Filipino Banana Fritters

Saba banana slices coated in a light, crispy batter made from rice flour.

Course Snack

Cuisine Filipino

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 297kcal

Cost $4-$6

Prepare the Bananas: Slice each banana lengthwise into two or three equal pieces, depending on your preference for thickness. Thread these pieces onto a bamboo skewer, making sure they are tightly aligned.
Alternatively, you can skip the skewers altogether and simply fry each piece individually.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Start by adding ½ cup of water and mix until smooth. Continue adding water until you achieve a consistency slightly thinner than that of pancake batter.
Dip the Bananas: Dip the skewered bananas into the batter, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use a wide bowl that can comfortably fit the bananas.
Fry the Fritters: Set your skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to fully submerge the bananas. To check if the oil is hot enough, you can insert a wooden chopstick or spoon into the oil; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the skewered bananas in it. Fry each side for approximately 3-5 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Drain: Remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towel.
Enjoy your Banana Fritters while they're warm and crunchy. For an extra touch of sweetness, a dusting of granulated or powdered sugar is optional.

Saba Bananas: Choose ripe saba bananas—the riper the banana, the sweet and more tender your fritters will be. If fresh ones are unavailable, frozen ones make a great alternative. You can also use ripe plantains, burro bananas, or Thai bananas.
Rice Flour: A gluten-free flour that provides a light, crispy texture. Don't confuse it with glutinous rice flour, which has different properties. You can use cornstarch, potato starch, or all-purpose flour as alternatives.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent adds crispness to the batter by creating tiny gas bubbles, making the fritters light and airy. If unavailable, feel free to skip it.
Sugar: You can use granulated or brown sugar. Feel free to adjust the sweetness depending on your taste or on the natural sweetness of the bananas you're using.
Oil: Choose a high-temperature neutral oil, like vegetable, canola, peanut, or avocado oil. These oils have high smoke points, perfect for frying.