Indulge in a healthier version of a beloved snack with this low fat banana fritters recipe. It's a delightful way to satisfy dessert cravings while keeping your diet in check. These fritters are fluffy, moist and packed with sweet banana flavor, perfect for a snack, dessert or even breakfast.
All ingredients for this recipe are typically found in any average household. However, if you need to make a grocery run, keep an eye out for 'Pam', which is a brand of cooking spray that's used to keep food from sticking to cookware. It's a healthier alternative to traditional oils and butters.
Ingredients for Low Fat Banana Fritters
Bananas: A great source of potassium and quick energy. They give the fritters a natural sweetness.
Sugar: A little bit of sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness, enhancing the banana flavor.
Eggs: They act as a binding agent in this recipe, binding all the ingredients together and giving the fritters a good structure.
Flour: It's the main dry ingredient that gives these fritters their structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle hint of flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the fritters.
Pam: A type of cooking spray to prevent the fritters from sticking to the pan. It adds no extra calories, making it a great choice for low-fat cooking.
Cinnamon: Adds a bit of spice to balance the sweet flavors. It also adds a wonderful aroma.
Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the cooked fritters, adding a light sweetness and a nice visual effect.
One reader, Elle Russo says:
I recently tried the low-fat banana fritters recipe and it was a delightful surprise! The fritters were light, fluffy, and bursting with banana flavor. I loved that they were not greasy and the touch of cinnamon and powdered sugar added the perfect finishing touch. A guilt-free treat that I'll definitely make again!
Techniques Required for Making Low Fat Banana Fritters
Mashing the bananas: Mash the bananas until they form a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no large lumps.
Cooking the fritters: Heat a large skillet on low flame and ensure it is well heated before cooking the fritters. Use a tablespoon to pour the batter for each fritter, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Keeping the fritters warm: Once cooked, place the fritters in a dish and keep them warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batter. This will ensure they stay warm and retain their texture.
Serving with low-fat ice cream: When ready to serve, place four fritters on a plate and top them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Serve with a scoop of low-fat ice cream for a delicious dessert.
How To Make Low Fat Banana Fritters
For these banana fritters, ripe bananas are mashed and shaped like pancakes before pan-frying in minimal fat. They’re delicious even when not deep-fried.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3bananas,medium, very ripe
- 2tbspsugar
- 2eggs,large, beaten
- 3tbspflour
- ½tspvanilla extract
- Pam,buttered flavored
- ½tspcinnamon,plus more to sprinkle on top
- 1tsppowdered sugar
Instructions
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Mash the bananas.
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Add sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla.
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In a large skillet, heat on low flame.
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When hot, spray with Pam and using a tablespoon, pour 1 tablespoon of batter for each fritter.
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Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
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Set aside in a dish and keep warm in the oven while cooking the rest of the batter.
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When ready to serve, put 4 on a plate and top with a little powdered sugar and cinnamon.
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Serve with low fat ice cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 114.24kcal
- Fat: 2.46g
- Saturated Fat: 0.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.58g
- Carbohydrates: 21.33g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 11.75g
- Protein: 2.85g
- Cholesterol: 53.32mg
- Sodium: 21.76mg
- Calcium: 13.76mg
- Potassium: 232.61mg
- Iron: 0.47mg
- Vitamin A: 24.70µg
- Vitamin C: 5.04mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Low Fat Banana Fritters
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are ripe for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas are even better as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Also, when cooking the fritters, keep the heat low to medium to avoid burning them. They should be golden brown on each side. Lastly, when adding the powdered sugar and cinnamon topping, use a small sieve to evenly distribute it over the fritters. This will give a professional touch to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Banana Fritters
Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process.
Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are easier to mash and have a sweeter flavor, saving time on mashing and adding extra sugar.
Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra fritters for a quick and convenient snack or dessert option.
Organize your workspace: Clear and organize your kitchen workspace to easily access ingredients and tools, making the cooking process more efficient.
Preheat the skillet: Preheat the skillet while preparing the batter to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking of the fritters.
Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the fritters from sticking, making the cooking and cleaning process quicker and easier.
Use an ice cream scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter, ensuring uniform fritter sizes and speeding up the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple fritters simultaneously to expedite the cooking process and serve the dish promptly.
Keep ingredients handy: Arrange ingredients in a way that allows for quick and easy access during the cooking process, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Low Fat Banana Fritters Recipe
bananas - Substitute with ripe plantains: Ripe plantains can be used as a lower fat alternative to bananas in fritters. They have a similar texture and natural sweetness, making them a suitable replacement.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a different depth of flavor to the fritters while reducing the overall sugar content.
eggs - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can act as a binding agent in the fritters, providing moisture and structure without the added fat and cholesterol found in eggs.
flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is a nutritious alternative to regular flour, providing a slightly nutty flavor and a boost of fiber while reducing the overall gluten content.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can add a delightful nutty flavor to the fritters, offering a unique twist while reducing the amount of vanilla extract used.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a warm and aromatic alternative to cinnamon, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the fritters.
Best Way to Serve Banana Fritters
Elevate the fritters with a unique plating: When presenting the low fat banana fritters, consider using a circular arrangement on the plate to create an appealing visual. This will showcase the fritters in an elegant and sophisticated manner.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Introduce a pop of color to the plate by adding a vibrant element such as a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh berries. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a delightful contrast to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the fritters to stand out. By strategically placing the fritters with ample spacing, you can create a visually striking presentation that exudes elegance and refinement.
Garnish with edible flowers: Elevate the visual appeal of the dish by delicately placing a few edible flowers on the plate. This addition will add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of low fat caramel sauce: Create an artistic drizzle of low fat caramel sauce on the plate to add a touch of finesse. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful flavor contrast to the fritters.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style by focusing on simplicity and clean lines. This approach will allow the natural beauty of the fritters to take center stage, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Banana Fritters
Food processor: A food processor can be used to quickly and efficiently mash the bananas for the fritter batter, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract to create the fritter batter. It allows for easy stirring and thorough incorporation of ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Banana Fritters: A Guide
- Let the banana fritters cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cooled fritters in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the fritters:
- Arrange the cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the fritters are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen fritters to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen banana fritters can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen fritters:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the fritters in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving the fritters, as this may cause them to become soggy and lose their crispy texture.
How to Reheat Leftover Banana Fritters
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover banana fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method helps to restore the texture of the fritters while keeping them moist on the inside.
For a quick reheat, use your microwave. Place the fritters on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fritters to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover banana fritters. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the fritters in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method is perfect for restoring the crispy texture of the fritters.
For a stovetop reheat, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of cooking spray or butter to the pan. Place the fritters in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method is ideal if you want to add a little extra flavor to your reheated fritters.
If you want to give your leftover banana fritters a new twist, try slicing them in half and using them as a base for a delicious breakfast sandwich. Top the fritters with a slice of cheese, a fried egg, and some crispy bacon for a satisfying and indulgent breakfast treat.
Interesting Fact About Banana Fritters
Banana fritters are a popular snack in many cultures around the world, including the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa. They are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert and can be made with various ingredients such as flour, sugar, and eggs. The low fat version of banana fritters provides a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe, allowing individuals to indulge in this delicious snack without the guilt of consuming excessive amounts of fat.
Is Making Banana Fritters at Home Cost-Effective?
This low fat banana fritters recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Bananas are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The fritters are a great way to use up ripe bananas, reducing food waste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7. Overall Verdict: 9.
Are Banana Fritters Healthy or Unhealthy?
The low fat banana fritters recipe, while tasty, has some aspects that could be improved to make it a healthier treat:
- The recipe uses sugar and powdered sugar, which are refined sugars that can contribute to blood sugar spikes and crashes
- Flour is used as a binding agent, but depending on the type of flour (e.g., white flour), it may lack fiber and nutrients
- Frying the fritters in a skillet, even with a low-fat cooking spray like Pam, can still add some unnecessary fat to the dish
- Serving the fritters with ice cream, even if it's low-fat, adds more sugar and calories to the dessert
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the refined sugars with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates, which offer some additional nutrients and may have a lower glycemic index
- Use whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour instead of white flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the fritters
- Instead of frying, try baking the fritters in the oven at a high temperature (e.g., 400°F) until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which can reduce the fat content
- Top the fritters with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of powdered sugar for a healthier garnish
- Serve the fritters with a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein-rich accompaniment instead of ice cream
Editor's Opinion on This Low Fat Banana Fritter Recipe
This low-fat banana fritters recipe is a delightful and guilt-free treat. The use of bananas as a base provides natural sweetness and a moist texture, while the addition of cinnamon and vanilla enhances the flavor profile. The cooking method ensures a light and crispy exterior, making it a satisfying dessert or snack. Serving it with low-fat ice cream adds a creamy element without compromising on health. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic fritter while keeping it light and wholesome.
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Why trust this Low Fat Banana Fritters Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fritters, using bananas as the main ingredient. With the addition of cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract, these fritters are bursting with flavor. The use of eggs and flour provides a satisfying texture without compromising on taste. The low-fat cooking method, utilizing Pam spray, ensures a guilt-free indulgence. Topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon, these fritters are a delightful treat. Trust in the simplicity and wholesomeness of this recipe for a delightful and nutritious dessert.
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