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