These Banana Donut Holes are bite-sized golden nuggets of pure joy—soft, fluffy, and packed with real banana flavor, then rolled in a sparkly cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every mouthful irresistible. They come together in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples and are air-fried for a delicious treat that’s lighter than your average donut. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make a double batch every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 5 Ingredients: You only need a ripe banana, self-rising flour, coconut oil, cinnamon, and sugar—simple as that!
- Air Fryer Magic: These Banana Donut Holes come out perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, all without deep frying.
- Naturally Sweet: The banana brings natural moisture and flavor, so every bite tastes decadent—no eggs or dairy needed!
- Ready in Minutes: Mix, roll, air fry, and coat in cinnamon sugar—dessert or breakfast treats in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Donut Holes is in their simplicity—every ingredient serves a purpose! These pantry staples create magic when combined, giving you tender, fluffy donut holes with the perfect hint of banana and warm spice.
- Banana (½ cup, about 1 large): The star of the show! Use a super-ripe banana for unbeatable sweetness and moisture.
- Self-Rising Flour (¾ cup): This is the secret to light, fluffy results since it already includes baking powder and a bit of salt—no need to fuss with leaveners.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds the perfect warmth to the coating, giving you those classic donut shop vibes.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Rolling each donut hole in sugar with cinnamon creates a sparkly, sweet outer crust you won’t want to skip.
- Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons, plus 2-3 teaspoons for shaping): Melted coconut oil keeps things moist and helps the cinnamon sugar stick, but melted vegan butter works beautifully too.
- Avocado Oil Spray: For greasing the air fryer basket and giving your donut holes their signature golden exterior.
Variations
The joy of Banana Donut Holes is how endlessly customizable they are! You can easily tweak the ingredients to accommodate dietary needs or mix in your favorite flavors to make each batch uniquely your own.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for pops of gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap self-rising flour with your favorite gluten-free self-rising flour blend—just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement.
- Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough for crunch and extra richness.
- Spice It Up: Try swapping the cinnamon in the sugar coating for pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
How to Make Banana Donut Holes
Step 1: Mash the Banana
Start by mashing your ripe banana in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and creamy—you want zero lumps here. Be sure to actually measure out ½ cup of puree, as the right ratio guarantees your dough comes together perfectly without turning out too wet or too dry.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the self-rising flour to the banana and use a rubber spatula to gently stir. Once the mixture begins forming clumps, it’s time to oil your hands and start kneading. The dough will be sticky and soft—resist the urge to add too much flour! Instead, use an extra drizzle of coconut oil on your hands to help bring the dough together into a smooth, moist ball.
Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes
Lightly grease your hands with melted coconut oil, then pinch off small pieces of dough—about a tablespoon each—and roll them into even balls. Place them on a parchment-lined plate as you go, and repeat until you’ve used all the dough. Don’t stress if they’re a bit rustic; that’s part of their charm!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil, then arrange the donut holes with a little space between each (they’ll puff up slightly as they cook). Lightly spray the tops and air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes, or until they’re golden, puffed, and dry on the outside. Some may look a little craggy or uneven—and that’s just how home-cooked donut holes should look!
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donut holes are still warm, use a pastry brush to cover each with a bit of melted coconut oil, then immediately roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This step transforms those humble banana bread bites into golden Banana Donut Holes that look and taste just like they came from your favorite bakery.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Donut Holes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper your banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your donut holes will be—overripe is perfect!
- Keep It Moist, Not Sticky: Use oil on your hands rather than adding flour; this keeps the dough soft and bread-like, not dense or dry.
- Space for Success: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; a little breathing room guarantees even cooking and the best fluffy texture.
- Coat While Warm: Roll the Banana Donut Holes in cinnamon sugar as soon as they’re out of the air fryer—this is how you get that magical, bakery-worthy crust.
How to Serve Banana Donut Holes
Garnishes
These donut holes are already show-stoppers, but a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream will make them totally over-the-top. Add some sliced banana or a few fresh berries alongside for a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm Banana Donut Holes with a mug of hot coffee, chai latte, or a tall glass of cold almond milk for a dreamy breakfast or snack. For brunch, serve them with fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or a platter of vegan cheeses and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the donut holes in a pretty bowl, skewer them on sticks for a fun party treat, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. For gatherings, try serving them on a cake stand alongside mini dipping bowls of melted chocolate or berry sauce for dunking—always a crowd pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have Banana Donut Holes left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Because they’re coated in oil and sugar, they stay surprisingly soft and tender—just wait until they’ve fully cooled before sealing them up.
Freezing
These donut holes freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer and can be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen Banana Donut Holes, pop them in the air fryer or oven at 325°F for a few minutes until just warm. If needed, give them a quick brush of coconut oil and a fresh roll through cinnamon sugar for that just-baked taste and texture.
FAQs
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Can I bake these Banana Donut Holes instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Place the rolled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely and check for golden tops; the texture will be slightly different from air-fried (a bit softer), but they’re still delicious.
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What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
You can easily make your own: for every cup of flour, add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. For this recipe, mix those proportions with your regular all-purpose flour before adding to the mashed banana.
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Do I need to use coconut oil for the dough and coating?
No worries if you’re out of coconut oil! Melted vegan butter, regular butter, or another neutral-flavored oil will work just as well for both kneading and brushing the warm donuts before coating in cinnamon sugar.
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How do I know when the Banana Donut Holes are done cooking?
They’re ready when they look puffed and golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. Oven times can vary, so if you’re unsure, break one open—the inside should be fluffy, moist, and not doughy.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Donut Holes prove that you can enjoy bakery-style treats at home with barely any fuss—and a whole lot of fun! They’re just begging to be shared, so gather your loved ones and give this recipe a whirl. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out, so be sure to leave a comment and let your kitchen fill up with sweet, banana-scented happiness!
Print
Banana Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 donut holes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Donut Holes are a delightful treat that are quick and easy to make. With a hint of banana flavor and a coating of cinnamon sugar, they are a perfect snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Banana Donut Holes:
- 1 large banana (about 1/2 cup mashed)
- 3/4 cup self-rising flour
Coating:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or melted vegan butter
- 2–3 teaspoons melted coconut oil for working the dough
Instructions
- Mash the banana: Mash the banana into a smooth puree, ensuring you have 1/2 cup for the correct dough consistency.
- Mix the dough: Add in the flour and stir until it forms lumps. Knead with oiled hands to form a sticky, moist dough ball.
- Shape the donut holes: Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls and place on a parchment-covered plate. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes until golden.
- Coat the donut holes: Brush warm donut holes with coconut oil and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to avoid a dense texture.
- Adjust the sugar or cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: Approx. 90 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 75mg
- Fat: Approx. 4g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 12g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
