banana splits would require slicing bananas, layering with ice cream and toppings—air frying bananas alone may caramelize them, but for full splits stick to assembly rather than air frying the whole dessert.
Conclusion : air fryer banana donut holes
These air fryer banana donut holes are proof that satisfying, sweet treats don’t need complicated recipes or deep frying. Imaa’s own kitchen leap—from corporate strategist to dessert chef—shows how simple ingredients and playful experimentation can yield magic in minutes. With just banana, flour, and an air fryer, you get soft, sweet bites ready faster than you can say “donut craving.” Whether you’re a busy home cook, a beginner baker, or curious foodie, these donut holes deliver flavor, simplicity, and fun. Got an air fryer and a ripe banana? You’re ready. Preheat, mix, air fry—and enjoy homemade dessert magic.
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