Banana bread Donut Holes

Why You'll Love these Donut Holes

• A cinnamon-sugar coating: each donut hole is rolled in a delicious layer of cinnamon-sugar
• Banana bread flavor in every bite: if you're a huge banana lover, these donut holes are right up your alley! 
• Healthier Alternative to Fried Donuts: Since these are made in the air fryer, they’re a lighter option compared to traditional deep-fried donuts, but still deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

Banana Bread Donut Holes Ingredients

• Banana: The star of the show! A ripe banana brings natural sweetness and moisture to the donut holes, making them soft and flavorful. The more ripe the banana, the better the flavor, so don’t be shy about using those spotty ones sitting on your counter.
• Coconut sugar: Use whatever sugar you prefer!
• Flour: I used King Arthur's all purpose flour.
• Vanilla extract: never skip vanilla extract in your desserts
• Cinnamon: this helps give it that cozy warm flavor
• Baking powder + salt: used for flavor and rising. 

Tips for Making Banana Bread Donut Holes

• Adjust dough consistency: Depending on how big your banana was, you might need to add a bit more flour to firm up your donut holes
• Air fry in batches: avoid sticking all of them in the basket at once. Separating them into different batches will ensure they cook and brown evenly. 
• Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your donut holes will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Check doneness: Air fryer models can vary, so check your donut holes a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. They should be golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Coat in cinnamon sugar: When they are still warm, toss your donut holes into the mixture. 
• Serve fresh: these banana bread donut holes taste best warm and fresh out of the air fryer

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour substitutes: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donut holes gluten-free.

• Sweetener options: If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, you can use brown sugar or granulated sugar instead.

• Add-ins: For a fun twist, try adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before air frying.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Storage

Room temperature: store your bites in a tightly sealed container at room temp for 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to refresh them before serving.

Refrigeration: store them in a air tight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing: To freeze, place the donut holes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the frozen donut holes in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Banana Bread Donut Holes FAQ

Can I make these donut holes without an air fryer? Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

How can I tell if my banana is ripe enough? For the best flavor and texture, use bananas that are very ripe—those with lots of brown spots on the skin. The riper the banana, the sweeter your donut holes will be.

Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes! If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can substitute it with brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even a sugar substitute if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content. Just keep in mind that different sugars might slightly alter the flavor.

What can I use instead of butter for the cinnamon sugar coating? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use melted coconut oil instead of butter. It will still help the cinnamon sugar adhere to the donut holes and give them a delicious flavor.

If you make these Banana Bread Donut Holes , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Breakfast Recipes page.