Banana Fritters

These sweet crispy Banana Fritters are made using just a handful of pantry ingredients. They’re fried until crispy and golden brown, then dusted with powdered sugar just before serving drizzled with warm caramel.

Easy Banana Fritters Recipe

Every culture seems to have their own variation of sweet banana fritters. This recipe features banana fritters that are light and fluffy with a round shape similar to a hushpuppy. I’ve had flatter Jamaican banana fritters that are more like pancakes, and those are yummy, too! Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar, it tends to melt a bit and can be reapplied as needed. They’re a simple and delicious way to enjoy bananas and taste delicious! 

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Banana Fritters: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Bananas – Three medium bananas chopped into small cubes. Choose bananas that are ripe, but still firm when gently squeezed.
• Flour – You’ll need all purpose flour sifted with cornstarch to form the base of the fluffy fritter dough.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar (white sugar) adds sweetness to the batter.
• Oil – I recommend using peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil for frying.
• Leavening – Baking powder and salt add lift to the batter.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give just a hint of warm spiciness.
• Liquid – 2/3 cup whole milk to add moisture to the dry ingredients.
• Flavorings – A combination of one teaspoon vanilla extract and one teaspoon banana extract gives a boost to the flavor.
• Whole Eggs – Eggs bind the batter and hold everything together.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Garnish with powdered sugar and warm caramel for serving.

How to Make the BEST Banana Fritters Recipe

• Heat Oil – Fill a Dutch oven or deep heavy bottomed pot fitted with a fry thermometer with 3-inches of peanut or canola oil. Heat on medium-high heat until it reaches 355°F-365°F.
• Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl use a whisk to sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon salt and nutmeg.
• Wet Ingredients and Bananas – Add the bananas, milk, vanilla extract, banana extract and eggs to the flour mixture. Stir together by hand using a large wooden spoon until it becomes a thick batter.
• Scoop the Batter into the Oil – Use a medium springform ice cream scoop to drop batter into the hot oil. Flip for even browning, frying in batches.
• Drain Excess Oil – Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon or stainless steel spider to a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain.
• Serve – Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate!

Kitchen Equipment to Make Banana Fritters

• Large Dutch oven or pot. You can also fry these in a deep skillet, frying pan or use a deep fryer. 
• Fry thermometer to maintain the temperature of the oil.
• Stainless steel spider or slotted spoon to remove the bananas fritters from the hot oil.
• Paper towel lined sheet pan for draining.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Medium bowl.
• Knife and whisk.
• Powdered sugar duster or small sieve to dust the tops of the fritters after frying.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cornstarch – Cornstarch adds a lightness to the batter and gives the fritters a crispy exterior. You can replace it with all purpose flour.
• Milk – You can use half and half or buttermilk in place of whole milk.
• Sauce – You can drizzle these fritters with warm chocolate sauce, maple syrup or honey in place of caramel.
• Coconut – You can add 1/3 cup shredded coconut to the batter. It’s best to use flaked coconut that has shorter shreds.
• Spices – You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter.
• Sugar – You could adapt this recipe using light brown sugar. It will cook differently so watch carefully for over-browning.
• Flavorings – You could also use rum extract or coconut extract to change the flavor profile.
• Maintain the Oil Temperature – When frying, it’s important to maintain the temperature of the oil keeping it high enough that the fritters will cook thoroughly. If the temperature drops too low, the fritters will soak in more oil and this could give them a greasy texture.
• Use Ripe Bananas – When making banana bread or banana cake, you always want overripe mashed bananas for the most moist texture. When making these banana fritters, you want to use ripe bananas, but not mushy or overripe bananas. You want them to maintain their integrity while frying.
• When to Serve Banana Fritters – You can enjoy these for breakfast, brunch, snacking or dessert.
• Apple Fritters – See how to make Apple Fritters here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Banana Fritters in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can reheat on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven, in an air fryer or in the microwave. The exterior will soften once chilled, but the oven or air fryer or baking will make them crispy again. Toss them with additional powdered sugar after reheating.
• Freezer – You can cool and freeze these fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving. You’ll need to dust with powdered sugar again before serving.

More Banana Recipes to Make

• This Best Banana Cake recipe is topped with cream cheese frosting.
• This decadent Banana Pudding Lush is a spinoff of a favorite.
• Take a walk on the wild side with this recipe for homemade Chocolate Banana Pudding.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins for an any time of day sweet fix.
• Thick and delicious Banana Pudding Bread.
• Start your morning with a stack of Banana Pancakes.
• Homemade Banana Pudding Cheesecake.
• Bananas Foster Crisp with vanilla ice cream is simply delicious.
• How to Freeze Bananas from Texanerin Baking.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Fry Thermometer
• Stainless Steel Spider
• Scoops