Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up these fritters in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast option or a delightful dessert.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with add-ins like shredded coconut or diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the mashed bananas, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Rest the Batter:
- Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a skillet, heat approximately ¼ inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Dust the warm fritters with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with whipped cream, maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 fritters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 kcal
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Fold in shredded coconut or diced pineapple into the batter for added flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for better results.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter immediately after mixing to ensure the fritters puff up nicely during frying.
3. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Frying yields the best texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
4. What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, are ideal for frying fritters.
5. How can I tell if the oil is hot enough for frying?
Drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, folding in mini chocolate chips can add a delightful sweetness to the fritters.
7. Are these fritters gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
8. Can I freeze the fritters?
Fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them in a single layer and reheat in the oven to restore some crispness.
9. What can I serve with these fritters?
They pair well with maple syrup, honey, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
10. How ripe should the bananas be?
Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and mash easily.
Conclusion
Skillet Banana Fritters are a delightful way to use overripe bananas, offering a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, these fritters are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Skillet Banana Fritters
Skillet Banana Fritters are a quick and easy treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritters are packed with warm spices and sweet banana flavor, making them an irresistible way to use overripe bananas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: ~12 fritters
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the mashed bananas, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat approximately ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry the Fritters:
- Scoop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and gently flatten them with the back of the spoon.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Dust the warm fritters with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like whipped cream, maple syrup, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Add mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for fun variations.
- For gluten-free fritters, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
