If you’ve got some overly ripe bananas lying around, you’re just one step away from turning them into a warm, crispy, and utterly irresistible treat. This Fried Banana Fritters Recipe is super simple, requires just a handful of pantry staples, and delivers that perfect balance of sweet softness and crunchy edges that keeps my whole family coming back for more. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a weekend snack, or a delightful dessert, you’re going to love how quickly these come together and how fantastic they taste!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick to Make: You’ll have warm, delicious fritters ready in just about 15 minutes.
  • Perfect for Overripe Bananas: This fritters recipe is a fantastic way to save bananas that are just a tad too soft to eat on their own.
  • Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The texture contrast is seriously addictive and makes for a satisfying bite every time.
  • Minimal Ingredients Required: You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Fried Banana Fritters Recipe lies in keeping it straightforward — ripe bananas paired with just a few dry ingredients that boost flavor and texture without overwhelming. I always look for bananas that are heavily spotted or completely yellow to get natural sweetness and softness. Skip the green or slightly yellow ones because they won’t mash up as nicely.

  • Bananas: Overripe is best — they mash easily and add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, giving structure without heaviness.
  • Sugar: Just a touch to balance the banana’s natural sugar and help with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Creates a slight lift so the fritters aren’t dense.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that complements the bananas.
  • Cinnamon: A pinch lends a subtle spice that brightens the flavor.
  • Salt: Just enough to round out the sweetness.
  • Oil: For frying — choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola.
  • Powdered Sugar: For dusting — makes them look pretty and adds a delicate touch of sweetness.
  • Maple Syrup: Optional but highly recommended for dipping or drizzling.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking the Fried Banana Fritters Recipe depending on what’s on hand or the mood we’re in. You’ll find that small changes can add a fresh spin and keep things exciting if you make this regularly like I do!

  • Add Nuts: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a nice crunch – my family especially loves this boost of texture.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for frying to make it allergy-friendly.
  • Skip Sugar: If you want a less sweet treat, cut back on sugar or omit it altogether; the ripe bananas provide plenty of sweetness already.
  • Try Coconut: For a tropical twist, add a bit of shredded coconut or sprinkle it on top after frying.

How to Make Fried Banana Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Mash Your Bananas to Perfect Creaminess

Start by peeling your overripe bananas and placing them in a mixing bowl. Grab a fork and mash them until the texture is mostly smooth with just a few small lumps – this keeps the fritters tender and delicious. I find that mashing well is key to avoid uneven cooking and clumps of raw flour later on.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Flavorings

Next, sprinkle in the sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and flour right on top of your bananas. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir everything gently but thoroughly. Don’t worry if the batter feels a little wet or sticky — that’s exactly how it should be for the best texture.

Step 3: Heat Your Oil and Fry with Care

Pour enough oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to cover the bottom with a thin layer — about 1/4 inch or so. Heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter in. Try to keep space between them so they fry evenly and don’t stick together. I usually hold the spoon close to the oil surface to avoid splashing, which is a trick I learned after a few burns!

Step 4: Flip at the Perfect Moment

Keep an eye on the fritters for bubbles forming on the top and a gorgeous golden-brown color on the bottom — that’s your cue to flip them over gently using a slotted spatula. Fry until the other side matches that golden crispness. Transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate right after helps soak up any excess oil and keeps them from getting soggy.

Step 5: Serve Warm With Your Favorite Touches

Arrange your fried banana fritters on a plate, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for just a hint of sweetness, and serve right away while they’re still warm. I love to set out some maple syrup for dipping — it’s a game changer. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Fried Banana Fritters Recipe

  • Perfect Ripeness: Use bananas with plenty of spots or entirely brown skins for the sweetest, easiest-to-mash fruit.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and get those crisp edges.
  • Watch the Heat: Medium-high heat works best; too hot and the fritters burn outside before cooking inside.
  • Use a Slotted Spoon or Spatula: This helps flip fritters gently and drains excess oil efficiently.

How to Serve Fried Banana Fritters Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with many golden brown fritters that have a slightly uneven and crispy texture. On the top center, one fritter is broken open, showing a soft, light yellow inside with a fluffy texture. The fritters are lightly dusted with powdered sugar, adding a fine white layer on top. Cinnamon powder is also visible on the fritters, giving a light speckled brown effect. In the background, there is a ripe yellow banana with brown spots and three cinnamon sticks placed close together on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm and inviting, making the dish look fresh and tasty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top — it melts slightly on the warm fritters and adds a light sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon can also amp up the aroma and taste, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup is a must-have.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, I like serving them alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad — the salty-sweet combo is a family favorite that makes mornings extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunch, I’ve arranged the fritters in a stack and topped them with fresh berries, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also thread them onto skewers for a playful finger food presentation that kids love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover banana fritters keep surprisingly well in the fridge for up to two days. I arrange them in a single layer on a plate covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap to prevent sogginess. When I’ve done this, I still get decent texture, but they’re best eaten fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these fritters a few times by flash freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a sealed container. When I want to enjoy them, I reheat straight from frozen to keep them from turning mushy. Just keep in mind that freezing can soften their crispness a bit.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side. This restores their golden crisp exterior far better than the microwave, which tends to make them chewy. An oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes is also great if you’re reheating a batch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use green or slightly ripe bananas for this recipe?

    It’s best to use bananas that are fully ripe or overripe with plenty of brown spots. These are sweeter and mash more easily, which helps the fritters bind and taste delicious. Green or less ripe bananas won’t mash well and may result in denser, less sweet fritters.

  2. What’s the best oil to use for frying banana fritters?

    I recommend using a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. These oils maintain a clean flavor and fry evenly without burning quickly.

  3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

    I don’t suggest making the batter too far in advance because the baking powder starts reacting immediately, which might reduce the fluffiness. However, you can prepare it about 15-20 minutes before you fry without issues if you cover it well.

  4. Are fried banana fritters healthy?

    While they do include fruit and some protein from the flour, frying adds calories and fat. I think of them as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. Using moderate oil and serving with fresh fruit can make them feel more balanced.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Fried Banana Fritters Recipe, I honestly didn’t expect much — but it quickly became a staple in my house. It’s the perfect way to rescue sad bananas and turn them into a comforting snack or breakfast that feels a little special. You’ll love its simplicity and the way the flavors just sing together. Give it a try next time you have ripe bananas—I promise, your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fried Banana Fritters Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously sweet and crispy Fried Banana Fritters made from overly ripe bananas, lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, fried to golden perfection. A delightful alternative to breakfast favorites like waffles and pancakes, served warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup for dipping.


Ingredients

Banana Fritters

  • 3 large overly ripe bananas (peeled)
  • Scant 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Oil (for frying)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar (for garnish)
  • Maple syrup (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Mash Bananas: Add the peeled bananas to a mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky.
  2. Combine Batter: Add sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and flour to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined. Expect the batter to be somewhat wet and sticky.
  3. Heat Oil: Pour oil into a large heavy-bottomed skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, ideal for frying.
  4. Fry Fritters: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the banana fritter batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan or cause splashes. Fry until bubbles appear on the surface and the bottom is golden brown.
  5. Flip and Finish Frying: Flip each fritter over carefully and fry until the other side is also golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Serve: Arrange the fritters on a serving plate, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

  • Fried banana fritters are a quick and easy alternative to waffles and pancakes for breakfast.
  • They provide a delicious way to use overly ripe bananas and avoid waste.
  • Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste preference for a milder or spicier flavor.
  • Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 314 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 399 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 72 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Similar Posts