Banana Fritters Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Banana Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Fritters Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Banana Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always have a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on the counter, just begging to be used. And honestly, sometimes a banana bread just feels like… too much work, you know? That’s where these incredibly easy, utterly delicious banana fritters come in. They’re a childhood favorite of mine, and a super popular street food snack in India – crispy, sweet, and perfect with a cup of chai. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana fritters (or banana bonda as some call them!) are seriously the best of both worlds. They’re quick to whip up – we’re talking about 5 minutes of prep – and they satisfy that sweet craving without being overly complicated. Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of crispy, fried goodness? They’re perfect as an afternoon snack, a quick breakfast, or even a festive treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden beauties:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk (120ml)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¾ – 1 cup all-purpose flour (90-120g)
• Oil for deep frying

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Ripe Bananas: Choosing the Right Ripeness

You want bananas that are really ripe – think lots of brown spots. These are sweeter and mash up beautifully, giving the fritters a lovely flavor and soft texture. Avoid using green or underripe bananas, as they won’t have the same sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour: Exploring Alternatives for Different Textures

All-purpose flour works perfectly, but feel free to experiment! You can try using a mix of whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor, or even a bit of gram flour (besan) for a more traditional Indian taste. Just remember that different flours absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust the amount.

Oil for Frying: Best Oils for Authentic Flavor

Traditionally, these are fried in vegetable oil or sunflower oil. These have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, letting the banana flavor shine through. You could also use groundnut oil for a slightly more authentic Indian flavor.

Spices & Flavorings: The Role of Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds a lovely warmth, but it’s totally optional! It complements the banana flavor beautifully, but if you don’t have it, don’t worry – the fritters will still be delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get frying!

1. First, in a bowl, mash those ripe bananas really well. You want them nice and smooth, with just a few little chunks for texture.
2. Now, crack in the egg, pour in the milk, and add the brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Give it all a good whisk until everything is nicely combined.
3. Next, add the baking powder and gradually start adding the flour, mixing until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still easily pourable. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
4. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a tiny drop of batter sizzles immediately when it hits the oil.
5. Now for the fun part! Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches.
6. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
8. Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate sauce. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overheat the oil: If the oil is too hot, the fritters will brown too quickly on the outside and remain uncooked inside.
• Test the batter: Before frying a whole batch, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil to check if it’s the right consistency and temperature.
• Drain well: Make sure to drain the fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Banana Fritters

My friend Priya is vegan, and she makes these with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). It works like a charm!

Gluten-Free Banana Fritters

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had good results with blends that contain rice flour and tapioca starch.

Spice Level Adjustments (Adding Cardamom or Cinnamon)

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom powder to the batter. It gives it such a lovely, fragrant flavor! A little cinnamon is also delicious.

Festival Adaptations (Janmashtami or Diwali Snack)

These are perfect for festivals! During Janmashtami, they’re a popular offering to Lord Krishna. For Diwali, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the batter for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

These are amazing on their own, but even better with:

• A dollop of yogurt
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts
• A warm cup of chai!

Storage Instructions

These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They’ll lose a bit of their crispness, but still taste great! Reheat them in a pan or oven to crisp them up again.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best way to prevent the fritters from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure your oil is hot enough, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can, but the baking powder will start to lose its effectiveness. If you make it ahead, add a little extra baking powder just before frying.

What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?

As mentioned earlier, a flax egg works great! You can also try using applesauce or mashed avocado.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

A tiny drop of batter should sizzle immediately when it hits the oil. If it doesn’t, the oil isn’t hot enough.

Can these fritters be baked instead of fried?

You can! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but still delicious!