Appetizers & Starters/ Breakfast & Brunch/ Desserts & Treats/ Jamaican

Jamaican Banana Fritters

March 1, 2023 (Last Updated: March 9, 2023)

Jamaican Banana Fritters are a delicious and very easy to make breakfast or anytime snack recipe that’s sure to be a winner! They’re the perfect way to use up ripen bananas that’s mixed together with simple pantry items, and is ready in no time. Enjoy this lightly fried; crisp and golden with a perfectly sweet center Caribbean treat whenever you are craving something sweet whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Jamaican banana fritters.

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Jamaican Banana Fritters are a delicious and very easy to make breakfast or anytime snack recipe that’s sure to be a winner! They’re the perfect way to use up ripen bananas that’s mixed together with simple pantry items, and is ready in no time. Enjoy this lightly fried; crisp and golden with a perfectly sweet center Caribbean treat whenever you are craving something sweet whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you love this fruit, you have to try my other banana recipes like this nutritious Jamaican Green Banana Porridge or Gluten Free Banana Oat Protein Pancakes. Oh, and definitely give this Easy Classic Banana Bread recipe a try!

plated Jamaican banana fritters with powdered sugar

Jamaican Banana Fritters

When life hands you ripe bananas, make Jamaican banana fritters! If you normally throw away your browned bananas, then this fritter recipe is for you! This simple, affordable snack brings back fond memories. Growing up in a Caribbean household, we would eat banana fritters with breakfast, as a side to meals, and as a snack.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Great Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas – we’ve all been guilty of leaving a bunch of bananas on the counter before. This is the perfect way to put them to use instead of throwing them away or making more banana bread.
  • Quick & Easy – have a craving for something sweet? This simple snack is ready in minutes, with minimal ingredients.
  • Flavourful with Amazing Texture – these fritters are generously seasoned and lightly fried for a crisp coating and a deliciously sweet, banana-flavoured filling.
plated banana fritters

What is a Fritter?

A fritter is a mixture of ingredients covered with batter and then deep-fried. It’s made by combining ingredients to make a loose wet batter and then frying that batter in oil. Banana fritters and apple fritters are common fritter recipes but savory foods like these Jamaican Saltfish Fritters are made similarly.

Where Do Banana Fritters Originate From?

Fritters originated in West Africa, where deep-frying food is very common. Today, fritters are consumed everywhere from Southeast Asia to the Caribbeans.

overhead view of ingredients

What You Need To Make This Jamaican Banana Fritters Recipe

  • Mixing Bowl – to combine ingredients.
  • Non-Stick Skillet – use this so you don’t have to use as much oil and butter.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

  • All Purpose Flour – this holds the fritter together, ensuring that it doesn’t fall apart when it gets in the pan.
  • Baking Powder – this gives a little rise to the fritters.
  • Ripe Bananas – mashed.
  • Brown Sugar – added for sweetness.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract – rounds out the other flavours.
  • Spices for that warm Caribbean flavour, I use cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Salt – to balance the sweetness.
  • Oil and Butter – for frying.

How to Make Jamaican Banana Fritters

1. Mash and Season Bananas – In a medium mixing bowl, add bananas and use a fork to mash them until they are softened. Then, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt to the bananas and mix together using a spoon until well combined. Lastly, add in the flour, and mix until incorporated.

mixing batter in a bowl
Mashed Bananas
adding flour to the batter
Adding Baking Powder to Ingredients

2. Fry Bananas – Heat butter and oil in a non-stick skillet and drop generous spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry on each side until golden-brown and crisp around the edges (about 3-4 minutes per side).

3. Drain Oil & Serve – Remove from oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil, serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

  • Plantains – if you don’t have bananas, use ripen plantains instead.
  • Egg – I love flat, thin banana fritters. If you want a fuller, even fluffier fritter, add egg to the recipe. This ensures the fritter rises when cooked. This impacts the texture but does not alter the flavour.
  • Jamaican Coconut Banana Fritters – for a naturally sweet flavor and chewier texture, add shredded coconut to the batter.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Here are some delicious ways to serve Jamaican banana fritters:

  • As is, with a side of ice cream.
  • A side to a simple breakfast with sausage, bacon, and eggs.
  • Topped with jam, powdered sugar, condensed milk, melted chocolate, or caramel sauce.
  • Added to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

  • The riper the bananas, the sweeter the fritters. If the bananas are not ripe enough, you may need to add more sugar. There is also a chance that the fritters will taste bitter.
  • If time permits, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. It will have a smoother texture which results in light, crispy fritters.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying. If it isn’t, the batter will absorb the oil and the fritters won’t be crispy. The best temperature for frying foods is between 350°F and 375°F.
  • Do not submerge the fritters in oil. It should not cover the entire fritter or your fritters will come out soggy.
  • Flip the fritters when bubbles appear at the top and the sides are golden brown.
  • Jamaican banana fritters cook very quickly. Watch the pan closely so they don’t burn.
Jamaican banana fritters

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Jamaican banana fritters are best served immediately. But you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before using.

Storage Instructions

Although these are best served fresh, you can store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat leftover Jamaican banana fritters in a frying pan over low heat or in an oven at 375°F for 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave because the fritters will become soggy.

Watch My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are fritters made out of?

Traditional Jamaican banana fritters contain ripe bananas, flour, brown sugar, spices, and oil for frying.

Do you have to use ripe bananas to make banana fritters?

No, but ripe bananas are ideal for this recipe. If you don’t use ripe bananas, you will need to use more sugar to get a similar taste.

Are banana fritters healthy?

Although bananas can be a healthy snack, when you fry them, there are significantly more calories. This is definitely an indulgence, to be enjoyed on occasion. If you want to make them healthier, you can use less oil, omit the sugar and butter, and air fry or bake them instead.

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? 

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Jamaican banana fritters.

Jamaican Banana Fritters

Taneisha Morris
Jamaican Banana Fritters are a delicious and very easy to make breakfast or anytime snack recipe that's sure to be a winner! They're the perfect way to use up ripen bananas that's mixed together with simple pantry items, and is ready in no time. Enjoy this lightly fried; crisp and golden with a perfectly sweet center Caribbean treat whenever you are craving something sweet whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast & Brunch
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 2 servings
Calories 337 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Non-stick skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole Ripe Bananas mashed
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 4 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • Oil and Butter for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, add bananas and use a fork to mash them until they are softened. Then, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt to the bananas and mix together using a spoon until well combined. Lastly, add in the flour, and mix until incorporated.
  • Heat butter and oil in a non-stick skillet and drop generous spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry on each side until golden-brown and crisp around the edges (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  • Remove from oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil, serve warm and enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

  • The riper the bananas, the sweeter the fritters. If the bananas are not ripe enough, you may need to add more sugar. There is also a chance that the fritters will taste bitter.
  • If time permits, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. It will have a smoother texture which results in light, crispy fritters.
  • Do not submerge the fritters in oil. It should not cover the entire fritter or your fritters will come out soggy.
  • Flip the fritters when bubbles appear at the top and the sides are golden brown.
See additional recipe notes and tip in above blog post.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 299mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 3mg

Note, the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary based on products used.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a star rating and a comment below! You can also tag @theseasoned.skillet and use #theseasonedskillet on Instagram!

4 Comments

  • Reply
    Roxanne
    March 12, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    Tasted amazing and so easy to make!

    • Reply
      Taneisha Morris
      March 14, 2023 at 8:07 am

      Awesome!! Thanks so much!!

  • Reply
    Alexi Mcintosh
    April 29, 2023 at 10:11 am

    I just made these and they were so good! They were gone in minutes. Great recipe 🙂

    • Reply
      Taneisha Morris
      May 17, 2023 at 10:18 pm

      I can definitely relate!! They are always gone in minutes!! So glad you all enjoyed!

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