Healthy Banana Fritters (Sugar Free & Gluten Free)
if you tried my viral sugar free apple fritters, you are going to love this banana bread version. these healthy banana fritters are naturally sweetened, gluten free, and taste like banana bread in cozy fritter form. they're golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with warm cinnamon flavour.
because they're sweetened entirely with overripe bananas, these fritters have that natural sweetness without any added sugar. as bananas ripen and develop those dark brown spots, their natural starches convert to sugars, making them perfect for baking without any need for sweetener. feel free to add your favourite sweetener on top if you prefer a little more sweetness, but the base recipe stands on its own really well.
this recipe is simple, wholesome, and made with ingredients you likely already have at home. the combination of porridge oats, almond flour, and oat flour gives these fritters a slightly hearty texture that sits somewhere between a fritter and a banana bread muffin top. the oats add a gentle chewiness and natural fibre, while the almond flour contributes healthy fats that help keep you feeling satisfied.
if you have spotty bananas sitting on your counter, this is your sign to put them to good use. the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavourful your banana fritters will be. they're ideal for breakfast, meal prep, or a healthy sweet snack when you want something comforting but not overly indulgent. they also reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, making them great for batch baking on the weekend.
these are baked instead of fried for a lighter finish, but they still come out with those gorgeous golden edges. top them with banana slices before baking for a pretty caramelised result, or finish with a simple icing drizzle made from powdered monkfruit sweetener and water. looking for more sugar free fritters? you'll love my blueberry fritters too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these healthy banana fritters completely sugar free?
These banana fritters are made without added or refined sugar. They are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, which contain naturally occurring fruit sugars. For extra sweetness, optional toppings like maple syrup or a powdered sweetener drizzle can be added, but the base recipe is completely added sugar free.
Are these banana fritters gluten free?
Yes, these healthy banana fritters are gluten free as long as you use certified gluten free oats and oat flour. Oats are naturally gluten free but can be cross-contaminated during processing, so always check packaging if you are strictly gluten free or have coeliac disease.
Why are my banana fritters not sweet enough?
The sweetness of these banana fritters depends almost entirely on how ripe your bananas are. Use very overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness. If your bananas were still quite yellow, the fritters will taste less sweet. You can fix this easily by adding a drizzle of maple syrup on top or mixing a little sweetener of your choice into the batter before baking.
How do I store healthy banana fritters?
Store banana fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best eating experience, reheat them in the oven at around 160°C for 5 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes to restore their soft interior and lightly golden edges. They are also fine eaten cold.
Why are these banana fritters baked instead of fried?
These banana fritters are baked instead of fried to keep them lighter, less oily, and easier to make at home without the need for a deep fryer or large amounts of oil. They're not identical to traditional deep-fried fritters in texture, but they're very similar in flavour profile and that warm, golden banana bread character. Baking also means the whole batch comes out at once rather than frying in small batches.
Can I freeze banana fritters?
Yes. Let them cool completely first, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to an airtight container or zip-lock bag. They keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and the edges are golden again.
Can I make these banana fritters dairy free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy free. The only fat used is coconut oil, which is completely plant-based. If you want to make a dairy-free icing to drizzle on top, simply mix powdered monkfruit sweetener or icing sugar with a small amount of plant-based milk or water until you reach a drizzleable consistency.
Pro Tips
- Use gram measurements for accuracy. Cup measurements can vary a lot depending on how tightly ingredients are packed, and this recipe works best when the ratios are precise.
- Mash or blend the bananas very well to avoid lumps in the batter. A smooth banana base gives a more uniform fritter texture.
- Bake until lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the centre. Overbaking can dry them out. They will firm up slightly as they cool.
- For a prettier finish, top each fritter with a thin banana slice before baking. The banana caramelises slightly in the oven and looks gorgeous with an icing drizzle on top.
Healthy Banana Fritters (Sugar Free)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 170°C/160°C fan.
- Step 2: Add the bananas to a bowl and mash well, then mix in the cinnamon.
- Step 3: Crack in the egg and pour in the melted coconut oil. Mix until combined.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients: oats, almond flour, oat flour and baking powder. Mix until combined.
- Step 5: Spoon a heaped tablespoon of batter onto a lined baking tray (approx 5 fritters). Optionally top with a few slices of banana.
- Step 6: Bake for 23 to 25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Nutrition Facts
Per one serving:
*Nutritional information is estimated and will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use. Basic macros don't reflect the full nutritional value including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. Please use this as a guideline only.
