Banana Donut Holes

These Banana Donut Holes are the perfect quick treat that satisfies your banana bread cravings in less than 15 minutes! Made with just two ingredients for the dough and a simple cinnamon-sugar coating, these air fryer donut holes are delicious, easy to make, and great for a snack or dessert. Light, fluffy, and full of banana flavor, they’re a simple yet irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Donut Holes are an easy and healthier alternative to traditional donuts. Using ripe bananas and self-rising flour, you can make the dough in a flash without any complicated ingredients or steps. Air frying them creates a crisp, golden exterior, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re ideal for breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a fun dessert. Plus, they’re made with coconut oil, giving them a lovely richness and aroma.

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes:

• ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)

• ¾ cup self-rising flour

For the Coating:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted, or use melted vegan butter)

For Kneading:

• 2-3 teaspoons melted coconut oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mash the banana into a smooth puree, ensuring you get ½ cup of banana for the right ratio with the flour.

2. Add the self-rising flour to the mashed banana and stir with a rubber spatula until it starts to form lumps.

3. Oil your hands with melted coconut oil and knead the dough into a ball. The dough will be sticky and moist — this is normal. Don’t over-add flour! If the dough is too sticky, use a bit more oil to smooth it, but avoid adding too much flour.

Shape the Donut Holes:

4. Grease your hands again with coconut oil, grab about a tablespoon of dough, and roll it into a ball.

5. Place each ball onto a parchment paper-lined plate. Repeat until all the dough has been shaped into balls. Spray the dough balls with avocado oil.

Air Fry the Donut Holes:

6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the donut holes in the basket, leaving 1 inch (3 cm) between them as they expand.

7. Air fry the donut holes for 6-7 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. They will have a rough shape and dry outside — this is normal.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:

8. Brush each warm donut hole with melted coconut oil using a pastry brush. Then, roll them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Serve:

9. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 donut holes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 7 minutes

• Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a few dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add extra texture and flavor to the donut holes.

• Spice it up: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a warm, spicy twist.

• Banana-free option: For a different flavor, swap the banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free self-rising flour for a gluten-free version of these donut holes.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze these donut holes for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or microwave for a few seconds, but be sure to keep them warm if serving at a later time.

FAQs

Can I make these donut holes without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any oil for brushing the donut holes, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or even melted butter.

Can I make these donut holes in advance?

While these are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before air frying.

How do I know when the donut holes are done?

The donut holes should be golden brown and puffed. If you tap them gently, they should feel firm to the touch.

Can I add more banana for extra flavor?

You can increase the amount of banana, but keep in mind that adding too much could make the dough too wet. If you want a stronger banana flavor, you can adjust by adding a little extra flour as needed.

Conclusion

These Banana Donut Holes are a fun, quick, and delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need something to satisfy your banana bread cravings, these donut holes hit the mark. With minimal ingredients, they come together quickly in the air fryer, making them the perfect option for a busy day. Serve them warm with the cinnamon-sugar coating, and enjoy the fluffy, banana-flavored goodness!

Print