Honey Glazed Fried Bananas

Honey Glazed Fried Bananas have become a delightful staple in our home, transforming ordinary bananas into an extraordinary treat that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, absolutely adores. There’s something magical about the way the simple banana caramelizes in the pan, its natural sweetness amplified by a luscious honey glaze. The first time I made these, the aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, and the taste? Pure bliss! The crispy edges give way to a soft, warm interior, all coated in a shimmering, sweet glaze that’s just irresistible. It’s become our go-to dessert for impromptu gatherings or simply when we crave a little something special without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, yet it delivers a gourmet experience that belies its simplicity. Honestly, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s sure to impress, look no further – Honey Glazed Fried Bananas are your answer.

Ingredients

• Ripe Bananas: (4 large, but still firm) – The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a soft texture when cooked. Ripe but firm bananas hold their shape best during frying.
• All-Purpose Flour: (1/2 cup) – Used to lightly coat the bananas, creating a slightly crispy exterior when fried and helping the glaze adhere better.
• Unsalted Butter: (4 tablespoons) – Adds richness and flavor, creating a beautiful golden-brown color and contributing to the crispy texture when frying the bananas.
• Honey: (1/4 cup) – The key ingredient for the glaze, providing natural sweetness, a lovely floral aroma, and a beautiful glossy finish. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: (2 tablespoons, packed) – Adds depth of sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the glaze, complementing the honey and bananas perfectly. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, with dark brown sugar providing a richer molasses flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: (1/2 teaspoon) – Warms up the flavor profile, adding a cozy and aromatic touch that enhances the sweetness of the bananas and honey.
• Pinch of Salt: (1/4 teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• Vegetable Oil: (for frying) – A neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for frying the bananas to a golden crisp without imparting unwanted flavors. You will need enough oil to shallow fry the bananas, approximately 1/2 inch deep in your pan.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bananas: Gently peel the bananas. Cut each banana diagonally into 1-inch thick slices. This diagonal cut increases the surface area for frying and glazing, making for a more appealing presentation and better flavor absorption.
2. Coat the Bananas: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each banana slice in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly and evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. This light coating helps the bananas crisp up nicely when fried and allows the glaze to cling effectively.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, preferably non-stick, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a tiny piece of flour sizzles gently when dropped into it. Avoid overheating the oil, as this can cause the bananas to burn quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
4. Fry the Bananas: Carefully place the floured banana slices into the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Turn them gently with tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking on both sides. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bananas instead of crispy ones. Work in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even frying.
5. Remove and Drain: Once golden brown, remove the fried banana slices from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step is important to prevent the final dish from being greasy.
6. Make the Honey Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the brown sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth and fragrant glaze. This should take only a few minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning and to ensure a consistent glaze.
7. Glaze the Bananas: Gently add the fried banana slices to the skillet with the honey glaze. Toss them gently to coat evenly on all sides with the luscious glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and cling beautifully to the bananas. Be careful not to overcook at this stage, as the glaze can burn quickly and become bitter.
8. Serve Immediately: Honey Glazed Fried Bananas are best served warm and immediately after glazing to enjoy their crispy edges and warm, gooey interior. Transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 2-3 banana slices

Servings Per Recipe: 4-6

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.)

• Calories per serving: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Saturated Fat: 6-8g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving in under half an hour. The majority of the time is spent frying the bananas and creating the glaze, both of which are quick processes. From peeling the bananas to serving the final glazed treat, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in just about 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight treats or last-minute dessert needs.

How to Serve

Honey Glazed Fried Bananas are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delightful ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• As a Dessert:
  • With Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The warmth of the bananas and glaze contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream.
  • With Whipped Cream: A lighter option, adding a cloud of sweetness and airiness.
  • With a Scoop of Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical twist that complements the honey and banana flavors.
  • Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Adds a rich, decadent layer that pairs wonderfully with the banana and honey.
  • Sprinkled with Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Served with a Dollop of Greek Yogurt: For a slightly healthier option, the tanginess of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness of the bananas.
• As a Breakfast or Brunch Treat:
  • Alongside Pancakes or Waffles: Add a sweet and fruity element to your breakfast spread.
  • Served with Oatmeal or Yogurt: Top your morning oatmeal or yogurt with warm Honey Glazed Fried Bananas for a luxurious start to the day.
  • Part of a Dessert Crepe Filling: Combine with other fillings like Nutella or fresh berries for a decadent crepe.
• As a Snack or Appetizer:
  • On Skewers: Thread glazed banana slices onto skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat snack, perfect for parties.
  • Served with Toothpicks: Arrange glazed banana slices on a platter with toothpicks for a simple and elegant appetizer or snack.
  • Alongside Fresh Fruit: Create a fruit platter and include Honey Glazed Fried Bananas for a sweet and savory mix.

Additional Tips

1. Banana Ripeness is Key: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas will become too mushy when fried, while underripe bananas won’t have the desired sweetness and texture. Look for bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots, but still firm to the touch.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the bananas, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can result in soggy, not crispy, bananas. Frying in batches ensures each slice gets properly browned and crispy.
3. Control the Heat: Maintain a consistent medium heat when frying. If the heat is too high, the bananas will burn quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If the heat is too low, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
4. Use Fresh Oil: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetable oil for frying. Avoid reusing oil that has been used for other dishes, as it can impart unwanted flavors to your bananas. Fresh oil also ensures a cleaner, crisper fry.
5. Adjust Glaze Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey slightly. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze for a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
6. Spice it Up: For a warmer, spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. A dash of ginger powder can also add a unique and delightful warmth to the glaze.
7. Add a Liquor Infusion: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the glaze while it’s simmering. This will add a depth of flavor and sophistication to the dessert. Ensure the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind just the flavor.
8. Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Honey Glazed Fried Bananas are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are still warm and slightly crispy. While they can be reheated, they will lose some of their crispiness. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, fry the bananas and make the glaze separately, then glaze them just before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of banana for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of bananas, but Cavendish bananas (the most common type) work best due to their texture and sweetness. Plantains, which are less sweet and starchier, can also be used but will require longer frying time and might not be as sweet in the final dish.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking and frying for the best results. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q3: Can I bake the bananas instead of frying them?

A: While frying gives the bananas a desirable crispy exterior, you can bake them for a healthier option. Toss the banana slices with a little melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized. Then, proceed with the honey glaze in a skillet and toss the baked bananas in the glaze. The texture will be softer and less crispy, but still delicious.

Q4: How do I prevent the bananas from sticking to the pan when frying?

A: Using a non-stick skillet is highly recommended. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the bananas, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Coating the bananas lightly with flour also helps to create a barrier and prevent sticking.

Q5: Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the honey glaze ahead of time and gently reheat it before glazing the fried bananas. Store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and warm.

Q6: How do I store leftover Honey Glazed Fried Bananas?

A: While best served immediately, leftover Honey Glazed Fried Bananas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, they will lose their crispiness and become softer. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave, but be aware that the texture will be different from freshly made ones.

Q7: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

A: Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile. Maple syrup will impart a richer, more woody sweetness compared to the floral notes of honey. The glaze will still be delicious with maple syrup.

Q8: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

A: As written, this recipe is not vegan because it contains butter and honey. To make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. For the honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as vegan substitutes. Ensure to check that your chosen vegan butter alternative behaves similarly to dairy butter in frying and glaze making.

Print