2-Ingredient Air Fryer Banana

These 2ingredient air fryer banana donut holes make a quick and delightful treat that is perfect for whenever you want something sweet but fussfree. Soft and warm inside with a subtle crisp outside, they come together with just ripe bananas and pancake mix. This recipe is a fantastic way to transform basic pantry staples into bitesized snacks that the whole family will love.

I first made these when I needed a quick afternoon snack, and my little girl loved helping roll the dough balls. They disappeared faster than I expected, and now they are our goto quick treat on busy days.

Ingredients

• Banana: ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture which keeps the donut holes soft inside. Choose bananas with brown spots for the best flavor
• Pancake mix: binds the dough together and provides structure. Look for a mix that is not too dense to keep the donut holes light and fluffy
• Optional for toppings: white granulated sugar for a simple sweetness when paired with cinnamon, ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, powdered sugar used for the banana glaze which adds a thin sweet coating

Instructions

Peel and Mash the Banana:

Peel your ripe banana and place it into a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it thoroughly until completely smooth with no large chunks. This smooth texture helps create even donut holes.

Combine with Pancake Mix:

Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir gently until you start to see clumps forming. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the dough tough.

Knead the Dough:

Lightly grease your hands with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and knead the dough by hand just enough to bring it together. It should feel slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid overworking it.

Form the Donut Holes:

Roll the dough into approximately 1 tablespoon sized balls or about 1 inch in diameter. Keep your hands greased to make rolling easier and to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the rolled dough balls in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between each so they can puff up evenly.

Air Fry the Donut Holes:

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Cook the donut holes for 7 minutes until they are golden and puffed. Remove carefully and repeat with the rest of the dough.

Add Optional Toppings:

If desired, coat the warm donut holes with a cinnamon sugar mixture by spraying lightly with nonstick spray and rolling them in sugar and cinnamon. For a banana glaze, mash a small banana, mix with powdered sugar until smooth, and toss the donut holes in the glaze to coat lightly.

My favorite ingredient here is the banana itself. It provides natural sweetness and moisture that I love because it means I can skip adding extra sugar. I remember my little girl's delight when she first tried rolling these dough balls on her own. She proudly called them “banana balls” and they became our quick bonding snack for busy afternoons.

Storage Tips

Store unglazed donut holes in an airtight container on the counter for up to four days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out. If you want to save leftovers, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid applying the glaze or cinnamon sugar before storing. Add coatings fresh when ready to eat for best texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have pancake mix, try using a homemade mix of flour baking powder and a pinch of salt for similar results. For a glutenfree option, use a glutenfree pancake mix that works for basic baking. You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough itself to enhance flavor before shaping and air frying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the donut holes warm on their own for a quick snack. Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar or dip in the banana glaze for a sweeter treat. Pair with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for a simple dessert. Use as a topping for ice cream sundaes with chocolate or caramel drizzle. Include on a brunch board alongside fruit cheese and coffee for a cozy gathering.

These quick air fryer banana donut holes are a simple familyfriendly snack ready in minutes. Theyre perfect plain or dressed up with cinnamon sugar or a light banana glaze.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients are needed for these donut holes?

Only ripe bananas and pancake mix are required, making it a quick and simple preparation.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?

Grease your hands or use nonstick spray before shaping the dough into balls.

→ What temperature and time should I air fry them?

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 7 minutes until golden and puffed.

→ Can I add toppings to these banana bites?

Yes, try coating them with cinnamon sugar or banana glaze for added flavor and sweetness.

→ How should I store leftover donut holes?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, preferably without glaze to avoid sogginess.