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These twoingredient air fryer banana donut holes are a quick and delightful treat that requires minimal effort and ingredients. Perfect for a spontaneous snack or a simple dessert, they come out soft and warm on the inside with a light crisp on the outside. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed with cinnamon sugar or a banana glaze, they are a crowdpleaser.
My daughter loved helping me make these, and now theyre a goto recipe for any day when we want something sweet and easy.
Ingredients
- Banana: ripe but firm bananas work best for natural sweetness and moisture
- Pancake mix: this provides structure so your donut holes hold their shape while staying tender inside
- Nonstick spray: for greasing hands and the air fryer basket ensuring the dough does not stick during shaping or cooking
- White granulated sugar: combines with cinnamon to give a classic sweet spicy coating
- Ground cinnamon: adds warm aromatic flavor to the sugar blend
- Powdered sugar: essential for making the banana glaze that adds a smooth sweet finish
Instructions
- Scoop and Mash:
- Peel the banana and place it in a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash it thoroughly until it is smooth with no large chunks remaining. This ensures the dough will bind well without lumps.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir until clumps start to form. The mixture will be sticky but it should begin to hold together.
- Knead Dough:
- Lightly spray your hands or use gloves coated with nonstick spray then knead the dough by hand until it just comes together. Avoid overworking or it will become tough.
- Form Balls:
- Roll the dough into tablespoon sized balls approximately one inch in diameter. Keep your hands greased to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Air Fryer:
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to avoid sticking during cooking. Place the donut holes with at least an inch of space between them for puffing.
- Air Fry Cook:
- Cook the donut holes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for 7 minutes. They should be golden and puffed when ready. Remove carefully and repeat with remaining dough.
- Add Toppings:
- Coat the warm donut holes by spraying lightly with nonstick spray and rolling them in cinnamon sugar if desired. For banana glaze, mash a small banana until smooth, stir in powdered sugar to a pourable consistency, then toss donut holes and set aside to let glaze firm slightly.
Watching my daughter’s excitement while making and tasting them really made these little snacks memorable in our home.
Storage Tips
Store leftover uncoated donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their texture for up to four days. Avoid glazing them before storing as the glaze can cause sogginess. To refresh, reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to crisp up the outside again before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have pancake mix you can use a homemade blend of flour baking powder and a pinch of salt but be careful to maintain the right ratio so the dough holds together. Overripe bananas can be used but might make the dough too wet so reduce slightly the amount of added pancake mix. For a glutenfree option choose a pancake mix labeled glutenfree.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these donut holes warm in a bowl with toothpicks for a simple grabandgo snack. They pair wonderfully with Greek yogurt or whipped cream for dipping for a little extra indulgence. Adding them to a brunch board alongside fresh fruit and coffee makes for a sweet bite sized addition. You can also toss a few on top of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to make a quick mini sundae.
These quick donut holes are perfect for a last minute sweet treat and are easy enough to make with kids. Serve warm and enjoy fresh for the best texture.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What ingredients are needed for these banana bites?
Simply ripe bananas and pancake mix form the base. Optional toppings include cinnamon sugar or banana glaze for extra flavor.
- → How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Grease your hands with nonstick spray before rolling the dough into balls; this keeps the mixture manageable without overworking it.
- → What temperature and time are ideal for air frying?
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 7 minutes until the bites are golden and puffed.
- → Can I store these banana bites after cooking?
Yes, uncoated banana bites can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Avoid glazing before storing as it makes them soggy.
- → How can I add more flavor to these treats?
Consider mixing in vanilla extract or a spoonful of sugar into the dough for enhanced sweetness and depth.
- → What if the bites turn out dense or dry?
Adjust the balance by using slightly more banana or less pancake mix to achieve a softer texture.