Banana Donut Holes Recipe

I absolutely love this Banana Donut Holes Recipe because it’s like a shortcut to all the comfort of banana bread but in adorable little bite-sized treats. There’s something so satisfying about these warm, fluffy balls coated in cinnamon sugar that makes them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a sweet little dessert. I first tried making these on a lazy weekend morning, and now my family goes crazy for them every time.

You’ll find that they’re not only delicious but also super quick and easy to whip up, especially if you have ripe bananas on hand. Plus, using the air fryer means you get a golden-crisp outside with a soft, moist inside without all the fuss of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this Banana Donut Holes Recipe, you’ll want to keep these little bites in your regular rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Banana Donut Holes Recipe come together in a way that maximizes flavor and texture without any complicated steps. Plus, most of them are pantry staples—so chances are you already have what you need.

• Banana: Make sure it’s ripe and soft to get that natural sweetness and moisture for the dough.
• Self-Rising Flour: This adds the perfect rise without extra leavening agents; if you don’t have it, you can make your own mix.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that hallmark donut spice flavor to the coating.
• Unrefined Sugar: For the sweetness in the cinnamon sugar coat; feel free to swap for healthier alternatives.
• Coconut Oil: I love this for both the dough and brushing the donut holes—it gives a subtle richness and helps with browning.

Variations

I love experimenting a bit with this Banana Donut Holes Recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen or dietary needs in the family. You can truly make these your own by switching up the coating or tweaking the flour mix.

• Gluten-Free Variation: I once used a gluten-free self-rising flour blend, and they came out just as tender—just watch the dough consistency since GF flours sometimes soak up more moisture.
• Sugar-Free Option: Using monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar makes these safe for those avoiding added sugars, and it still tastes delicious with the cinnamon.
• Baked Version: For those who don’t have an air fryer, baking these in a greased mini muffin pan at 350°F for about 15 minutes works great too.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Mash the Banana and Mix the Dough

Start by mashing your ripe banana until smooth—you want about ½ cup. This amount is crucial because if you don’t have enough banana moisture, the flour won’t bind properly. I’ve learned from experience that using a rubber spatula to briefly stir the banana with the self-rising flour helps form the dough before switching to your hands.

Step 2: Knead the Sticky Dough with Coconut Oil

This is the part where things get a little messy but don’t let that scare you! Oil your hands with melted coconut oil and knead the dough gently until it forms a sticky but manageable ball. The key I discovered is to avoid adding extra flour if you can help it—use a little coconut oil to keep the dough from sticking instead. It’ll stay moist and elastic, almost like focaccia dough, which makes the donut holes wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Shape and Air Fry the Donut Holes

Grease your hands again and grab about a tablespoon of dough at a time, rolling it into rough little balls—even if they aren’t perfectly round, that’s totally fine and adds to their charm. Place them on parchment paper and then into a pre-oiled air fryer basket with some space between each. Fry at 350°F for 6–7 minutes until golden and slightly puffy. They should have a slightly rugged outside, not perfectly smooth like fried doughnuts, which is a good sign they’re done!

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

As soon as they come out, brush each warm donut hole generously with melted coconut oil, and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step really makes them taste like traditional donut holes—sweet, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with banana flavor inside. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top these with a simple dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for maximum nostalgia, but sometimes I drizzle a little maple syrup or vegan caramel for a fancier touch. Sprinkling finely chopped nuts or a pinch of sea salt on top also adds a fun crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast or snack, I often serve these with a cold glass of almond milk or a rich cup of coffee. A fresh fruit salad on the side also pairs beautifully, bringing brightness and a refreshing note to the warm, sweet donut holes.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I turned these into a cute party treat by stacking them in a mini donut hole tower on a platter and drizzling chocolate ganache over the top. You could also serve them in little paper cups with toothpicks for dipping in warm fondue or a favorite sauce at brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover banana donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay fresh for up to two days. I make sure to layer them with parchment paper to keep the cinnamon sugar coating intact and avoid them sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing works well too—just pop them in a freezer-safe bag after cooling completely. When I’ve thawed them, they still stay moist and delicious, perfect for having a ready-made sweet bite without any prep.

Reheating

To revive the crispy exterior, I reheat these in the air fryer for a minute or two or pop them in a toaster oven. Microwaving is quick but can make them a bit soggy, so if you’re short on time, reheat then brush them with a little melted coconut oil to bring back that fresh-baked kiss.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Banana Donut Holes Recipe feels like a little treasure in my kitchen—simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and such a comforting, nostalgic flavor all wrapped up in tiny, irresistible bites. I can’t recommend it enough if you want an easy sweet treat that feels homemade but doesn’t eat up your whole morning. Give it a try, and I bet these will become your go-to snack just like they are for me and my family.

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