Have you got a couple of over ripe brown bananas hanging around? Then do not throw them away! Transform them into something delicious with this quick and easy air fryer banana bread recipe! If you thought banana bread required a full-size oven and an hour of baking, then think again. With your air fryer, you can whip up a perfectly moist, sweet loaf in less time and without heating up your whole kitchen.
This recipe is everything banana bread should be. It is soft and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness and that comforting banana aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. It is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create a family-favourite treat using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
One of the best parts about air frying banana bread is how quick and efficient it is. The air fryer creates a beautifully golden crust while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and fluffy. It is ideal for small batches, which means less waiting and fewer leftovers. Though let’s be honest, this loaf will never last long!
Enjoy a slice a banana bread warm from the air fryer with a smear of butter. Pair it with your morning coffee, or pack it into the kid’s lunch boxes as a sweet surprise. You can also add extras like chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon to suit your taste.
Whether you are new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this banana bread is a must-try. Once you see how simple and satisfying it is, you may never go back to the oven version again!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20 – 25 minutes
SERVES 4 – 6 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and a non-stick baking tin
Ingredients for air fryer banana bread
2 ripe bananas, peeled
1 large fresh egg
45g of melted butter
5ml of vanilla extract
60ml of honey or maple syrup
90g of plain flour
½ tsp of baking powder
¼ tsp of ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
30g of chopped walnuts
Method
So first, preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 2 to 3 minutes. Just like with a traditional oven, preheating ensures even baking right from the start, giving your banana bread a beautifully risen top and a golden crust.
Next, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine your wet ingredients. Start by mashing 2 ripe bananas with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. A few small lumps are totally fine and add texture. Then add 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener). Give everything a good stir until it’s smooth and well combined.
Now it’s time for the dry ingredients. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of plain flour, along with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix just until there are no more dry patches – overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so keep it light!
So at this stage, you can stir in any extras you love. Try 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a fun twist.
Pour the batter into a greased mini loaf tin or silicone mould that fits inside your air fryer basket. Smooth the top with a spatula to level it out.
Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 20 to 25 minutes. Check at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the centre. So it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the loaf cool slightly before removing from the tin. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
Air Fryer Banana Bread Tips
1. Use the right tin
Choose a loaf tin or baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket, leaving some room around the edges for hot air to circulate. Silicone loaf pans, disposable foil tins, or mini loaf tins are ideal as they heat evenly and are easy to handle.
2. Don’t overfill
Just like traditional banana bread, your air fryer version will rise as it bakes. Fill the tin no more than three-quarters full to prevent the batter from spilling over the sides as it expands.
3. Go low and slow
Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 160°C (320°F), and bake for between 30 and 35 minutes. This gentle heat ensures the centre of the banana bread cooks through without the top becoming too dark or dry.
4. Tent with foil if needed
If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly tent it with foil halfway through baking. This protects the surface while allowing the middle to finish baking evenly.
5. Check with a skewer
Use a toothpick or skewer to test doneness. Insert it into the centre of the loaf. So if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, then it is ready. If there is still wet batter, give it another 5 minutes or so and check again.
6. Let it rest
Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for about 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out. This helps it firm up and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
7. Add extras
Enhance your banana bread with extras like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, or a swirl of peanut butter for a delicious twist!
Similar recipes
If you loved this soft, sweet Air Fryer Banana Bread, here are a few more delicious air fryer bakes and sweet treats you’ll want to try next. Each one is quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, without turning on the oven!
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