Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes: 18-Minute Sweet Bliss

Oh my goodness, you have to try these air fryer banana donut holes! I swear they’re the perfect little treat when those last two bananas on your counter go from yellow to spotty. I stumbled onto this recipe one Sunday morning when my kids were begging for donuts, but I wanted something just a tiny bit healthier (and way faster than running to the bakery). The magic happens in under 20 minutes – crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, with that natural sweetness from ripe bananas that makes you feel slightly virtuous eating them. Trust me, once you make these once, you’ll be saving your overripe bananas on purpose!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

Let me tell you why these little golden nuggets have become my go-to treat (and why my kids now beg for “banana balls” every weekend):

• Crazy quick – From bowl to table in 18 minutes flat (faster than driving to the donut shop!)
• No guilt – Way healthier than traditional fried donuts but just as satisfying
• Kid magic – Perfect little poppable size that makes snack time feel special
• Pantry friendly – Uses simple ingredients you probably have right now
• Banana bonus – Finally a delicious way to use up those spotty bananas!

The best part? That moment when you bite in and get that warm, cinnamon-kissed banana flavor. Total comfort in every bite.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible little bites – I promise it’s all simple stuff you likely have already! The secret is using very ripe bananas (those almost-black ones you’d normally toss? Perfect!).

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas – the spottier, the sweeter!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work – I prefer dark for that molasses depth)
• 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh – test it if it’s been open awhile)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff – none of that dusty old spice jar business)
• 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
• 1 large egg (room temp blends better – I just pop it in warm water for 5 minutes)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (unsalted, cooled slightly – microwave in 10 second bursts)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (real deal only – imitation vanilla makes me sad)
• Cooking spray (for greasing – avocado oil spray is my fave for high heat)

See? Nothing fancy! Now let me tell you why each ingredient matters – the bananas give natural sweetness and moisture (bye bye, dry donuts!), the brown sugar adds caramel notes, and that pinch of cinnamon? Absolute magic with the banana flavor. You’re gonna love this combo!

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Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you don’t need any fancy gadgets for these donut holes! Just grab:

• Your trusty air fryer (any brand works, just preheat it!)
• 2 mixing bowls (one for wet, one for dry – my grandma’s rule)
• Measuring cups and spoons (that 1/4 cup never gets enough love)
• A small cookie scoop or tablespoon (for perfect little balls)
• Silicone spatula (to gently fold without overmixing)

That’s it! No stand mixer, no special pans – just simple tools for seriously delicious results.

How to Make Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! These little beauties come together so quickly – I swear, by the time your coffee’s ready, you’ll be pulling warm donut holes out of the air fryer. Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

First, grab those ripe bananas and mash them in a medium bowl. I like mine a little chunky for texture, but you do you! Add the egg, slightly cooled melted butter, and that glorious vanilla. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined – you want it smooth but not overworked. Pro tip: if your butter’s too hot, it might scramble the egg (been there!), so let it cool just until you can comfortably touch it.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt. The whisking isn’t just for mixing – it helps aerate the flour so your donut holes stay light and fluffy. Make sure no little clumps of brown sugar are hiding in there! This is where the magic spice blend happens – that cinnamon is going to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Form and Cook Donut Holes

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I use a silicone spatula and stop as soon as the flour disappears – overmixing makes tough donut holes, and nobody wants that! The batter will be thick but scoopable.

Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment (I use a small cookie scoop for perfect balls). Lightly grease your air fryer basket – trust me, you don’t want to skip this! Place the balls in a single layer with space between them (they’ll puff up!). Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden. The toothpick test never fails me – it should come out clean when they’re done. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue – though I won’t judge if you can’t wait!

See? Easy peasy! Now you’ve got warm, fragrant banana donut holes ready to disappear. Wait till you see how perfect they look with that golden brown crust…

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – my kids are obsessed), I’ve learned all the little tricks to guarantee perfect donut holes every time:

• Banana ripeness is key – Those brown-speckled bananas you’d normally toss? They’re gold for sweetness and moisture!
• Don’t crowd the basket – Give each ball breathing room or they’ll steam instead of getting that perfect crispy exterior.
• Serve warm – They’re magical fresh from the air fryer when the centers are still slightly gooey.
• Wet hands help – Lightly damp fingers prevent sticky batter when rolling the balls.
• Peek wisely – Check at 6 minutes – some air fryers run hotter than others!

My biggest tip? Make a double batch – these disappear faster than you can say “banana goodness!”

Variations for Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

Oh, the fun you can have with these little guys! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Chocolate fix – Fold in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (because banana + chocolate = happiness)
• Nutty twist – Add 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Whole wheat swap – Use half whole wheat flour for extra fiber (kids never notice!)
• Spice it up – Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon
• Gluten-free – Swap in 1:1 GF flour blend (works like a charm)

The best part? Every version still gives you those crispy-on-the-outside, soft-in-the-middle bites we all love!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you how we love to enjoy these little bites of banana bliss! Fresh from the air fryer with a steaming cup of coffee is absolute perfection – that warm cinnamon-banana aroma mingling with your morning brew? Heavenly. My kids go crazy for them dunked in vanilla yogurt or drizzled with just a touch of honey. For special mornings, I’ll dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping. Honestly though? They disappear so fast straight from the basket that fancy presentation hardly matters!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the scoop on keeping your banana donut holes tasting fresh (though let’s be real – they rarely last long in my house!). Store any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. Pro tip: Don’t microwave them unless you love soggy donut holes (and who wants that?). If by some miracle you still have some after a few days, they freeze beautifully too!

Nutritional Information

Now let’s talk nutrition – because one of the best parts of these donut holes is that you can enjoy them without the guilt of traditional fried treats! (Of course, exact numbers will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients.) Per serving (about 3 donut holes), you’re looking at:

• 150 calories – A totally reasonable snack size!
• 3g fat (1.5g saturated) – Thanks to that modest amount of butter
• 28g carbs – With 2g fiber from those wholesome bananas
• 3g protein – The egg gives it a nice little boost
• 10g sugar – Mostly natural sweetness from the bananas

Compared to bakery donut holes that can pack 200+ calories EACH, these are practically health food – but shhh, don’t tell the kids!

FAQ About Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

I get so many questions about these little bites of joy – let me answer the ones that pop up most often!

Share Your Experience

Oh, I’d love to hear how your banana donut holes turn out! Did your kids go crazy for them like mine do? Any fun variations you tried? Drop a comment below – your tips might just become someone else’s new favorite trick. Happy air frying!