Banana Fritters: A Golden, Comforting Treat Made in Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana fritters are the kind of simple, nostalgic dessert that never loses its charm. They are golden, crisp on the outside, and irresistibly soft within—perfect for using up ripe bananas or satisfying a spontaneous sweet craving. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can enjoy the fritters warm with powdered sugar, drizzle them with honey, or even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I have made these using both regular milk and almond milk, and the results were equally delightful—airy, tender fritters with a fragrant banana aroma. Whether you want a quick dessert for guests or a comforting snack, banana fritters deliver consistent sweetness and warmth without requiring special skills or elaborate equipment. For families, it is also a wonderful recipe to prepare together, as the batter comes together in minutes and cooks quickly in shallow oil.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bananas

Ripe bananas form the heart of this recipe. Their natural sweetness and soft texture help bind the batter and give the fritters their signature flavor. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more aromatic the fritters become.

Flour

All-purpose flour provides structure. It creates a batter that puffs slightly when fried while still allowing the banana flavor to shine.

Sugar

A little sugar enhances the banana’s natural sweetness and helps encourage a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Baking Powder

Baking powder gives the fritters a gentle lift, making them fluffy rather than dense.

Milk

A splash of milk thins the batter to the ideal consistency. I have substituted almond milk with excellent results, producing slightly lighter fritters.

Egg

The egg enriches the batter and ensures the fritters hold their shape during frying.

Cinnamon

A bit of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with banana.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor and brings a comforting aroma to the finished fritters.

Salt

A pinch of salt balances sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.

Oil

Neutral oil is required for frying the fritters to a crisp, golden finish.

Directions

Begin by peeling and mashing the bananas in a medium-sized bowl until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking them into the mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, then pour in the milk gradually until the batter reaches a thick but spoonable consistency.

Heat a shallow layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it. Fry each fritter until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. This usually takes two to three minutes per side. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to ensure the texture settles properly.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 fritters, enough for 4 servings. Preparation takes roughly 10 minutes, while frying requires another 10 to 12 minutes. The fritters are best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it causes the fritters to become soft.

Variations and Customizations

Spiced Banana Fritters

Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Coconut Banana Fritters

Stir in shredded coconut or roll the warm fritters in toasted coconut.

Chocolate Chip Fritters

Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a richer treat.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free flour blend; I have tried this with rice flour and the fritters remained crisp.

Dairy-Free Batter

Use almond milk or oat milk to keep the recipe dairy-free without affecting texture.

Banana-Rum Twist

Add a teaspoon of rum extract for a bold, bakery-style flavor.

Healthier Baked Fritters

Spoon the batter onto a greased baking sheet and bake until golden.

Maple-Sweetened Fritters

Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness.

Crunchy Coated Fritters

Roll the fritters in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying.

Nutty Fritters

Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.

FAQs

Why are my fritters soggy?

The oil may not have been hot enough, resulting in excess absorption.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Can I air-fry banana fritters?

Yes, though they will be less crisp; lightly oil the basket for best results.

What oil works best?

Neutral oils such as canola or vegetable oil work well.

Should the batter be thick or thin?

It should be thick enough to hold shape but loose enough to spoon easily.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the bananas provide natural sweetness, so adjust to taste.

How do I prevent fritters from sticking?

Ensure the oil is properly heated and avoid flipping too early.

Can I freeze leftover fritters?

They freeze well, but re-crisping them in the oven is recommended.

Can I add other fruits?

Soft fruits like apples or mango can be added in small diced amounts.

Are banana fritters vegan-friendly?

Use a plant-based milk and replace the egg with a flax egg to make them vegan.

Conclusion

Banana fritters offer a quick, comforting dessert that relies on simple pantry staples. Their crisp exterior and tender interior make them a versatile choice for casual snacks, family gatherings, or last-minute treats. With endless customization options and a forgiving batter, this recipe invites creativity while always delivering satisfying results.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!