These Skillet Banana Fritters are a perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. The flavor of ripe bananas paired with a light, crunchy batter makes them irresistible.
These fritters can be served as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to customize with different spices or toppings like powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh fruit. Perfect for those days when you need a fast, satisfying treat with minimal effort.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas
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1 cup flour
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 egg
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1/4 cup milk
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2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Directions:
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In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
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Fold in the mashed bananas and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
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Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with syrup.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Skillet Banana Fritters?
Skillet banana fritters are a fantastic twist on traditional deep-fried fritters. The use of a skillet makes the process quicker and less messy compared to deep frying, all while delivering a similar crispy texture. The beauty of these fritters lies in their simplicity. You can make them with just a few pantry staples and a couple of ripe bananas, turning them into an irresistible snack.
The flavor profile is perfectly balanced—the sweetness of the bananas combined with a light, airy batter that crisps up beautifully in the pan. Whether you enjoy them as-is or drizzle them with syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, skillet banana fritters are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bananas: The Star Ingredient
The key ingredient in these fritters is, of course, the banana. Ripe bananas provide the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture for the batter. Overripe bananas, which are often overlooked, are ideal for this recipe since their natural sugars are more concentrated, offering a richer taste and smoother texture when mashed.
Bananas are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. While the fritters may not be a health food, using ripe bananas adds some nutritional value to the dish, making it slightly better for you than other deep-fried treats. Plus, using bananas is an excellent way to reduce food waste—those ripe bananas that would normally go unused are perfect for this recipe!
A Versatile Snack or Dessert
Skillet banana fritters are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a light dessert, or even as part of breakfast. The fritters are great on their own, but they also pair beautifully with various toppings. If you want to elevate them further, drizzle with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a tropical twist, you can add shredded coconut or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
These fritters are also great when served with fresh fruit. Try adding sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a handful of chopped nuts to create a more decadent treat. You could even serve them with a side of yogurt for a breakfast or brunch option that’s both delicious and filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about skillet banana fritters is that they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal option for when you’re short on time but still craving something sweet. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, family get-togethers, or a lazy weekend morning. Since the recipe is so quick to make, it also works well for unexpected guests or when you’re in need of a last-minute dessert. Whether it’s a rainy day, a holiday, or just an ordinary weeknight, these fritters are always a great choice.
Additionally, you can easily adjust the recipe to accommodate different dietary preferences. If you’re looking to make them dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy option like coconut oil or vegan butter. If you’re gluten-sensitive, it’s easy to swap out regular flour for a gluten-free alternative. The flexibility of this recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy them, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Making Them Ahead of Time
While skillet banana fritters are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. This is particularly helpful if you’re hosting a brunch or want to save some time in the morning. Simply refrigerate the batter in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to cook, heat your skillet and fry them up. The batter will still work well, and the fritters will be just as crispy and delicious as if you made them from scratch.
If you’re preparing a large batch for a gathering, you can also cook the fritters ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven on a low setting. Once all the fritters are cooked, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the oven at around 200°F (93°C) to keep them warm. This allows you to prepare everything in advance and serve them hot when your guests arrive.
The Secret to Crispy Fritters
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is one of the challenges with making fritters, but with a few simple tips, you can easily master it. The key is to make sure the oil in the skillet is hot enough before adding the fritters. You want the batter to fry quickly and form a crispy crust on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.
If the oil is too cold, the fritters will soak up too much oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the fritters might burn before they cook through. The ideal temperature for frying fritters is around 350°F (175°C). To check the temperature, you can drop a small bit of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
Another tip is to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Give the fritters enough space so that they can cook evenly on all sides. Overcrowding can cause the fritters to stick together, making them harder to flip and resulting in uneven cooking.
Tips for Serving Skillet Banana Fritters
When serving skillet banana fritters, presentation matters. Serve them in a stack or arranged in a circle on a platter for a more visually appealing presentation. You can garnish with powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. If you’re serving them as a breakfast or brunch dish, you can pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
For an extra special touch, drizzle the fritters with homemade caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. If you’re serving them as a dessert, a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream will make them even more decadent. Whatever you choose to serve them with, the fritters will undoubtedly be the star of the show.
Conclusion
Skillet banana fritters are an easy-to-make, delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They combine the natural sweetness of bananas with a crispy exterior, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, impress your guests, or simply enjoy a quick snack, these fritters are sure to hit the spot.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to customize and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or topped with your favorite accompaniments. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a batch of banana fritters that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you make them for a casual family snack or a special dessert, these skillet banana fritters are guaranteed to be a hit every time.