If you’ve never tried Jamaican Banana Fritters, you’re in for a real treat! These sweet, golden bites are crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and bursting with the rich flavor of ripe bananas. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these fritters are an easy way to bring a taste of the islands into your kitchen.
Ingredients for Jamaican Banana Fritters
Here’s everything you need to make a batch of delicious Jamaican Banana Fritters:
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3 very ripe bananas (the riper, the better — brown spots are perfect!)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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2–4 tablespoons water (as needed to adjust consistency)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Optional: powdered sugar or honey, for serving
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Jamaican Banana Fritters, you’ll need:
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Mixing bowls
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Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
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Whisk or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Large frying pan or skillet
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Slotted spoon
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Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
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Plate for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Mash the bananas
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In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Some small chunks are okay for texture.
2. Mix the batter
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Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Add water a tablespoon at a time if needed, until the batter reaches a thick, spoonable consistency (similar to pancake batter).
3. Heat the oil
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Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles on contact.
4. Fry the fritters
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Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding.
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Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Flip the fritters carefully using a spatula or slotted spoon.
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Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve and enjoy!
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Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, if desired.
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Jamaican Banana Fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored and reheated.
Helpful Tips for Making or Serving Jamaican Banana Fritters
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Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your fritters will be.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the fritters dense.
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Control the oil temperature: Too hot, and the fritters will brown too quickly on the outside; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil. Medium heat works best.
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Drain well: Place the fritters on paper towels after frying to keep them crisp.
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Serving ideas: Serve with honey, maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
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Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of rum, a pinch of allspice, or shredded coconut to the batter.
Approximate Nutritional Value (per fritter, based on 12 fritters)
Please note: This is an estimate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and frying method.
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Calories: ~120 kcal
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Total Fat: ~6 g
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Saturated Fat: ~1 g
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Carbohydrates: ~16 g
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Sugar: ~6 g
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Protein: ~1 g
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Fiber: ~1 g
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Sodium: ~100 mg
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Jamaican Banana Fritters
Jamaican Banana Fritters are one of those simple pleasures that everyone can enjoy. With their crisp exterior, soft and flavorful center, and warm spice notes, they’re comfort food at its best. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas, surprise your family with a new breakfast favorite, or indulge in a sweet island-inspired dessert, this recipe is for you.
