2-Ingredient Air Fryer Banana Treat

These two ingredient air fryer banana donut holes are a quick and delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without much effort. They come out soft and warm inside with a gentle crisp on the outside making them perfect for snacks or a simple dessert any time you want. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with cinnamon sugar or a light banana glaze this recipe is approachable and fun especially with little helpers in the kitchen.

I first tried this recipe with my daughter on a lazy afternoon and watching her roll the dough and air fry the bites herself made it a really special memory. Now it’s a favorite whenever we need a quick sweet fix.

Ingredients

• Banana: ripe ones work best because they add natural sweetness and moisture to keep the donut holes tender
• Pancake mix: brings structure and a light fluffy texture look for a mix that does not have too many additives for a more natural flavor
• Nonstick spray: important for handling the sticky dough and preventing the donut holes from sticking in the air fryer basket
• Optional toppings: white granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for that classic sweet and spicy coating or powdered sugar for making a simple banana glaze that adds a glossy sweet finish
• Tip: when choosing bananas go for ones with plenty of brown speckles for maximum sweetness and softness helping the donut holes shine without added sugar

Instructions

Mash the Banana:

Peel the banana and add it to a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it thoroughly until mostly smooth with no large lumps to ensure the donut holes bake evenly and have a creamy texture inside.

Mix the Dough:

Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir gently until you notice it starting to clump together. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough dough.

Form the Dough Balls:

Grease your hands or use gloves sprayed with nonstick spray to handle the sticky dough comfortably. Knead it lightly just until it comes together then roll the dough into balls about one tablespoon in size roughly an inch across. Keep your hands sprayed to prevent sticking.

Prepare for Air Frying:

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray for easy removal and to avoid sticking. Place the dough balls inside with about one inch of space between each so they can expand and cook evenly. I usually fit about six donut holes in my smaller air fryer basket at a time.

Air Fry the Donut Holes:

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Cook for 7 minutes until the donut holes puff up and turn a lovely golden color. Use tongs or a spatula to remove them carefully and repeat with remaining dough.

Add Your Favorite Topping:

For a cinnamon sugar coating combine one quarter cup sugar and one teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Lightly spray the warm donut holes again with nonstick spray so the coating sticks well then roll them gently in the mixture. For a banana glaze mash a small banana until smooth then mix in powdered sugar gradually until you have a pourable glaze. Toss the donut holes in the glaze and set them on parchment or a plate to allow the glaze to set slightly. Of course feel free to enjoy them plain straight from the fryer if you prefer that simple warm flavor.

These little donut holes hold a special place in my kitchen because they are a rare recipe that my young daughter can make almost entirely by herself which makes snack times fun and inclusive. The natural sweetness from the bananas feels wholesomely satisfying yet indulgent.

Storage Tips

If you want to save some for later store plain uncoated donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid glazing or sugar coating if you plan to keep them more than a day as these toppings can make them soggy. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispness before serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the pancake mix for a gluten free variety or a simple homemade blend of flour baking powder and a touch of sugar. If bananas are not available applesauce might work as a substitute but expect a different texture and flavor outcome. For the glaze maple syrup or honey can be used instead of powdered sugar for a natural sweet shine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar as an afternoon pick me up or a simple dessert. For brunch arrange them with assorted fresh fruit yogurt and a drizzle of honey. They also work well as a fun topping for ice cream sundaes or with whipped cream for a playful twist on classic desserts.

Serve them warm for the best texture. These donut holes are quick to make and easy to customize.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What ingredients are needed for the banana bites?

Mash ripe bananas combined with pancake mix create the dough base, requiring no additional complex ingredients.

→ How long should these be cooked in an air fryer?

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

→ Can the bites be flavored after cooking?

Yes, they can be coated with cinnamon sugar or dipped in a simple banana glaze for added sweetness and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store uncoated bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain texture.

→ What tips help adjust the texture of the bites?

Balancing the amount of pancake mix and banana is key; more banana makes them softer, while more mix can make them denser.