Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes
These quick and easy banana donut holes are made with just ripe bananas and pancake mix, baked in the air fryer for a warm, delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snacks.
I first made these little two-ingredient banana donut holes on a rainy Saturday when the kids wanted a snack and I had exactly two bananas left. They come together in minutes, are baked (not fried) in the air fryer, and taste like warm banana doughnuts—perfect for breakfast, an after-school treat, or a portable picnic snack. If you enjoy quick banana bakes, you might also like this easy banana bread pancake mix loaf that uses a similar pantry-friendly approach.
Why you’ll love this dish
These banana donut holes are the kind of recipe you make when you want something small, sweet, and comforting without a long ingredient list or lots of cleanup. With only ripe bananas and pancake mix, they’re:
- Fast: mix, shape, air fry—about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-friendly: pantry staples and no special equipment beyond an air fryer.
- Kid-friendly: soft, mildly sweet, and easy for little hands to eat.
- Flexible: swap pancake mix types (gluten-free, whole grain) or add mix-ins.
If you like chewier banana snacks, try pairing flavors from this banana oatmeal bars recipe for inspiration on mix-ins and texture swaps.
How this recipe comes together
This recipe is absurdly simple: mash ripe bananas, stir in pancake mix, form into small balls, then air fry until golden. The pancake mix provides structure and a light crumb; the bananas supply moisture and natural sweetness. Expect a soft interior with lightly crisped outsides if you space them properly and don’t overcook.
What you’ll need
- 2 ripe bananas (very ripe — lots of brown speckles — give the best sweetness and binding)
- 1 cup pancake mix (your favorite brand)
Notes and substitutions:
- Use gluten-free pancake mix to make the bites gluten-free.
- For a slightly richer texture, use pancake mix labeled “complete” or add 1 tablespoon of yogurt or nut butter (optional).
- If your bananas are only slightly ripe, mash them well and consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
- Add the pancake mix to the mashed bananas and stir until evenly combined into a sticky batter.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into small donut-hole–sized balls with lightly floured hands if sticky.
- Place the donut holes in a single layer in the air fryer basket; leave a little space between each so air can circulate.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the outsides are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool slightly on a rack for a few minutes before serving—these are best warm.
Practical notes: Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 7 minutes the first time to avoid over-browning.
01Ingredients
Main ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Best dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, or drizzled with a quick maple glaze for extra sweetness.
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Best ways to enjoy it
- Dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar and serve warm.
- Drizzle with a quick maple glaze (1/4 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp maple syrup + splash milk) for brunch.
- Serve alongside Greek yogurt or a ramekin of fruit compote for dipping.
- Pack a few in a lunchbox with a small container of peanut butter or chocolate-hazelnut spread for dipping.
Plating idea: stack three donut holes on a small dessert plate and top with a mint sprig and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a café-style presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours—they’re best fresh.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2–4 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds (the air fryer restores crispness better).
Food safety: cool completely before freezing, and reheat leftover portions to steaming hot if you’ve stored them in the fridge for more than a day.
Creative twists
- Chocolate chip banana: fold in 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips before shaping.
- Cinnamon-sugar: toss warm donut holes in a mixture of 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Nutty banana: stir in 1–2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Maple-glazed: brush warm donut holes with a simple maple glaze for a breakfast treat.
- Vegan & allergy swaps: use a certified vegan pancake mix and ensure any add-ins are dairy-free.
- Oven method: bake at 350°F (175°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 10–12 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
Your questions answered
Can I use slightly underripe bananas?
Yes, but underripe bananas are firmer and less sweet, which can affect binding and flavor. Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey and mash very well for best results.
Are these vegan?
They can be if you use a vegan pancake mix (some mixes contain milk powder or eggs). Check the label to be sure.
Can I bake these in a muffin tin instead?
Yes—use a mini muffin tin, fill each well about two-thirds full, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–14 minutes until set.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for golden exteriors and a mostly clean toothpick or faint crumbs when inserted in the center. Overcooking dries them out.
Can I add protein powder or spices?
Yes—add 1–2 tablespoons of protein powder (which may slightly dry the batter) or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Conclusion
If you love effortless, small-batch baking, these 2-ingredient banana donut holes are a keeper—simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable. For more ideas, check out 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes – The Conscious Plant Kitchen and my Healthy Air Fryer Donut Holes.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
