I absolutely adore these Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe because they bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the fun bite-size charm of donut holes, all made effortlessly in the air fryer. The texture is perfectly soft and tender with just a hint of cinnamon warmth, and I love how quick and easy it is to whip them up whenever I’m craving a cozy, nostalgic treat. Whether I’m sharing them at a brunch gathering or sneaking a few for myself, these little delights never disappoint.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe
What I find truly special about this Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe is the way the ripe bananas add a rich, natural sweetness and moistness that just can’t be beat. The flavor is subtle but comforting, with cinnamon adding that perfect touch of spice that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. These donut holes have a deliciously soft inside with a slight golden crust on the outside, all without needing to deep fry or spend forever in the kitchen. It’s comfort food, but made healthier and way less messy!
Beyond flavor, what really gets me excited is how simple and quick the preparation is. I mean, it comes together in less than half an hour, and most importantly, requires just a handful of everyday ingredients. Using the air fryer means you don’t have to heat up your whole kitchen or worry about hot oil splatters — perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend treat-making. Plus, I love serving these at family gatherings or casual parties since they’re easy to eat and impossible not to love. It’s a recipe that feels special yet approachable every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of taste and texture. Each component plays its role in bringing together a soft, sweet, and lightly spiced donut hole that’s bursting with flavor.
Tip!
You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.
- Pancake mix: The base of these donut holes that brings fluffy texture and a mild sweetness, making it super easy to mix with minimal ingredients.
- Ripe bananas: I always choose bananas that are just a bit spotted for maximum natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
- White granulated sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness and balances the banana flavor beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice gives a warm, comforting note that makes these donut holes feel homemade and cozy.
- Powdered sugar: Perfect for creating a smooth, sweet glaze that makes these treats extra irresistible.
Directions
Step 1: Peel your large ripe banana and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Grab a fork and mash it thoroughly until it’s perfectly smooth with no big chunks left—that’s the secret to a nice even dough.
Step 2: Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir gently with a spoon until the mixture starts to come together and you see little clumps forming.
Step 3: Spray a bit of nonstick spray on your hands (or put on gloves if you prefer) and knead the dough gently by hand. It will feel a bit sticky and that’s completely fine; just avoid overworking it so the donut holes stay tender.
Step 4: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, approximately 1 inch each. Keep your hands lightly greased as you go to prevent sticking, which makes the process much smoother.
Step 5: Spray your air fryer basket generously with nonstick spray so the donut holes don’t stick. Arrange the balls in the basket leaving about an inch of space between each to give them room to puff up nicely. I usually cook around 6 at a time if using a smaller air fryer.
Step 6: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the donut holes for 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the outside should turn golden and puffed up when they’re ready.
Step 7: Carefully remove the donut holes and repeat the air frying process with the remaining dough. Now they’re ready for the fun part: coating them with your favorite topping or enjoying them plain if you can’t wait!
Step 8: For a classic cinnamon sugar coating, mix ¼ cup white sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 9: Lightly spray the warm donut holes with nonstick spray to help the cinnamon sugar stick, then roll them around in the mixture until fully coated. Doing a couple at a time works best for easy handling.
Step 10: Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little extra, mash a small banana in a bowl to create a smooth base for your banana glaze.
Step 11: Stir in powdered sugar until it reaches a pourable consistency, then gently toss the donut holes in this glaze. Use a fork to lift them out and place on parchment paper or a plate to let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
This Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe makes about 17 donut holes, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on appetite. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes to mash and mix the dough and form the dough balls. Cooking time in the air fryer is about 7 minutes per batch, roughly 15-20 minutes if you’re making multiple batches. Altogether, you’re looking at about 22 minutes from start to finish, making it a wonderfully quick treat perfect for any day when you want something homemade but speedy. No resting time needed; they’re best served warm fresh from the air fryer!
How to Serve This Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe
When I serve these donut holes, I love pairing them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that feels a little indulgent but not too heavy. For brunch gatherings, placing them on a platter with both cinnamon sugar and banana glaze options is a great way to offer variety and please different palates. A dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top also adds an appealing touch.
Presentation-wise, I like to arrange the donut holes neatly on a rustic wooden board or a pretty serving plate with some fresh fruit on the side like berries or sliced apples. This adds color and freshness that balances the sweet doughy bites. If it’s a cozy night in, these are perfect warm from the fryer, but they also taste great at room temperature if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Just be sure to reheat gently (I find the air fryer or oven works best) for that fresh, just-made texture.
These donut holes also shine at parties or afternoon snack times, especially when you offer fun dipping options like melted chocolate, a spiced caramel sauce, or even a tangy yogurt dip. For beverage pairings beyond coffee or tea, a vanilla latte or a lightly spiced cider is a personal favorite — it complements the banana and cinnamon so well. Overall, this recipe is extremely versatile and I find myself dreaming up new ways to serve and enjoy it all the time.
Variations
Over time, I’ve experimented with a few delicious twists on this Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe. If you want to swap the pancake mix for a gluten-free blend, that works beautifully and keeps the texture light and tender. For those who enjoy vegan treats, you can replace the sugar with coconut sugar and use a flax egg or mashed avocado in place of any butter or dairy ingredients if you add them. The banana provides plenty of moisture, so the dough still comes together nicely.
If you’re craving different flavors, I love adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts right into the dough before rolling it into balls. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract boosts the flavor complexity wonderfully. You could also try dipping the donut holes in a lemon glaze or a cream cheese frosting for a fresh twist that pairs amazingly with banana.
While the air fryer is my favorite method because it’s fast and keeps things clean, you could bake these donut holes in a standard oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning. A deep fryer is another option for that classic crispy exterior but personally, the air fryer gives me that perfect tender bite without the extra oil, so it’s a win-win.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover banana donut holes, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and fresh this way, and I find the cinnamon sugar coating especially delicious the next day. For longer storage, refrigerating is possible but can dry them out slightly, so I only do that if I plan to reheat them properly later.
Freezing
Freezing these donut holes is totally doable and a great way to preserve them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely first, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. After they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you want a quick snack, thaw them at room temperature or proceed to reheat directly from frozen with a few extra minutes in the air fryer or oven.
Reheating
For reheating, I strongly recommend using the air fryer at 325°F for about 3-4 minutes, which crisps the outsides back up nicely without drying out the inside. The oven is also a good option: warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet. Avoid microwaving if you can since it tends to make them rubbery or soggy. A light spritz of nonstick spray before reheating helps revive their original texture and flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are actually the best choice because they’re sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the donut holes.
Do I have to use pancake mix or can I make dough from scratch?
I love the convenience of pancake mix here since it’s already balanced with leavening and flour, but if you prefer from scratch, just use all-purpose flour plus baking powder, sugar, salt, and a touch of cinnamon for similar results.
How do I make the banana glaze less runny?
To thicken the glaze, gradually add powdered sugar until it reaches a slightly thicker yet pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk or water to loosen it up.
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
You sure can! They’re delicious warm, but if you make them earlier, just store air-tight and reheat in the air fryer to freshen before serving.
What’s the best air fryer setting for these donut holes?
I find 350°F for 7 minutes works perfectly for a golden exterior and soft interior. Adjust timing slightly if your air fryer runs hotter or cooler.
Conclusion
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. They’re absolutely delightful little bites of banana goodness with cinnamon warmth, simple to make, and perfect for any time you want to treat yourself or impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!
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Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 17 donut holes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes are a delightful and healthier twist on classic donuts, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a soft, fluffy texture. Using pancake mix and simple ingredients, these bite-sized treats cook quickly in the air fryer, delivering golden, puffed donut holes that are perfect for a quick breakfast or an irresistible snack. Choose to enjoy them plain or coated in cinnamon sugar or a smooth banana glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Donut Holes
- 1 ¾ cups pancake mix
- 1 large ripe banana
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Banana Glaze
- 1 small ripe banana
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mash the Banana: Peel the large ripe banana and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash it thoroughly until the banana is smooth and free of any big chunks.
- Combine with Pancake Mix: Add the pancake mix to the mashed banana and stir gently until the mixture starts to form clumps.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly grease your hands or use gloves sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Knead the dough gently by hand until it just comes together; it will be slightly sticky, which is normal. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Donut Holes: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls approximately 1 inch each. Keep your hands greased while rolling to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the donut holes inside, spacing them about one inch apart so they have room to puff up. Cook in batches if necessary; small air fryers usually fit about 6 at a time.
- Air Fry: Cook the donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes. They should appear golden and puffed when done. Remove carefully and repeat until all dough is cooked.
- Choose Your Topping or Serve Plain: You can enjoy the donut holes warm and plain, or proceed to coat them with one of the toppings below.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Lightly spray the warm donut holes with nonstick spray to help the sugar adhere, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture a few at a time to coat evenly.
- Banana Glaze Preparation: Mash the small ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Stir in ½ cup powdered sugar until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Donut Holes: Dip the warm donut holes into the banana glaze, tossing gently to coat. Remove them with a fork and place on parchment paper or a plate to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- The dough will be sticky; avoid over-kneading to keep the donut holes tender.
- Space donut holes adequately in the air fryer to ensure they puff properly and cook evenly.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these at 350°F in an oven for about 10-12 minutes, but texture may vary.
- For a firmer glaze, add more powdered sugar; for thinner, add a splash of milk or water.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and best texture.
- Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch (about 14 minutes total for 2 batches)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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