Name: 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large ripe banana (The spottier the banana, the sweeter it is.); 3/4 cup self-rising flour (If using all-purpose flour, add baking powder and salt.); 1 to 1.5 inches neutral oil for frying (Heat oil for frying if you choose that method.); 1 spray or light grease for air frying (Lightly grease the basket for air frying.); to taste cinnamon sugar (Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar.); to taste chocolate chips (Press mini chocolate chips into each donut hole before cooking for added sweetness.)

2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes saved my mornings more times than I can count. If you’ve ever craved something cozy, warm, and sweet without tackling a long ingredient list, this little recipe is for you. It’s the kind of quick win that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with almost no effort. Two simple pantry staples, a bowl, and a few minutes of your time. No fancy gadgets, no stress, just soft donut holes that taste like a hug. Ready to make them happen right now?

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

These 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are the definition of easy. No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise, and no mixer needed. You mash a banana, fold in flour, and boom, dough is ready. Fry, bake, or air fry, and you’ve got a plate of warm treats in under 20 minutes. They’re naturally sweet from ripe bananas, so they don’t taste cloying or heavy.

They also make a fun project with kids. The dough is soft and squishy, and shaping little balls feels like play. I love how light they are, with a tender inside and a delicate crust. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if you want a classic donut vibe, or keep them plain for a simple snack alongside coffee. If you already love quick sweets, you might also enjoy these easy air fryer donuts for your weekend treat lineup.

“I tried these on a whim while cleaning out the fridge. My kids devoured them before they even cooled, and I had to make a second batch. Saved to my favorites forever.”

Bottom line: two ingredients, big payoff, minimal dishes, and somehow it still feels special.

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Key Ingredients

All you need are two simple ingredients. You probably already have them.

Ripe bananas: The spottier the better. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet and mash smoothly, which keeps the donut holes tender. Avoid very green bananas since they’ll make the dough dense and bland.
Self-rising flour: This already has baking powder and salt mixed in, which is how we get lift without extra ingredients. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can mix in a little baking powder and salt, but that technically adds more ingredients, so I keep self-rising flour on hand for recipes like this.

The banana matters

Ripe bananas give flavor, sweetness, and moisture. If yours are just yellow, microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds to soften a bit, then mash really well. You want a smooth mash, not chunky, so the dough forms evenly.

Choosing the flour

Self-rising flour keeps this a true two-ingredient recipe. If you’re gluten free, use a gluten free self-rising blend. It might absorb moisture differently, so be ready to add a sprinkle more if the dough feels sticky.

How to Prepare

Here’s the no-stress routine I use when I want donut holes fast.

Mash the banana: In a medium bowl, mash 1 large ripe banana until mostly smooth. You should have about 1/2 cup mashed banana.
Make the dough: Add about 3/4 cup self-rising flour to start and fold gently with a spoon. The dough should come together, soft and slightly tacky, but not wet. If needed, add another tablespoon or two of flour a little at a time until you can handle it with lightly floured hands.
Shape: Dust your hands with flour. Pinch off small portions and roll into balls about 1 inch wide. If the dough sticks, dust again. Aim for 10 to 14 donut holes depending on size.
Cook one of three ways:

Fry: Heat 1 to 1.5 inches of neutral oil in a small pot over medium heat. When a tiny pinch of dough sizzles, you’re ready. Fry donut holes in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning so all sides brown. Drain on a paper towel.

Air fry: Lightly grease the basket, arrange donut holes with space between, and air fry at 350 F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway. They should be golden and puffed. If you love air fryer sweets, check out these deliciously easy air fryer donuts for more ideas.

Bake: Place on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375 F for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden.
Finish (optional): Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle a simple glaze. Totally optional and super good.

Tips for light, fluffy donut holes

Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until the flour disappears and you can shape it. Overmixing makes them tough. If the dough is sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time. If it’s dry and cracking, mash in a teaspoon of extra banana.

How to store

Cool completely and store at room temp in a covered container for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320 F for a couple minutes to freshen them up.

Variations and Substitutions for Banana Donut Holes

These little bites are simple, but you can make them your own without complicating things.

Gluten free: Use a gluten free self-rising flour mix. Texture may be slightly denser, but still tasty. For more banana bakes, peek at this tender gluten free banana bread that’s beginner friendly.

Flavor boosts: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour before mixing. A drop of vanilla is lovely. These are extras, so totally optional.

Chocolatey: Press a few mini chocolate chips into each ball before cooking. Yes, that adds another ingredient, but it’s worth it when you want a dessert moment.

Cozy cinnamon: If you love warm spices, you’ll probably also love these pan fried cinnamon bananas. Same cozy flavors, different format.

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Crunchy cravings: For a snack board, pair your donut holes with some cinnamon sugar air fryer banana chips. It’s a fun, two-texture situation with minimal effort.

Serve it with cold stuff: A scoop of banana nice cream on the side feels like a summer festival in a bowl. If you need a dairy free option, here’s an easy treat to try: banana berry nice cream.

Common Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

Spotty and fragrant is perfect. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer your donut holes will be. If your banana is pale yellow, the flavor will be mild.

Can I air fry instead of frying in oil?

Yes. Air fry at 350 F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They will be a little less rich than fried, but still fluffy and golden.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Sprinkle in more self-rising flour a teaspoon at a time and dust your hands. It should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not gluey.

How do I make them sweeter without adding sugar to the dough?

Use extra ripe bananas or finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. You get that donut shop feeling without changing the base.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze cooked donut holes on a tray, then store in a bag for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer at 320 F for a few minutes until warm.

Ready to Roll Some Sweet Little Bites

That’s the joy of 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes. Two everyday ingredients, a quick mix, and a cozy treat that genuinely tastes homemade. Once you’ve tried the basic version, it’s easy to play with toppings and cooking methods until you find your favorite routine. If you want to see other takes for inspiration, check out these smart guides from 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes – The Conscious Plant Kitchen and Banana Donut Holes [2 Ingredients] – The Modern Nonna. Now grab a banana, some flour, and treat yourself to a warm batch today.