Banana Fritters Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Fritters are the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. The warm, soft, and slightly crispy texture of the fritters combined with the sweet banana flavor creates a treat that’s hard to resist. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon that complements the bananas perfectly. Plus, they’re easy to make and quick to cook, so you’ll be enjoying them in no time!

Ingredients

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

Fritters

• 2 eggs at room temperature

• ⅔ cup milk at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 3 ripe bananas, chopped

• Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ⅓ cup milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

3. Add the chopped bananas to the mixture and gently stir to combine.

4. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

5. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop 3-4 portions of fritter dough into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the fritters are golden brown.

6. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain.

7. Once all fritters are fried, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.

8. Dip each fritter into the glaze and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow the excess glaze to drip off.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20 fritters

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Banana Fritters: Swap the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter. Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.

• Add-ins: Mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.

• Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the fritters in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. For a crispy texture, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the oil is hot enough to fry the fritters?

The oil should be at 350°F for optimal frying. You can use a thermometer to check, or drop a small piece of dough into the oil — if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

2. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

It’s best to use ripe fresh bananas, but if you only have frozen bananas, thaw them thoroughly before using them in the batter.

3. How can I make my fritters extra crispy?

To make the fritters crispy on the outside, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and don’t overcrowd the pot. Frying in batches allows the fritters to cook evenly.

4. Can I freeze banana fritters?

Yes, you can freeze the fritters! After they’ve cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven before serving.

5. How thick should the batter be for banana fritters?

The batter should be thick enough to hold the banana pieces but still spoonable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

6. Can I make the fritters ahead of time?

While these fritters are best fresh, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

7. What kind of oil is best for frying fritters?

Vegetable oil works well because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You could also use canola or sunflower oil for frying.

8. What can I serve with banana fritters?

Banana fritters are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.

9. Can I make the glaze without cinnamon?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it or substitute it with a dash of nutmeg or even a bit of cocoa powder for a different flavor.

10. How do I prevent my fritters from becoming too greasy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter to the pot, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the fritters to cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from absorbing excess oil.

Conclusion

Banana Fritters are a fun, easy, and scrumptious way to start your day. They’re soft, golden-brown, and topped with a simple cinnamon glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Whether for a special breakfast or an afternoon snack, these fritters will always hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll enjoy making and eating them as much as you love their delightful taste.