Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that introduces you to a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with these Fried Bananas. This vegetarian treat is a true kid pleaser, offering a wonderful blend of crispy coating and soft, tender banana within. As you savor each bite, the nutty crunch of panko breadcrumbs, coconut flakes, and sliced almonds will envelop the sweet and creamy center of the banana. Discover the magic that happens in the air fryer, as firm bananas transform into a delectable snack that’s sure to please.
Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 22–26 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 firm bananas
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Coating Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the panko breadcrumbs, sweetened coconut flakes, and sliced almonds. Process the ingredients until they form small crumbs, creating a delightful coating mixture.
Coat with Cornstarch and Egg Wash:
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish, and in another shallow dish, beat the egg whites and water together until they become slightly foamy.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Cut the firm bananas in half crosswise, and then cut each half into quarters lengthwise. This will give you 16 “sticks” in total.
- Dip each banana stick into the cornstarch, tapping to remove any excess. Subsequently, dip the cornstarch-coated banana stick into the egg wash, ensuring it’s well-coated, and then roll it in the crumb mixture to create a flavorful coating. Lightly mist the coated banana stick with oil or cooking spray.
Air Fryer Cooking:
- Arrange the coated banana sticks in a single layer within the air fryer basket. If there are any spots that haven’t browned evenly, give them a light spritz of oil.
- Cook the banana sticks for 4 minutes. Afterward, check for any areas that may need a bit more browning, and if necessary, spritz them with oil. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until the banana sticks turn a beautiful golden brown and achieve the desired level of crispiness.
- Repeat the cooking process to prepare and cook the remaining banana sticks.
With Fried Bananas, you’ll uncover the delightful transformation of firm bananas into a delectably crispy and tender treat. The combination of panko breadcrumbs, coconut flakes, and sliced almonds creates a captivatingly nutty and crispy outer layer that encases the naturally sweet and creamy banana within. As you savor these delectable bites, you’ll appreciate how the air fryer delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, Fried Bananas offer a delightful escape into a world of palate-pleasing joy.
