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.