Name: 3-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes (Baked or Air-Fried)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large ripe banana (mashed); 1 cup almond flour or oat flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional); Optional: coconut sugar, cinnamon, or shredded coconut for coating

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If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat but don’t want to fuss with complicated steps or long ingredient lists, these 3-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are exactly what you need. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and ready in minutes — no deep-frying, no sugar overload, and no hassle.

This recipe is perfect for when you have a ripe banana sitting on the counter and want to make something quick, healthy-ish, and delicious. Whether you choose to coat them in coconut sugar and cinnamon, shredded coconut, or enjoy them plain, these little bites feel like a dessert, but they’re made from whole ingredients you can feel good about.

3-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes (Baked or Air-Fried)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients – That’s it! Banana, flour, and a hint of spice or extract if you like.
Naturally sweet – No added sugar needed unless you choose to coat them.
Quick and easy – From mixing to eating in under 20 minutes.
Kid-friendly – Soft, sweet, and perfect for little hands.
Versatile – Bake or air-fry, and finish them however you like.

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

Ripe banana
Almond flour or oat flour
Ground cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional)
Optional coatings: coconut sugar, cinnamon, shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or prepare your air fryer. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
Add almond flour (or oat flour) and cinnamon or vanilla if using. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is too sticky, lightly wet your hands to make rolling easier.
Place the balls on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or air-fry for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden on the outside.
Optional: While still warm, roll the donut holes in coconut sugar mixed with cinnamon or coat with shredded coconut.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Add-ins – Mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture.
Nut-free – Use oat flour instead of almond flour.
Extra spice – Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor boost.
Chocolate coating – Dip cooled donut holes in melted dark chocolate for a more indulgent version.

Heating and Storage

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave.

Reheating:

Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 325°F (160°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of flour?

Yes! Almond flour or oat flour works best, but you can experiment with coconut flour (use less) or gluten-free blends. Texture may vary.

Are these really sweet without sugar?

They’re naturally sweet from the banana, especially if your banana is very ripe. You can add a touch of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter treat.

Can I make these gluten-free?

They already are — just make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free if you’re using it.

What’s the best banana to use?

A very ripe banana with brown spots will give the best sweetness and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.

Can I fry these in oil?

They’re designed for baking or air-frying, but you could shallow fry them in coconut oil for a crispier texture.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not at all. These are meant to be quick and easy—just mix, roll, and bake.

What’s the best coating?

A mix of cinnamon and coconut sugar is the favorite, but shredded coconut or crushed nuts are great too.

Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder?

Sure! Add 1–2 teaspoons to the dough for a chocolate version.

How many donut holes does this recipe make?

Depending on the size, it usually makes 8–10 small donut holes.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are the kind of snack or dessert you can whip up in no time with what you already have on hand. Soft, subtly sweet, and endlessly customizable, they’re a feel-good treat whether you’re eating clean or just want a simple recipe that works. Try them once, and they’ll likely become your new go-to for banana rescue missions.