My banana fritters recipe comes together lightning-fast for a comforting sweet treat to use up extra bananas or whenever you want a southern-style snack! Let me show you how simple they are to make at home.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my Nigerian fried plantain recipe, too!
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❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy - You don't even need 30 whole minutes to make this simple banana fritters recipe. And no special tools or chef-level technique is required, either.
Fabulous Flavor - This an old-fashioned banana fritter recipe with a few tweaks to elevate the flavor but keep it as simple as ever. You'll taste sweet, fruity banana with hints of brown sugar, spice, and bourbon to set it off. It's hard to eat just one or even two--and I don't even eat bananas like that!
These quick banana fritters are sweet and golden brown, with flavor reminiscent of ripe plantain puff-puff, golden plantain cake, and my dodo recipe. Or on the cool and creamy dessert side, my plantain ice cream and best-ever banana pudding!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Raw Bananas, of course, are the star here. You can use green bananas, ripe bananas, or even overripe bananas. Green bananas will take more effort to mash and be less sweet, while overripe bananas will mash like hot butter and be the sweetest.
Bourbon adds subtle notes of caramel and oak that really complement the taste of golden caramelized banana in every bite.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt balance out the flavor profile and add warmth and depth so don't skip them.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Alcohol - Instead of bourbon, you can use rum or cognac with a similar flavor effect. Or to omit alcohol altogether, use a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
Water or Milk - If your banana mixture is too thick and dry, you can thin it out with a bit of water or milk (plant-based or dairy) of your choice. Add a little at a time to avoid overdoing it.
Vegan - This recipe is dairy-free and egg-free. Be sure to use vegan-friendly brown sugar and you'll be good to go.
How to Make Banana Fritters at Home
- Step 1: Mash the bananas then mix in the sugar and bourbon.
- Step 2: Whisk together the flour and spices.
Pro Tip #1
If you're using green bananas or bananas that are very hard, you may need to add a splash or two of water or milk to soften and thin the batter. You might also want to use more sweetener. Since this is an eggless recipe, you can taste test the batter and adjust as necessary.
- Step 3: Combine wet and dry mixtures.
- Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of batter into heated oil and fry until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Pro Tip #2
I recommend using a food thermometer to ensure your frying oil has reached temperature. This will help ensure even and efficient cooking.
Pro Tip #3
Note that the temperature of the oil will decrease over time because we're introducing cooler elements to it over and over, so your first batch will probably cook more quickly than your last.
- Step 5: Drain the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make banana fritters up to two days ahead of time. I recommend reheating them in the air fryer or oven for the most mouthwatering results but you can also microwave.
Store banana fritters in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They'll keep for up to three days this way.
Yes. To freeze, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight freezer-safe container before transferring into the freezer. Keeps for up to one month.
How to Serve
These fritters are best enjoyed a little warm. They're delectable all by themselves or you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
To be more indulgent, drizzle them with honey. And to be super indulgent, dip them in a lil sweetened condensed milk. It gives state-fair food vibes!
More Favorite Banana Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I hope you'll enjoy this simple recipe for banana fritters soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Southern-Style Banana Fritters
Equipment
- 1 fork
- 1 whisk
- 1 large cast iron skillet or frying pan
- 1 food thermometer optional
- 1 slotted spoon or kitchen tongs
- paper towels
Ingredients
- frying oil
- 3 bananas
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ teaspoon bourbon whiskey or vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Prep: Fill skillet with one to two inches of oil over medium-high heat to warm up. Line a plate with a few layers of paper towel and set aside.frying oil
- Make the Fritter Batter: Use fork to mash bananas into a chunky puree or baby food consistency. Mix in bourbon or vanilla extract and brown sugar.3 bananas, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon bourbon whiskey
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir the flour mixture into the banana mash until uniform.1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Fry the Fritters: Once cooking oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit, drop batter by rounded table spoonfuls into pan and cook for about two minutes or until the edges are browned and the tops of the fritters just start to turn golden. The fritters may stick to the bottom of the pan. Just use your cooking utensil to carefully scoop underneath them to remove them and they should start to float in the oil.
- Use slotted spoon or tongs to flip fritters then cook another two minutes or until golden all over. (If you flip the fritters too soon and find that the underside is still pale, no worries! You can just flip them back over and check in another minute.) Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
- Finish and Serve: Repeat the frying process until all batter is used. Note that the temperature of the oil will decrease over time because we're introducing cooler elements to it over and over, so your first batch will probably cook more quickly than your last. Sift powdered sugar over fritters, if desired, and serve warm.powdered sugar
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