Get Ready for a Taste of Pure Happiness!
Oh my goodness, friends! Do you ever have those days where you just crave something sweet, something comforting, something that feels like a little hug in a bite? I know I do! And today, I’ve got a recipe that’s going to absolutely knock your socks off. We’re talking about Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes, and let me tell you, they are a game-changer. They’re ridiculously easy to make, taste like a dream, and are perfect for those moments when a sweet craving hits and you need a treat now.
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore These Banana Donut Holes
- Seriously Fast: From start to finish, these little delights come together in a flash. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Incredibly Easy: Seriously, you only need a few ingredients and a handful of simple steps. No fancy techniques required!
- Perfect for Gifting: Whip up a batch and share the sweetness! They make adorable homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or even a classroom treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser Extraordinaire: Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, a party, or just for your family, everyone will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Gather Your Delicious Ingredients
This recipe is wonderfully simple, which is part of its magic! You likely have most of these in your pantry already.
- 1 ¾ cups pancake mix: This is our secret weapon for fluffy, easy donut holes. Any brand you love will work beautifully.
- 1 large ripe banana: The riper, the better! Those brown spots are where all the sweetness and flavor are hiding.
Optional (But Highly Recommended!) Toppings
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For that classic sugary coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: When paired with sugar, it’s pure autumnal bliss, but delicious any time of year!
- ½ cup powdered sugar: To create a smooth, creamy glaze.
- 1 small ripe banana: For a natural, sweet glaze that’s a little healthier and packed with banana goodness.
Let’s Get Cooking: The Magic of the Air Fryer
Get ready to be amazed at how simple this is. It’s like a baking miracle!
- Banana Prep: Grab your large ripe banana and pop it into a medium-sized bowl. Mash it up with a fork until it’s nice and smooth. A few tiny lumps are okay – they add character!
- Mix It Up: Now, add your pancake mix right into the mashed banana. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula. You want to mix it just until it comes together into a dough. Overmixing can make them a little tough, and we want tender, fluffy donut holes!
- Shape Your Treasures: Lightly wet your hands (this helps prevent sticking) and roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Think of them as little mini donut bites!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Get your air fryer ready! Preheat it to 370°F (188°C). This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Load ‘Em Up: Carefully place your donut hole balls into the air fryer basket. It’s important to arrange them in a single layer so the hot air can circulate all around them. Make sure they aren’t touching each other – give them a little breathing room! You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. The exact time can vary a bit depending on your air fryer.
- Topping Time (While They Cook!): While your donut holes are doing their thing in the air fryer, let’s get those yummy toppings ready.
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Delight: In a shallow dish, like a pie plate, mix together your granulated sugar and cinnamon until they’re well combined.
- For the Creamy Banana Glaze: Mash your small ripe banana in a separate small bowl until it’s super smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar until you have a lovely, pourable (or drizzle-able!) glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or water; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- The Grand Finale: Once your donut holes are done and look perfectly golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
- Coat with Love: While they are still warm (this is key for the coatings to stick!), gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re coated. Or, if you’re going for the glaze, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and drizzle generously with the powdered sugar banana glaze.
Get Creative: Substitutions & Delicious Additions
These are fantastic as is, but you can absolutely play around with them!
- Pancake Mix Swap: If you don’t have pancake mix, you can use a basic yellow cake mix or even a homemade biscuit mix as a starting point. You might need to adjust the moisture a little.
- Flour Power: For a from-scratch option, try replacing the pancake mix with about 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. You might need a little less banana or a splash of milk to get the right dough consistency.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a tablespoon or two of mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling. Divine!
- Different Glazes: Try a simple chocolate drizzle, a maple glaze, or even a cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
Tips for Air Fryer Donut Hole Success
A few little tricks can make these even more foolproof.
- Banana Ripeness is Key: Seriously, don’t skimp on ripeness! The sweeter and softer the banana, the better your dough will be.
- Don’t Overmix: This is my biggest tip! Just stir until everything is barely combined. Lumpy batter is happy batter for these donut holes.
- Single Layer is Essential: I can’t stress this enough – make sure your donut holes aren’t stacked or touching in the air fryer basket. It’s the secret to them cooking evenly and getting that lovely crisp exterior.
- Prep Ahead: You can mash your banana and measure out your pancake mix the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just mix and roll in the morning!
Storing Your Sweet Creations
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you add a glaze, they might be best stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the glaze might soften a bit. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat them gently in the air fryer or toaster oven to bring back their delicious texture!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake these in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. You can also shallow-fry them in oil, though that takes a bit more attention.
Why are my donut holes sticking?
Make sure your hands are slightly damp when rolling the dough. Also, lightly greasing your air fryer basket can help prevent sticking, especially if you don’t have a non-stick basket.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of pancake mix?
As mentioned in substitutions, yes, you can! You’ll want to add leavening (like baking powder) and sugar to your flour if you’re not using a mix. Experiment a bit to get the texture just right.
Are these healthy?
They’re made with real banana and a simpler process than traditional fried donuts, so they’re a treat you can feel a bit better about! They’re a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas.
Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Medium-sized bowl
- Fork
- Spoon or spatula
- Shallow dish (pie plate)
- Small bowl
- Wire rack
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.75 cups pancake mix Any brand
- 1 large ripe banana The riper, the better
Optional Toppings
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar For cinnamon sugar coating
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For cinnamon sugar coating
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar For banana glaze
- 1 small ripe banana For banana glaze
Instructions
- Mash the large ripe banana in a medium-sized bowl until smooth. A few tiny lumps are okay.1.75 cups pancake mix
- Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined into a dough. Do not overmix.1.75 cups pancake mix
- Lightly wet your hands and roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place the donut hole balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them as times may vary.
- While the donut holes are cooking, prepare the toppings: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish for the cinnamon sugar coating. Mash the small ripe banana in a separate small bowl, then stir in powdered sugar until a pourable glaze forms. Adjust consistency with milk/water or more powdered sugar as needed.1.75 cups pancake mix
- Once done, carefully remove the donut holes from the air fryer.
- While still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture or drizzle with the powdered sugar banana glaze.