These Banana Fritters are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a light, fluffy batter. Perfectly fried until golden brown and topped with a delicious cinnamon glaze, they make for an irresistible snack or dessert. Start by preparing the batter with eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix dry ingredients separately and then combine with the wet mixture. Fold in chopped bananas and fry spoonfuls of batter in hot oil until golden. After frying, drain excess oil and dip the fritters in a sweet cinnamon glaze. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Banana Fritters are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a light, fluffy batter. Perfectly fried until golden brown and topped with a delicious cinnamon glaze, they make for an irresistible snack or dessert.
INGREDIENTS
- Eggs: 2, at room temperature, for a light and fluffy batter.
- Milk: 2/3 cup, at room temperature, to add moisture to the batter.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted, for richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups, for structure.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sweetness.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, to help the fritters rise.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, for warmth and flavor.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.
- Ripe Bananas: 3, chopped, for natural sweetness and texture.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, to make the fritters crispy.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups, for the glaze.
- Milk: 1/3 cup, for the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon, for the glaze.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/8 teaspoon, for the glaze.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 2/3 cup milk, 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside. This creates the wet mixture for the batter.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. This ensures the batter is light and fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Fold 3 chopped ripe bananas into the batter until evenly distributed. This adds natural sweetness and texture to the fritters.
- Step 4:
- Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to reach 2 inches depth in the pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying the fritters to a golden brown.
- Step 5:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop 3-4 scoops of fritter dough into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the fritters are golden brown on all sides. This ensures they are cooked through and crispy.
- Step 6:
- Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the batter is used. This keeps the fritters light and crispy.
- Step 7:
- Once the fritters have cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. This adds a sweet and cinnamon-flavored topping to the fritters.
- Step 8:
- Dip each cooled fritter into the glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place glazed fritters on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to let any excess glaze drip off. This creates a beautifully glazed and delicious fritter.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the banana fritters warm for the best taste and texture. The combination of warm, fluffy fritters with the sweet cinnamon glaze is irresistible.
- If desired, dust with extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon just before serving for an added touch of sweetness and spice.
- Pair the fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- To store, keep the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.
- If you prefer a crispier texture after storing, reheat the fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the fritters instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- If you don't have ripe bananas, you can use slightly overripe bananas for a more pronounced banana flavor.
- To make the fritters extra fluffy, ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends ensuring the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve the perfect golden brown color and crispiness.
- Chef Nigella Lawson suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warm spice.
- Chef Ina Garten advises using a candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for consistent frying results.