We already know that chaos reigns supreme in the mornings. Juggling putting the kids in their school uniforms and heading to the office while trying to remember if your toothbrush saw any action this morning, makes time for fancy breakfast options, zero. This is where banana fries come to the rescue as they are low effort, quick, delicious, and healthy treats, perfect for waiting to be devoured in the mornings.
Take a moment to envision this: sweet golden banana slices which are fried until they have crispy edges, with a hint of cinnamon fragrance, and the perfect amount of sweetness. You won’t believe how simple these fried bananas are and how delicious they taste. To top it all off, you can savor a nourishing meal in less than 10 minutes, which is ideal on the most hectic mornings.
Also, be warned that your kitchen will begin to smell like a warm cozy café and your family may start craving for this every day.
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Reasons Potentially Healthy Recipes Don’t Need To Remain Recipes for the Banana Fries in Your World.
It is completely rational if you are questioning why banana fries should be your go to recipe. Allow me to highlight some reasons taht will ease your decision.
✅ Sweet Tooth Friendly: Bananas add a perfectly sweet flavor without any extra sugar due to the caramelization that occurs.
✅ Kid friendly – Health benefits? Even picky eaters won’t realize they are reaping the benefits. (Parenting win!)
✅ Vegan & gluten-free – Complicated dietary requirements are easy to fit, there are no difficult substitutions required.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Make a big batch and reheat throughout the week for quick breakfasts.
✅ Breastfeeding mummies can also enjoy them plain or with yogurt and as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
These are indeed the breakfast hero you never knew existed.
Ingredients of the perfect banana fries (Makes 2 servings)
Just three simple ingredients are needed to make magic happen:
▢ 2 medium bananas (not overly ripe – A strong firm banana retains structure better.)
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, because life’s too short for bland food.
▢ 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil, which enhances the taste with a hint of tropical flavor.
Possible changes:
A pinch of sea salt (to counter balance the sweetness).
A drizzle of almond butter or honey, which adds extra indulgence.
Step by step – How to make crispy banana fries
Step 1: Slicing the bananas.
Slice the peel and cut them into quarters of an inch thick rounds like miniature coins.
Pro tip: If the slices are too thin they will achieve a mushy texture, while cutting them too thick will hinder their crispness. Aim for the perfect middle ground.
Sprinkle both sides with a bit of cinnamon. (Feel free to make it rain a little bit.)
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat up a skillet for two to three minutes over medium heat. You want your pan to be hot, but not smoking.
Add the coconut oil and make sure to swirl so that it gets evenly spread across the pan.
Troubleshooting: If the oil is smoking, it means the pan was too hot to begin with. Turn it down and give it a moment before adding the bananas.
Step 3: Fry To Golden Perfection
Add the banana slices in a single layer (no overlapping, or they will steam instead of crisp up).
Leave them as they are for around 2-3 minutes so that the bottoms get deep golden brown.
Gently flip them (I personally use a fork to be more precise) and let them sit for an additional two minutes.
Pro move: Spoon a small amount of the leftover coconut oil on top for added flavor.
Step 4: Serve Immediately.
Transfer to plates, and appreciate why warm.
Optional but highly recommended: Serve with Greek yogurt, nut butter, or honey as a dip.
Best Guide to Making Banana Fries: 5 Tips to Follow
Don’t Overlook the Ripe Bananas – Its recommended to aim for yellow bananas that on the edge of ripening with a couple of brown speckles. Bananas that are too green will not be sweet while those that are overly ripe will turn mushy.
Allocate Enough Space – Ensure that the bananas are not overcrowded in the pan as this will enable them to crisp up to their full potential. Avoid Trying to Fry Them in Bulk
Avoid Sustaining High to Low Temperatures – The ideal temperature to maintain is at medium. Low temperatures render the dish soggy while excessive heat burns the edges.
Dabble in Other Seasonings – Different spices such as a pinch of chili powder, nutmeg, or cardamom can amplify the taste.
Spinach and Kale Scramble – Adding slices of banana fries not only enhances the flavor of the scramble, but provides an energizing protein boost for the day.
Fried Bowl: Banana Popper Edition – A signature touch for any fried bowl, banana fries are bound to complement the dish and the addition of ice cream turns it into a true delight.
Ways to Serve Banana Fries
The uses of these golden disks are endless. Here are some ideas to make the most out of them:
Day Part Switch- Terrific for yogurt, oatmeal, and even pancakes. Pair them with savory dishes like our turkey hash or sauteed cauliflower for a balanced brunch that combines sweet and savory flavors.
Dessert Switch – Ice cream is always a great addition to these snacks especially when warmed and paired with vanilla, alongside honey or melted dark chocolate. For another indulgent dessert idea, try our collection of ricotta dessert recipes , perfect for rounding off any meal.
Summer Treat – To make these amazing treats even more filling, why not pair them with peanut butter or almond butter?
The Time My Kid Thought They Were “Real” Fries
April fools them every day of the year! The very first time I served these for breakfast, my six year old was stunned that I was serving them sweet fries. I could tell I shocked him even more when he realized that they were actually bananas—his second demand was for more.
These have now become a weekend breakfast tradition. (And occasionally dessert. And throughout the day. Actually, they are now my ‘all day’ food.)
FAQs: Your Banana Fries Questions, Answered
Can I bake these instead of frying?
without a doubt. Spread the slices over a lined baking tray, add some coconut oil and place it in the oven to bake at a high temperature. Set the temperature to 400°F and bake for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip the slices halfway. While they may not be as crisp, they will still be very tasty.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Ghee also works great! Just note that the other two options do not provide the same as subtle coconut oil.
Can I use frozen bananas?
You can, but fresh is preferable due to frozen bananas being harder to crisp up.
How do I store leftovers?
For a maximum of two days, they can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. For the best results, they should be reheated using a dry skillet.
Are these actually healthy?
Yes! Bananas are full of potassium, fiber, and natural sugars, and because we’re not adding refined sugar, they’re healthier than the fried sugary desserts.
Final Thoughts: Banana Fries = The Ultimate Breakfast Hack
Overall, these banana fries are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re:
✅ Quick (under 10 minutes)
✅ Easy (3 simple ingredients and no special skills required)
✅ Versatile (works as a breakfast, snack, or dessert)
✅ Kid-approved (the ultimate test)
So next time you feel like having something sweet but do not want to deal with the sugar crash afterward, give these a shot. You (and your taste buds) will appreciate it. For more insights into the health benefits of bananas and why they make such a great breakfast option, check out this detailed article by Healthline: Why Bananas Are Great for Breakfast .
Now go ahead and fry some bananas. (And maybe save some for yourself before the kids get to them.)
With love (and a sprinkle of cinnamon),
Kerensa
P.S. If you’re feeling adventurous, dethaw the frozen banana bites and dip them in melted dark chocolate. You’re welcome.
Print
Banana Fries (No Added Sugar)
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
These banana fries is so good! They’re sweet, gooey, and buttery. And they’re ready in ten minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 bananas – medium, not too ripe
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
Instructions
- Slice the bananas into ¼-inch slices and sprinkle them with cinnamon.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add the coconut oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the banana slices in a single layer. Cook until golden, 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Divide into two plates, spooning any remaining coconut oil from the pan on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is not suitable for overripe bananas. It requires ripe-yet-firm bananas. It’s OK to use slightly under-ripe bananas.
- You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.
- If you’d like to sweeten the bananas, cook them, remove them to a plate, and add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the pan. Swirl the pan to mix the sweetener into the pan juices, then drizzle the juices on top of the bananas.
- This is not a low-carb recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 banana
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g