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When bananas start going spotty and I don’t want to bake a whole loaf, I throw together these speedy air fryer banana bread donut holes. It just takes two basics from your pantry, and the cinnamon sugar on the outside totally gives them that old-school donut vibe, only lighter. Once these start cooking, my family pops into the kitchen fast—they’re usually gone before I even get to grab one.
I made these on a dreary day just looking for something cozy. Now every time bananas go brown, the kids beg for another batch.
Yummy Ingredients
- Coconut oil: Gives these their moist, rich feel and helps the cinnamon sugar stick, go for virgin coconut oil for a splash of flavor or use some melted vegan butter for a gentler touch
- Sugar: Brings that sweet crunchy donut taste, stick to plain white or grab coconut sugar for a deeper note
- Cinnamon: Packs in cozy bakery smells, a good ground cinnamon goes a long way
- Self-rising flour: Makes them puff up in the air fryer, just check your bag isn’t out of date for the best lift
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and keeps things moist, pick a super ripe one with lots of brown spots for the best punch of flavor
Easy Instructions
- Time to Serve:
- Dive in right away while they’re warm and pillowy—at my place, they vanish as soon as they hit the plate!
- Give Them a Sugar Hug:
- While the donut holes are still hot, brush the tops with melted coconut oil and roll them around in your cinnamon sugar. Move quick so it sticks everywhere.
- Crisp Them Up:
- Heat the air fryer to three-fifty Fahrenheit. Spray or brush a bit of oil over your donut balls and set them in without crowding. Let them go for about six or seven minutes—you want them golden and they should bounce back a bit to the touch.
- Roll ‘em Out:
- Oil up your hands and break off tablespoon bits of dough. Lightly roll each into a ball and lay them out on a sheet with some parchment. No need for perfection—their homemade look is part of the charm.
- Smoosh and Mix:
- Smash up a large, super-ripe banana using a fork until you’ve got a half-cup mashed. Scoop extra from another banana if you come up short, or shave some off if there’s too much.
- Knead it Up:
- Pour self-rising flour onto your mashed banana, fold together with a spatula till clumpy. Rub your hands with coconut oil and knead right in the bowl. It’s sticky, just keep them oiled and mash it together for a couple of minutes till you have a stretchy, wet dough. Don’t add too much flour or overwork it or it’ll dry out.
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Just So You Know
- Banana brings a boost of fiber and potassium
- Everything is plant-based—no eggs or milk—so it’s vegan-friendly
- Way lighter than the usual fried bunch because they’re air fried
I love how every bite is packed with banana. When my little one rolled these with me the first time, his fingers were so sticky with cinnamon sugar that he left a trail all over the house. We still joke about it now.
How to Store
Once cool all the way, stash any leftovers in a sealing container on the counter. They keep a couple days easy. Let them breathe while warm so the sugar coating doesn’t get soggy. If they start to go soft, crisp them back up in your air fryer for just a minute and they’re good to go.
Switch It Up
No self-rising flour on hand? Mix regular all-purpose flour with a couple teaspoons baking powder. Trying to dodge refined sugar? Monk fruit or coconut sugar both work and aren’t as heavy on blood sugar. Vegan butter can step in for coconut oil anywhere it pops up if that’s more your thing.
Fun Ways to Eat
Great for breakfast or a snack break, especially with coffee or tea. Want to go dessert-style? Drizzle with chocolate or spoon out some whipped coconut cream for dunking. My kids’ favorite move is swiping them through chocolate hazelnut spread on the side.
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A Little Background
Loads of folks bake banana bread to use up brown bananas, and these donut holes are a quick spin on that classic. Air frying just gives it a lighter, updated twist, so you get all that banana goodness in tiny, snackable bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap self-rising flour for regular flour?
Totally! Just mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with two teaspoons of baking powder and you're set.
- → What stops the dough from sticking to my hands?
Rubbing a bit of oil on your hands does the trick. It keeps everything from sticking while you shape the dough.
- → Can I turn these donut holes vegan?
Sure thing! Use coconut oil or vegan butter and if you want, swap the sugar for a plant-based kind.
- → How do I keep these fresh?
Just stash them in a sealed container for up to two days at room temp. That way, they stay soft.
- → What's the yummiest coating for these?
Soon as they're warm, brush on some coconut oil and roll them in cinnamon sugar. It's classic and so good.
- → Why does my dough feel too sticky?
If it feels sticky, add some oil instead of more flour. More flour makes them heavy, but oil keeps the bites light.