Banana Donut Holes Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of banana bread with the fun, bite-sized joy of donuts, then these Banana Donut Holes are exactly what you need. Soft, moist, and bursting with natural banana sweetness, these little gems offer a perfect balance of cinnamon spice and a touch of sugar that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you want a quick snack or a comforting breakfast companion, Banana Donut Holes deliver a tasty experience that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Banana Donut Holes lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role — from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon that warms up the flavor, and the coconut oil ensuring a tender, golden finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need before you get rolling:
- Banana (1/2 cup): Use a large ripe banana to add sweetness and moisture naturally to the dough.
- Self-Rising Flour (3/4 cup): It provides the perfect light texture without needing extra leavening agents.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A warm spice that gives the donut holes a cozy, inviting aroma.
- Unrefined Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness, enhancing the banana flavor without overpowering.
- Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons melted + 2–3 teaspoons melted): Keeps the donut holes moist and ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How to Make Banana Donut Holes
Step 1: Create the Banana Base
Start by mashing your large ripe banana into a smooth puree, measuring out 1/2 cup. This step is crucial because the right amount of banana ensures the dough will be moist enough to hold together yet not so wet that it won’t bake properly. The creamy banana forms the foundation of your donut holes’ tender crumb.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Next, stir in the self-rising flour and cinnamon. You’ll notice the mixture starts to form lumps — that’s your cue to get hands-on. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking and knead the dough gently. This dough is meant to be sticky and elastic, so resist the urge to add more flour, which can make the donut holes tough. If the dough feels overly moist, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of melted coconut oil to balance it out. Think of it like working with focaccia dough: keeping it moist but manageable.
Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes
Grease your hands again with melted coconut oil and scoop about a tablespoon of dough for each donut hole. Roll each portion into a ball and place the balls on a parchment-lined plate. Because the dough is sticky, the oil helps you shape the donut holes smoothly. Once shaped, lightly spray the tops with avocado oil for crispiness in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Spray the basket with oil and place the donut holes inside, leaving at least an inch of space between each to allow for expansion. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t worry if they come out a bit rustic or unevenly shaped — their charm lies in their homey, handmade look.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
While still warm, brush each banana donut hole with melted coconut oil and then roll them in cinnamon sugar for that iconic donut sweetness and a little crunch on the outside. This step transforms these banana bread balls into irresistible Banana Donut Holes that are soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

Garnishes
You can keep it classic simply by sprinkling extra cinnamon sugar on top or get adventurous with a light drizzle of maple syrup or vegan chocolate sauce. Shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts also make excellent toppings, adding texture and a bit of nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
Banana Donut Holes pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, chai latte, or hot tea for a comforting snack. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and add some refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donut holes skewered on pretty sticks as a party appetizer, or pile them in a basket lined with colorful napkins for casual sharing. You can also turn them into a mini dessert by stacking with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a playful banana donut hole parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Banana Donut Holes stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them somewhere cool and dry to retain their texture. If you know you won’t finish them by then, consider refrigerating to extend their life by a day or so.
Freezing
You can freeze the donut holes after air frying but before coating with cinnamon sugar. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy a quick, homemade snack anytime by reheating them straight from frozen.
Reheating
To revive the soft, warm texture, reheat your Banana Donut Holes in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F or pop them in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them rubbery. After reheating, brush with melted coconut oil and roll again in cinnamon sugar for the full effect.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising?
You can substitute regular flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour. Since this recipe calls for 3/4 cup, adjust accordingly to maintain the right rise and texture.
Are Banana Donut Holes vegan?
Yes! The recipe uses coconut oil instead of butter, making it a wonderful vegan-friendly treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or moisture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the donut holes in a conventional oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet spaced apart like in the air fryer.
How ripe should the banana be?
Go for a banana that’s fully ripe with plenty of brown spots. This ensures maximum sweetness and softness that helps bind the dough beautifully.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit before shaping the dough for a personalized twist on your Banana Donut Holes.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Donut Holes are one of those delightful little recipes that feel special yet come together with such ease. They’re perfect for sharing over a cozy morning chat or taking on-the-go as a tasty pick-me-up. I can’t recommend enough giving them a try — the blend of banana sweetness, cinnamon warmth, and that slight crisp on the outside will quickly make them a favorite in your recipe rotation.
PrintBanana Donut Holes Recipe
Banana Donut Holes are a delightful, healthier twist on traditional donuts, made with ripe bananas, self-rising flour, and a touch of cinnamon. These bite-sized treats are air-fried to a golden brown, offering a moist and tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior. They are naturally sweetened and perfect for a quick snack or breakfast bite, with a simple recipe that uses wholesome ingredients like coconut oil and unrefined sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Banana (1 large banana)
- 3/4 cup Self-Rising Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Unrefined Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted, or melted vegan butter)
- 2–3 teaspoons Melted Coconut Oil (for shaping and brushing)
Instructions
- Mash the Banana: Mash the banana into a smooth puree, ensuring you have exactly 1/2 cup for the dough to come together properly with the given flour ratio.
- Form the Dough: Add the self-rising flour and cinnamon to the banana puree and stir initially with a rubber spatula until lumps begin to form. Oil your hands with melted coconut oil and knead the mixture into a sticky, moist dough ball. Use a bit more oil (2-3 teaspoons) if necessary to prevent sticking, but avoid adding extra flour to keep the dough elastic and moist.
- Shape the Donut Holes: Grease your hands again with melted coconut oil, then pinch off about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Place the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper. Spray the balls lightly with avocado oil so they don’t stick together and to aid browning.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of oil. Place the donut holes in the basket spaced at least 1 inch (3 cm) apart to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the donut holes at 350°F (180°C) for 6-7 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown with a slightly rough, dry outside. The shapes will be rustic and not perfectly round, which is normal.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donut holes are still warm, brush each one with melted coconut oil using a pastry brush. Immediately roll them into cinnamon sugar to evenly coat and mimic the classic donut flavor.
- Serve: Serve the banana donut holes warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy them fresh as a snack or breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not over-flour the dough; it should remain sticky for a tender texture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, reheat gently to restore softness.
- You can substitute unrefined sugar with coconut sugar or another sweetener of choice.
- For vegan version, ensure your coconut oil or butter substitute is plant-based.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Banana donut holes, air fryer donuts, healthy donuts, easy snack, banana bread bites, cinnamon sugar donut bites