Banana Fritters Sweet, Crispy & Golden Breakfast Treat

Banana Fritters are a beloved treat across many cultures, and for good reason. Made with ripe, mashed bananas mixed into a light, spiced batter, then fried until golden and crispy, these fritters are the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. They’re quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. With crisp edges and a soft, fluffy center, every bite delivers a warm burst of banana flavor. Pair with honey, powdered sugar, or your favorite dipping sauce to take them over the top.

A favorite breakfast or snacking option, banana fritters are sweet, filling and so easy to make you will be waking up feeling like making them everyday. A fritter is a fried food usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables or other ingredients. Fritters are prepared in both sweet and savory varieties. Fritters are extremely popular roadside snacks all over South Asia and are commonly referred to as pakora (pakoda) or bhajji (bhajia). In the south Indian state of Kerala, Banana Fritters are extremely popular and are known as Pazhampori.

In Malaysia and Brunei, it is common for a type of fritter called "cucur" (such as yam, sweet potato and banana to be fried by the roadside in a large wok and sold as snacks. In the Philippines, egg fritters are called kwek-kwek (quail) or tokneneng (chicken), and squid fritters are called kalamares. These, along with shrimp fritters called okoy, and banana fritters called maruya are also sold in travelling cart or street side vendors. West African countries have many variations similar to fritters. The most common process includes the blending of peeled black eyed beans with peppers and spices to leave a thick texture. A Yoruba version, Akara, is a popular street snack and side dish in Nigerian culture.

INGREDIENTS

2 Ripe Bananas

1 Cup  Flour  

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Sugar

Pinch Salt

oil, for frying

Powdered sugar, to serve

METHOD

Add flour and sugar to medium bowl

Add baking soda

Add salt

Add baking powder

Mash bananas to your desired chinkiness

Add mashed bananas to flour

Mix the flour and bananas well until combined

Mix to a slightly thick consistency. If mixture is too wet you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time and mix thorougly

Scoop a spoonful of the banana flour mixture

Heat oil add the banana fritters dough mixture a few at a time not crowding them

Allow to cook until they start to float

Cook turning so that all sides get evenly golden brown

Remove from oil, set on plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil

Generously sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving

These are delicious especially with some ice cream or whipped cream on top and some chocolate drizzle!!

Fluffy morsels of sweet dessert that you can serve with a drink of your choice. Bite sized for the perfect finger food

Almost like eating banana bread

BANANA FRITTERS

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients

• 2 Ripe Bananas
• 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• Pinch Salt
• 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar

Cooking Directions

1. Add flour and sugar to medium bowl. Add baking powder, soda and salt
2. Mash bananas to desired thickness
3. Add the mashed bananas to the flour mixture
4. Mix to a slightly thick consistency. If mixture is too wet you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time and mix thoroughly
5. Scoop a spoonful of the banana flour mixture. Heat oil add the banana fritters dough mixture a few at a time not crowding them
6. Cook turning so that all sides get evenly golden brown. Remove from oil, set on plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil
7. Generously sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving

If you have been enjoying these foodie adventures, I would love to stay connected. Follow me on all my social platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event alerts. See behind-the-scenes looks and join conversations around all things delicious. Follow me on Instagram for beautiful food photos and quick reels. Find me on Facebook for longer stories and community chats. Join the fun on Twitter(X) where I share food thoughts and tips. Get creative with me on Pinterest where you can pin your favorite recipes for later. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the full recipe creation. Leave a comment in the comment section and let's chat!

Banana Fritters (East African Style)

Simple, delicious, and deeply comforting — made with ripe bananas, a touch of spice, and fried to perfection.

FAQs

1. Can I bake banana fritters?

Yes, spoon onto a greased tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 mins, flipping halfway.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, though the texture will be denser. You can mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.

3. Can I refrigerate the batter?

For best results, use immediately. The baking powder will lose effectiveness if left too long.

Nutritional Card (Per 2 fritters)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~180 kcal	Varies by oil absorption and size.
Protein	2 g	Mostly from flour.
Carbohydrates	30 g	From banana and flour.
Sugars	10 g	Includes natural and added sugars.
Fat	6 g	Depending on frying.
Fiber	2 g	Bananas are a great source of dietary fiber.
Sodium	120 mg	Based on added salt and baking powder.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients and cooking method.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Is It Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Fully plant-based.
Vegan	✅ Yes	Replace milk with water or plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free	❌ No	Use gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	No nuts used.
Halal	✅ Yes	No restricted ingredients.

Serving Ideas

• Drizzle with maple syrup, caramel, or melted chocolate.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a dessert.
• Sprinkle with coconut flakes or cinnamon sugar for extra texture.