2-Ingredient Air Fryer Banana

This simple two-ingredient air fryer banana donut holes recipe is perfect for when you want a quick sweet snack or a fuss-free dessert. With just bananas and pancake mix, you can whip up soft and slightly crisp little bites in no time. These donut holes come out warm and tender inside with just the right crunch outside, making them irresistible whether plain or dressed up a bit.

My daughter loved helping me make these, and now she asks for them whenever we want something sweet but simple. I first tried this recipe on a weekend afternoon and was surprised how well just two ingredients could yield such a delicious bite.

Ingredients

• Ripe bananas: provide natural sweetness and moisture choose bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness
• Pancake mix: acts as a light binder creating soft dough pick a good quality mix without too many preservatives for best texture
• Nonstick spray: helps keep the donut holes from sticking in the air fryer and also assists toppings to adhere better
• Optional toppings: white sugar and cinnamon for a classic sweet coating or powdered sugar for a simple banana glaze
• Tip: Choosing the ripest bananas is key because underripe ones won't mash smoothly or be sweet enough and keep your pancake mix fresh for light texture

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Peel one ripe banana and place it in a medium bowl. Using a fork, mash the banana thoroughly until there are no large lumps. A smooth mash will help the dough bind evenly.

Mix Ingredients:

Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana. Stir gently until the ingredients begin to form clumps. Avoid overmixing as it can make the dough tough.

Knead the Dough:

Spray your hands lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Knead the dough briefly just until it comes together. It will feel sticky but this is normal. Overworking the dough can make the donut holes dense instead of fluffy.

Form the Donut Holes:

Roll the dough into balls about one tablespoon in size, roughly one inch diameter. Keep spraying your hands lightly as you shape each ball to keep the dough from sticking.

Prepare Air Fryer Basket:

Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the donut holes with about an inch of space between each so they can puff up while cooking.

Air Fry:

Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for 7 minutes. The donut holes should become golden and puffed when done. Remove carefully.

Add Toppings or Serve Plain:

If desired, coat the donut holes right after cooking with cinnamon sugar by spraying a little nonstick spray on them first and then rolling in the mixture. Another option is a banana glaze made by mixing mashed banana with powdered sugar until pourable, then tossing the donut holes in it and letting them set on parchment.

Serve:

Enjoy warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.

My favorite part of this recipe is the natural sweetness and moisture that the ripe bananas bring. It reminds me of cozy weekend mornings when my little girl and I whip these up together and enjoy them with a cup of coffee while watching cartoons. The simplicity of just two ingredients never fails to impress friends and family who try them.

Storage Tips

Store leftover uncoated donut holes at room temperature in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to four days. Avoid adding glaze before storing as this can make them sticky and soft over time. Refrigeration is not necessary and may dry them out. To refresh, warm them briefly in the air fryer or oven to bring back some crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have pancake mix, you can substitute with a homemade mix using flour baking powder a pinch of salt and sugar. For a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free pancake mix. Overripe plantains can work in place of bananas but expect a slightly different flavor and texture. Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor boost if you want to mix it into the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the donut holes plain warm with toothpicks for a quick snack. Add cinnamon sugar or banana glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Pair them with vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream for dipping or use them as a fun topping for ice cream sundaes drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce. These also make a charming addition to a brunch board alongside fresh fruit and coffee.

Enjoy these warm for the best texture. They make a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients are needed?

Only ripe bananas and pancake mix are required to make these donut holes.

→ How long do they cook in the air fryer?

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

→ Can I add toppings?

Yes, cinnamon sugar or a banana glaze are popular options to add sweetness and extra flavor.

→ How do I store leftover donut holes?

Store uncoated donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

→ What if the dough is too sticky?

Grease your hands with nonstick spray to handle the sticky dough more easily when forming balls.

→ Can I adjust the size of the donut holes?

Yes, adjust cooking time if you make larger or smaller dough balls to ensure even cooking.