Banana Fritters Recipe – These flavorful, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth bites of pure, comforting goodness are perfect for any snack or dessert. Such a heart-warming treat with a drizzle of syrup or a spoonful of whipped cream! Plus, they’re the ideal way to use up your surplus bananas starting to head south.

Banana fritters are a popular African snack and breakfast food, but they’re loved in the Caribbean, too! And each household has its own version. Some are made with milk and eggs, while others are not. These are vegan, without eggs or milk, yet taste just as good (or better😉).

I’m not going to lie; making these was purely selfish on my part. It’s been a while… And the peeps have no clue because I ate the whole batch before they got home. I’m hiding the pictures I took.

Super Easy Banana Fritters

Ever since I was a teenager, these fritters have been a favorite of mine. I can whip them up in my sleep, and I’ve tried them many ways and never thrown a batch away – I just love them!!!! They’re an anytime food if you ask me.

I made two batches for the blog, one with coconut flakes and the other without. Yes, coconut and I have a thing going on. So, if you’re a coconut addict like I am, then, by all means, throw some in.

The Ingredient List

1. Ripe Bananas: They need to be ripe, but slightly overripe bananas are even better) for more banananiness (is that word?).
2. Flour: Out of curiosity, I used half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose to see what would happen, and it worked beautifully. Although I love the nutty flavor of whole wheat flour, 100% can be overwhelming. All-purpose flour balances it, giving it a slightly nutty taste while maintaining the fluffiness.
3. Brown Sugar: This ingredient sweetens, moistens, and adds a touch of molasses flavor to our banana fritters.
4. Nutmeg: The subtle holiday-like flavor adds a deliciously sweet nuttiness. I adore nutmeg, but you may not feel the same way, so you can leave it out if you want.
5. Vanilla: The mouthwatering aroma adds depth of flavor. And, of course, it’s even better when you make your own vanilla extract.
6. Oil: I know this looks bad, but you need oil to deep-fry fritters. Once in a while, it won’t kill us.

How to Make Banana Fritters

• Puree Bananas: Mash bananas with a spoon or puree them in a food processor or blender. (Photo 1)
• Combine: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, then add the mashed bananas. Mix it well until it has the consistency of a creamy batter. (Photo 2)
• Flavor: Finally, add nutmeg and vanilla. Let it rest for 10 minutes. (Photos 3-4)
• Heat Oil: Heat a large skillet or cast iron with ½ inch of oil on medium-high heat (375℉/190℃) until hot but not smoking. (Photos 5-8)
• Fry: Take scoops of batter and fry them in batches, turning once until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan (it will cause them to get soggy and absorb excess oil).
• Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters and place them on paper towels. Serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for more decadence.

Recipe Variations

You could make it healthier by cooking it in an air fryer.

• Line the air fryer rack with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking oil.
• Then scoop your fritter batter gently on the parchment paper, leaving enough space between them so they don’t stick together.
• Air fry them at 360℉/182℃ for about 8 minutes for each batch. Alternatively, you can bake them for 10 minutes in a preheated 400℉/205℃ oven.

Add cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or chopped nuts to the batter. Or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot. Yum!!!

Tips and Tricks

1. A key factor here is the oil temperature because it will soak up too much oil if it’s too low. However, it will burn the outside before the middle is done if it’s too hot. I always do a taste test before proceeding with the rest of the batter.
2. Use a pan wider than your burner when deep-frying (less chance of getting burned), and fill it only half full or less with oil. If you’re unsure the oil is at the right temperature, an instant-read or candy thermometer will read 375℉/180℃.
3. If you want super light dough, you can start with 1½ cup flour and add more as needed.
4. Homemade fritters vary in size and shape, so don’t expect perfect cookie-cutter shapes.
5. You can use all white flour instead of half whole wheat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make the batter the day before and fry the fritters fresh. Or make them ahead and crisp them up the next day in an air fryer or preheated 350℉/177℃ oven. The same goes for leftovers.

What Goes With Banana Fritters

1. Ice cream is an excellent side for these guys, especially my rum raisin pineapple ice cream. A steaming cup of chai latte or ginger tea delivers an incredible breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

More Incredible Banana Recipes to Try

1. Pumpkin Banana Bread
2. Banana Puff Puff
3. Moist Banana Cake
4. Homemade Banana Pudding
5. Banana Cream Pie

By Imma

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in November 2015 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.