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These wholesome banana donut bites turn basic kitchen staples into tasty treats within minutes. They're great for rushed mornings or when you're craving something sweet - giving you all the yummy donut satisfaction without much work or many ingredients.
I stumbled on this idea during a wet afternoon when my children were asking for donuts but I didn't want to go out. These little bites were such a success that they've now turned into our weekly Sunday morning thing, with everyone joining in to shape the dough and pick their top toppings.
What You Need
- Spotted banana: Gives natural sweetness and holds the dough together without needing eggs. Go for ones with dark spots for extra sweetness.
- Self rising flour: Makes things easier since the rising agents and salt are already mixed in. If measuring with cups not a scale, remember to fluff your flour first.
- Avocado oil or coconut oil: Creates that nice golden outside. Pick avocado for no added taste or coconut for a slight tropical hint.
- Cinnamon sugar coating: Gives that real donut feel. Add more or less cinnamon depending on how spicy you want it.
- Non stick spray: Helps your donut bites come out of the air fryer without sticking.
Making Your Donut Bites
- Get your banana ready:
- Smash one ripe banana in a medium bowl until it's mostly smooth. The darker your banana, the sweeter your bites will be. A simple fork works great for this job.
- Mix your dough:
- Put the self rising flour in with your mashed banana and stir gently with a spatula or fork. At first it'll look too dry, but keep mixing until crumbly. Then use your hands to form a ball. The dough should be a bit sticky but stay together. Don't mix too much or your bites will get tough.
- Shape your bites:
- Cut the dough into 7 same-sized pieces. Put a tiny bit of avocado or coconut oil on your hands so the dough won't stick. Roll each piece between your palms to make smooth balls about 1.5 inches across.
- Get ready to air fry:
- Spray your air fryer basket with non stick spray. Put the donut balls in with room between them so they can grow and cook evenly. Don't crowd them or they won't get enough air.
- Cook them just right:
- Air fry the donut bites at 350°F for 6 minutes flat. They'll puff up a little and turn golden outside while staying soft inside. You don't need to flip them while cooking.
- Add the yummy coating:
- While they're still warm, lightly brush each bite with a tiny bit of oil using a pastry brush. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick properly. Roll each bite in cinnamon sugar until they're fully covered.
- Eat them hot:
- These donut bites taste best when they're warm, when you can really enjoy the contrast between the crispy outside and soft inside.
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Self rising flour really makes this recipe work like magic. I couldn't believe something this simple would turn out well, but the rising agents in the flour plus the wetness from the banana somehow make a surprisingly soft inside. My little girl now asks me to let bananas get extra ripe just so we can make these donut bites together.
Prep Ahead Options
You can make these banana donut bites up to a day before you need them. Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for up to two days, though they're tastiest on the first day. The cinnamon sugar might get damp over time, so you might want to roll them in fresh cinnamon sugar right before serving if you made them ahead.
Simple Twists
Turn these basic donut bites into something extra special with quick changes. For chocolate banana bites, mix in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to your dough and roll in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar. Make a coconut version by adding 2 tablespoons shredded coconut to your dough and rolling in coconut sugar mixed with cinnamon.
Fixing Problems
If your dough feels too sticky, your banana was probably extra big or very dark. Just add another tablespoon of self rising flour. If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or plant milk until it sticks together properly.
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These quick banana donut bites perfectly balance simplicity and taste. They'll soon become a regular treat in your home too!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook these banana snacks in an oven?
Yep! Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- → Is there a replacement for self-rising flour?
You can mix your own by using 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/8 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt if self-rising flour isn’t handy.
- → How ripe should my banana be?
Your banana should be very ripe with those nice brown spots. This gives both sweetness and makes mashing easier.
- → Can I include other add-ins for more flavor?
Absolutely! Toss in extras like vanilla, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or mini chocolate chips. Powdered sugar or cocoa sugar also work as dustings.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in a container with a tight lid at room temperature for a day or two. If longer, refrigerate for 4 days. Warm in the microwave to keep them soft.
- → What can I do if my dough seems too sticky?
If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of extra flour while mixing. Super-ripe bananas can make the mix wetter, so you might need some adjustments. Oiling your hands also makes it easier to shape the dough.