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Air fryer banana bread donut holes are my go-to move when I need to use up old bananas in a flash. There are only two key things you need, and the cinnamon sugar makes them taste like bakery donuts without all the fuss. When my family smells them cooking, they know something good is about to hit the table—they usually vanish while still warm.
One afternoon when it was pouring rain, I tossed these together. Now, as soon as my bananas get spots, my kids beg me to make them again.
Luscious Ingredients
- Coconut oil: Adds rich flavor and helps the sugar stick, grab virgin coconut oil for more coconut taste, or swap for melted vegan butter if that's what you've got
- Sugar: Gives you that sugar-dusted finish, granulated white sugar is classic but coconut sugar brings a hint of caramel
- Cinnamon: Makes the whole house smell amazing, use good ground cinnamon for best results
- Self-rising flour: This stuff makes the holes puff up with no fuss, just make sure it's fresh and powdery
- Banana: Gives moisture and natural sweetness, so pick the ripest, spottiest banana you can find
Fast-Step Directions
- Dig In While Fresh:
- Eat them while they're warm and squishy. No one will wait for leftovers around here.
- Coat With Cinnamon Sugar:
- Right after cooking and while hot, brush each donut ball with coconut oil and roll them around in cinnamon sugar. Try to work speedy so the sugar really sticks.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Heat your air fryer to 350°F. Spritz the donut holes lightly with oil and space them in the basket. Let them cook 6 to 7 minutes—you're looking for golden and firm, not dry.
- Shape Into Balls:
- Oil up your hands and grab about a tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll between your palms and place on parchment. Don't sweat it if the shape is rough—that's part of the charm.
- Knead Together:
- Mix flour into mashed banana with a spatula just until lumpy. Coat your hands with oil (not flour!) and knead right in the bowl for 2 minutes. You want a soft, sticky dough ball. If you're sticky, just use more oil, not extra flour.
- Mash the Banana:
- With a fork, really smoosh up a big ripe banana in a bowl till you get a smooth mash—aim for 1/2 cup. A little under or over is fine, just adjust as needed.
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Good to Remember
- Lots of fiber and potassium, all thanks to that banana
- Totally vegan—no eggs or dairy mixed in
- Much lighter than regular donut holes since you just air fry them
The big banana taste is the highlight for me. The first batch I ever did, my littlest helped shape them—he got so sticky with cinnamon sugar we’re still laughing about it.
Keeping Them Fresh
Once they're all the way cool, put leftovers in a sealed container at room temp. They'll last for two days. For best crunch, don't cover when still warm. If they're getting soft, just toss back in the air fryer to crisp up again.
Switching Up Ingredients
No self-rising flour? Just use regular flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder mixed in. Try coconut sugar or a monk fruit mix instead of white sugar for a different flavor. Melted vegan butter swaps in for coconut oil anywhere you need it.
How to Serve
These are awesome for breakfast or a snack with tea or coffee. Dress them up by adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dip of whipped coconut cream. My kids ask for chocolate hazelnut spread with theirs every time.
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Why It Matters
Making banana bread is a classic move for using up old bananas. These donut holes are just a speedier, modern play on that. Air frying keeps them lighter so you get classic sweet banana flavor in fun little bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap self-rising flour with regular flour?
Totally! Mix a cup of all-purpose flour with two teaspoons baking powder and you’re set.
- → What’s the trick for dough not sticking all over my hands?
Rub a little oil on your fingers before working with the dough and you’ll handle it no problem.
- → Any tips to make these vegan?
Swap in vegan butter or melted coconut oil. If you want, use plant-based sugar too.
- → How should I keep these fresh?
Stick them in a sealed jar or box. They’ll taste good for up to two days if left out.
- → What’s the tastiest way to coat them?
While warm, brush with coconut oil then toss in cinnamon sugar. You’ll get that classic flavor.
- → I tried, but my dough’s super sticky. What gives?
If it’s sticky, just drizzle in more oil instead of flour. Too much flour makes them dry.