Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes are not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The air fryer makes them healthier than deep-fried versions, while still giving them that golden, crispy texture. The best part? You only need two main ingredients to make the dough, and then you can choose between a simple cinnamon sugar coating or a smooth banana glaze for the perfect finish. It’s the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet, yet light and fluffy!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups pancake mix
- 1 large ripe banana
Optional for Toppings:
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 small ripe banana
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mash the Banana: Peel the large banana and add it to a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it very well until smooth—make sure there are no large chunks.
- Mix the Dough: Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir until it starts forming clumps. Continue mixing until the dough comes together, but be careful not to overwork it. It will be slightly sticky.
- Form the Donut Holes: Grease your hands (or gloves, if you prefer) with a bit of nonstick spray, then gently knead the dough together by hand. Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, about 1 inch each. Keep your hands greased to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Donut Holes: Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the donut holes in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between them so they have room to puff up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches (about 6 donut holes at a time).
- Cook: Air fry the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes. Once they’re golden and puffed up, carefully remove them and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Coat the Donut Holes:
- For Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Spray the warm donut holes with nonstick spray to help the sugar stick, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar. I find it easier to do a couple at a time.
- For Banana Glaze: Mash the small ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and stir until the glaze is pourable. Drop the donut holes in the glaze, toss to coat, and set them on a parchment-lined plate to set.
- Serve: Once coated, serve your donut holes warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 17 donut holes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 7 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donut holes for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll the donut holes in crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds for a bit of texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the donut holes in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F to bring back their crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use a different pancake mix?
Yes, any pancake mix will work for this recipe. Just follow the instructions on the box and adjust the amount needed to match the consistency for donut hole dough.
Do I have to use a ripe banana?
Yes, a ripe banana is key because it provides natural sweetness and moisture for the donut holes. A banana that’s just starting to get brown spots is perfect.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and puffed up. An oven will give you a similar texture to the air fryer.
How do I make sure the donut holes don’t stick to the air fryer basket?
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these donut holes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Let the donut holes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes when ready to serve.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Feel free to experiment by adding a dash of vanilla extract, nutmeg, or even chocolate chips to the dough for different flavors!
How do I know when the donut holes are done?
They should be golden brown and puffed up. The inside will be soft and fluffy, and they’ll have a slight crunch on the outside.
Can I use a regular banana for the glaze?
Yes! A regular banana will work fine for the glaze as long as it’s ripe and mashable.
How do I make these donut holes healthier?
To make them a bit healthier, you can use a whole wheat pancake mix or substitute the honey for a lower-sugar glaze.
What’s the best way to serve these donut holes?
These donut holes are best served warm, and you can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after any meal!
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes are an absolute treat—quick, easy, and packed with natural banana sweetness. Whether you coat them in cinnamon sugar or dip them in a sweet banana glaze, they make for a perfect snack or dessert. With only two simple ingredients and an air fryer, you’ll have a delightful, golden treat ready in no time. Enjoy these viral TikTok donut holes and share them with friends and family!
Print
Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 17 donut holes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes are quick, easy, and delicious with a golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Made with just pancake mix and ripe bananas, they’re customizable with cinnamon sugar or a sweet banana glaze.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups pancake mix
1 large ripe banana
Optional for Toppings:
¼ cup white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup powdered sugar
1 small ripe banana
Instructions
- Mash the Banana: Peel the large banana and mash it very well in a medium mixing bowl until smooth—no large chunks remaining.
- Mix the Dough: Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir until it starts forming clumps. Continue mixing until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork it. It will be slightly sticky.
- Form the Donut Holes: Grease your hands with a bit of nonstick spray and roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls (about 1 inch). Keep your hands greased to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Donut Holes: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the donut holes in the basket, leaving about an inch between them. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes, or until golden and puffed up. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Coat the Donut Holes:
- For Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spray the warm donut holes with nonstick spray and roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
- For Banana Glaze: Mash the small banana until smooth. Add powdered sugar and stir until the glaze is pourable. Toss donut holes in the glaze and set them on a parchment-lined plate to set.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Leftover donut holes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
For healthier options, try using whole wheat pancake mix or substitute a lower-sugar glaze.
If you prefer a more indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the donut holes.
You can freeze the donut holes! Let them cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
