Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar

Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

I rely on the visual cue more than the clock with banana donut holes because air fryers vary, and the texture can go wrong fast if the centers stay too wet. What I pay attention to most is a sticky but scoopable dough, enough space in the basket, and coating them while they are still hot so the cinnamon sugar actually sticks.

This is a good use for very ripe bananas when you want a quick, no-yeast treat without much cleanup. The dough comes together in one bowl, the air fryer keeps the batches manageable, and the finish is simple: brush the hot donut holes with melted coconut oil or butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium, 225g)
• 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour (155g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Avocado or canola oil spray, as needed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for coating (about 65g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirred into the mashed banana before the flour goes in.

If you do not have self-rising flour: Use 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.

Ingredient note: Very ripe bananas work best here. They bring more sweetness and moisture, but banana size varies, so adjust the dough as needed. If it feels too loose to hold a ball, fold in 1 to 3 tablespoons more flour. If it seems dry or crumbly, add 1 to 2 teaspoons extra mashed banana or a little milk.

Spice note: For a cinnamon-sugar finish like this, a fresh Selefina cinnamon is useful because the coating is simple and the spice flavor comes through clearly.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Line the basket or tray with perforated parchment or an air-fryer-safe silicone liner, then lightly spray the liner with oil. Starting hot helps the outside set faster and reduces sticking.
2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the 2 tablespoons sugar and the vanilla, if using. Add the flour and fold just until no dry pockets remain. The dough should be thick, sticky, and scoopable. Do not overmix or the donut holes can turn dense.
3. Shape the dough: Lightly oil your palms. Scoop heaping tablespoon portions, or use a small cookie scoop, then roll into balls about 1 to 1 1/4 inches wide. Arrange them in a single layer on the lined basket or tray with about 1/2 inch of space between each one. You will likely need 2 batches.
4. Spray and air fry: Lightly mist the tops with oil for better color. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the basket or tray at 5 minutes. Start checking around 7 minutes, especially if your air fryer runs hot. Flip only in the last 2 to 3 minutes if the bottoms still look pale, and handle them gently so the tender dough does not tear.
5. Check for doneness: The donut holes should look puffed and set, with golden surfaces and a few brown spots. The bottoms should feel dry and lightly browned. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Coat while hot: Stir the 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. While the donut holes are still hot, brush them lightly with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar. I do this right away because the coating grabs much better before they cool.
7. Cook the remaining batch: Repeat with the rest of the dough. If your parchment gets very dark after the first batch, replace it before cooking again. Let the coated donut holes sit for about 2 minutes before serving so the sugar can set.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Banana Donut Holes

Cook banana donut holes at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. A short preheat helps, and I would start checking around 7 minutes since some air fryers brown fast.

Use the clock as a guide, not the final answer. They are done when the outside looks puffed and lightly golden, the bottoms feel dry, and the center no longer looks wet.

How to Keep Banana Donut Holes from Turning Gummy

The usual cause is dough that is too wet or donut holes that come out too soon. The dough should hold a soft ball when scooped. If it spreads too easily or feels more like batter, add a little more flour before shaping.

Spacing matters too. If they are crowded, they steam instead of setting properly. Cook in batches if needed, and give them another minute or two if the toothpick still shows wet batter.

Parchment vs Silicone Liners in the Air Fryer

Both work. Perforated parchment usually gives slightly better browning, while a silicone liner is handy with sticky dough and can be reused.

In either case, lightly spray the liner so the donut holes release cleanly. Avoid solid parchment that blocks airflow.

Banana Donut Hole Variations

All-Purpose Flour Version

If you do not have self-rising flour, use the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt combination listed above. Whisk it well before adding it to the banana so the leavening is evenly distributed.

Sugar Substitute

You can use a 1:1 baking sugar substitute in the dough and coating. Expect lighter browning, and keep the light oil spray on top to help with color.

Add-Ins

If you want extras, keep them small so the dough still holds together. Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded in at the end, up to 1/4 cup.

If you like quick no-yeast treats, try our Air Fryer Donut Holes with Greek Yogurt for a tangy two-ingredient base.

If the cinnamon-sugar finish is your favorite part, our Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts use canned biscuit dough for an even faster shortcut.

Serving Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

Serve these warm. They work as a snack, dessert, coffee break, or brunch treat.

They are good on their own, or with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with vanilla yogurt or chocolate sauce for dipping, or dust them with a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Banana Donut Holes

These are best the day they are made. For the best texture later, store the donut holes uncoated in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If they are already coated, the cinnamon sugar will soften, but they will still taste good.

To freeze, arrange uncoated donut holes in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat from the refrigerator, air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 2 to 4 minutes. From frozen, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. I find it works best to brush and coat them after reheating so the finish stays fresher. They will be a little softer than freshly made.

You can also shape the dough ahead and chill it for up to 12 hours. Air fry straight from cold, adding 1 to 2 minutes if needed.

For a classic yeast-raised version, see our Air Fryer Glazed Donuts.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition, based on 6 servings and including the main dough ingredients, the cinnamon-sugar coating, and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil for finishing. Actual values will vary with banana size, coating used, and oil absorbed.

• Serving size: about 3 donut holes
• Calories: about 210
• Protein: about 3g
• Fat: about 4g
• Carbohydrates: about 41g

Per 100g, approximate: 260 calories, 4g protein, 4g fat, 51g carbohydrates.