Name: Banana Donut Holes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Banana (1 large banana); 3/4 cup Self-Rising Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 cup Unrefined Sugar; 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted, or melted vegan butter); 2-3 teaspoons Melted Coconut Oil (for kneading and brushing)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet, soft banana flavor with a light, donut-like crunch, you will adore these Banana Donut Holes. These little bites pack all the warmth of banana bread but come in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a quick snack anytime. Each fluffy ball is kissed with cinnamon sugar, offering that nostalgic donut experience with a homemade, wholesome twist. Trust me, once you try these Banana Donut Holes, they will become your go-to when you want something cozy yet quick to enjoy.

Banana Donut Holes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, coming together to create the perfect texture and flavor balance in your Banana Donut Holes. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s providing moisture, sweetness, or that golden, tender crumb.

Banana (1/2 cup mashed): This adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the donut holes tender and flavorful.
Self-Rising Flour (3/4 cup): The leavening is built-in to give the dough a light, airy texture without fussing with extra ingredients.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): For warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with banana’s mellow sweetness.
Unrefined Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness while keeping it wholesome.
Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons melted, plus extra for brushing): This brings rich flavor and helps achieve the perfect golden crust.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes

Step 1: Mash the Banana

Start by mashing your banana until it reaches a smooth puree — this is the heart of your Banana Donut Holes. Make sure to measure out a full 1/2 cup so your ratios are just right, which ensures the dough pulls together perfectly without becoming too wet or dry.

Step 2: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the self-rising flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Begin mixing with a spatula until lumps start to form, then switch to using your hands work the dough gently. Don’t be tempted to add extra flour even if it feels sticky; instead, use a bit of coconut oil on your hands to create a cohesive, moist dough ball that remains elastic and tender.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes

Grease your hands with melted coconut oil and roll dough into roughly one-tablespoon balls. Place them spaced apart on parchment paper. This step is all about shaping these lovely little spheres that will puff up beautifully once cooked.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray its basket with oil and arrange the donut holes, giving them room to expand. Air fry for 6–7 minutes until these golden beauties become puffy and have slightly dry, rocky exteriors. They might not all be perfectly round, and that’s part of the homemade charm.

Step 5: The Warm Cinnamon Sugar Finish

While still warm, brush each donut hole generously with melted coconut oil, then roll them in cinnamon sugar. This final step transforms soft banana bread flavors into the sweet, nostalgic taste of fresh donuts—you won’t believe how delicious a simple brush and coat can be!

Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

These Banana Donut Holes taste best fresh and warm, offering the perfect balance of crisp exterior and moist, tender inside. They’re irresistible when enjoyed right away but can also be saved for later if needed.

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is perfection on its own, you might want to sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for a snowy look or drizzle a little vegan glaze or honey to add extra sweetness and shine. A dusting of chopped nuts can add lovely texture contrast too.

Side Dishes

Banana Donut Holes pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon tea. For a richer spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or a small bowl of yogurt for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate these simple treats by threading them onto skewers for a fun presentation at parties, or serve them in small paper cones for a charming on-the-go snack. You can even drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a decadent twist that turns your snack into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Banana Donut Holes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor. Storing them properly ensures they don’t dry out and are ready for a quick treat.

Freezing

To keep these little delights fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, and you can enjoy homemade Banana Donut Holes anytime without fuss.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover donut holes in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their crispy edges and warm, fluffy centers. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 15 seconds also works, but you might lose some crispness.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic the leavening properties of self-rising flour. About 1 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of all-purpose flour works well.

Can I bake these Banana Donut Holes instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Bake them at 350°F (180°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Are these Banana Donut Holes vegan?

They can be! Using melted coconut oil instead of butter keeps this recipe vegan-friendly and just as delicious.

How ripe should the banana be?

Use a very ripe banana with lots of brown spots. The riper it is, the sweeter and more flavorful your donut holes will be!

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, baking them in an oven works well. Alternatively, use a frying pan with a small amount of oil on low heat to carefully cook them, turning to brown all sides evenly.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyful about making and sharing Banana Donut Holes. They are the kind of treat that feels homemade and comforting but just a little bit fancy with their crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. I encourage you to dive in and whip up a batch—once you’ve tasted these, they will quickly become one of your favorite easy snacks to enjoy anytime!

Banana Donut Holes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously soft and naturally sweet banana donut holes made with simple ingredients, air-fried for a healthier twist. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack or a delightful breakfast, featuring the warm flavors of cinnamon and coconut oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/2 cup Banana (1 large banana)
3/4 cup Self-Rising Flour
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 cup Unrefined Sugar
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted, or melted vegan butter)
2–3 teaspoons Melted Coconut Oil (for kneading and brushing)

Instructions

Mash the Banana: Mash the banana into a smooth puree, ensuring you measure exactly 1/2 cup so the dough forms correctly with the flour ratio.
Form the Dough: Add the self-rising flour and cinnamon to the mashed banana, then stir gently with a rubber spatula until lumps form. Oil your hands with melted coconut oil and knead the sticky dough to form a ball, adding up to 2-3 teaspoons more coconut oil if needed to achieve a moist, elastic consistency without excess flour.
Shape the Donut Holes: Grease your hands again with melted coconut oil, take about a tablespoon of dough, and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined plate. Repeat until all dough is used, then lightly spray avocado oil over the shaped balls.
Prepare for Air Frying: Spray oil in the air fryer basket and arrange the donut balls at least 1 inch apart to allow room for expansion during cooking.
Air Fry: Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes, or until the donut holes are puffy and golden brown on the outside. They may have an irregular shape and a dry exterior, which is normal.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the warm donut holes with melted coconut oil, then roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to evenly coat the surface and enhance flavor.
Serve Warm: Enjoy the banana donut holes immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Make sure to use self-rising flour for proper rise; if unavailable, combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
Adjust the amount of coconut oil used in the dough to keep it moist but manageable.
You can substitute avocado oil spray with any neutral cooking spray for air frying.
For a vegan version, ensure sugar is unrefined and the butter substitute is plant-based, as recommended.
Do not add extra flour beyond the recipe, as it will make the donut holes dry and dense.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Snack, Breakfast
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American