Two-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes

This wholesome 2-ingredient banana donut hole recipe transforms simple pantry staples into delightful treats in minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or when sweet cravings strike, these little bites deliver all the satisfaction of donuts with minimal effort and ingredients.

I discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend when my kids were begging for donuts but I didn't want to make a bakery run. These little donut holes were such a hit that they've become our Sunday morning tradition, with everyone gathering in the kitchen to roll the dough and choose their favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Ripe banana: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the dough together without eggs. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
• Self rising flour: Offers convenience since it already contains leavening agents and salt. If using cups instead of weight, be sure to fluff flour before measuring.
• Avocado oil or coconut oil: Helps achieve that golden exterior. Choose avocado for a neutral flavor or coconut for a hint of tropical taste.
• Cinnamon sugar coating: Creates that classic donut experience. Adjust cinnamon amount to your preference for spice level.
• Non stick cooking spray: Ensures the donut holes release easily from the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the banana:

Mash one ripe banana thoroughly in a medium bowl until very few lumps remain. The riper your banana, the sweeter your donut holes will be. A fork works perfectly for this task.

Create the dough:

Add the self rising flour to the mashed banana and mix gently with a spatula or fork. The mixture will initially seem too dry, but keep mixing until crumbly. Then switch to using your hands to form a cohesive dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together when formed into a ball. Avoid overworking the dough or your donut holes will become dense.

Form the donut holes:

Divide the dough into 7 equal portions. Lightly oil your hands with a small amount of avocado or coconut oil to prevent sticking. Roll each portion between your palms into smooth, evenly sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Prepare for air frying:

Spray your air fryer basket with non stick cooking spray. Arrange the donut holes with space between them to allow for expansion and even cooking. Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation.

Air fry to perfection:

Cook the donut holes at 350°F for exactly 6 minutes. They should puff up slightly and develop a golden exterior while maintaining a soft interior. No need to flip them during cooking.

Add the finishing touch:

While the donut holes are still warm, lightly brush each one with a small amount of oil using a pastry brush. This helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere properly. Roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Serve immediately:

These donut holes taste best when enjoyed warm, when the contrast between the crisp exterior and tender interior is most pronounced.

Pin it

The self rising flour is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I was skeptical that something so simple could work, but the leavening agents in the flour combined with the moisture from the banana create a surprisingly fluffy interior. My daughter now specifically asks for bananas to get overly ripe just so we can make these donut holes together.

Make Ahead and Storage

These banana donut holes can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they're best enjoyed within the first day. The cinnamon sugar coating may absorb moisture over time, so consider rolling them in fresh cinnamon sugar just before serving if making ahead.

Easy Variations

Transform these simple donut holes into special treats with easy variations. For chocolate banana donut holes, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough and roll in powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar. Create a coconut version by adding 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the dough and rolling in coconut sugar mixed with cinnamon.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough seems too wet, the banana was likely extra large or very overripe. Add an additional tablespoon of self rising flour. Conversely, if the dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or plant based milk until the dough comes together.

Pin it

These simple banana donut holes are a perfect combination of ease and satisfaction. They're sure to become a favorite in your household too!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these banana donut holes in a regular oven?

Yes, you can bake these in a regular oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and check for golden brown color.

→ What can I substitute for self-rising flour?

If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 3/4 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/8 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

→ How ripe should the banana be?

The banana should be very ripe with brown spots on the peel for the best flavor and sweetness. This also makes it easier to mash and incorporate into the dough.

→ Can I add other flavors to these donut holes?

Absolutely! Try adding a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or even mini chocolate chips to the dough. You could also experiment with different sugar coatings like powdered sugar or cocoa sugar.

→ How should I store leftover banana donut holes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm briefly in the microwave before serving for the best texture.

→ Why is my dough too sticky to handle?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. The ripeness of the banana affects moisture content, so adjustments may be needed. Lightly oiling your hands also helps when handling sticky dough.