Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet banana fritters pan-fried in nutty brown butter, dusted with powdered sugar for a warm, satisfying dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers medium ripe bananas, mashed, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mash 2 medium ripe bananas until smooth. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring to combine.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1/3 cup whole milk and mix gently until batter is thick but well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat, cooking until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the browned butter to raise the smoke point and heat to medium-high.
  5. Step 5: Drop batter by heaping tablespoons into the skillet, spacing them evenly. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  7. Step 7: Dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar while warm and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Brown Butter Banana Fritters?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.