When I want a sweet snack that’s quick and satisfying, these Banana Rice Fritters are my favorite.
Made from ripe bananas, cooked rice, and simple pantry ingredients, they fry up into soft, golden bites with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a comforting, naturally sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses ripe bananas and leftover cooked rice
Sweet, soft inside with a golden crisp outside
Simple ingredients, easy to prepare
Warm spices add comforting flavor
Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert
Kid-friendly and naturally gluten-free (use gluten-free flour)
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Very ripe bananas – For natural sweetness and moisture
Cooked white rice – Adds texture and helps bind the batter
Plain flour – For structure; can swap with gluten-free flour
Sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg – Adds warm sweetness and flavor depth
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness
Pro Tips Before You Start
Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and soft texture.
Cook rice ahead and let it cool for best binding and texture.
Adjust the batter consistency — it should be thick but scoopable, similar to pancake batter.
Use a moderate amount of oil for shallow frying to get crisp edges without soaking.
Flip gently to avoid breaking the fritters.
How to Make Banana Rice Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Mixture
Peel and mash ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth but slightly chunky.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Add flour, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and cooked rice to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined into a soft batter.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Heat a skillet with enough cooking oil to cover the bottom over medium heat.
When hot, drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan.
Fry each fritter for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
What to Serve It With
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
A sprinkle of powdered sugar
Fresh fruit or yogurt on the side
Nut butter for dipping
Cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness
Variations / Substitutions
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture
Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or stevia
Mix in shredded coconut or dried fruit for variety
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage & Leftovers
Best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How do I keep fritters from sticking?
Make sure oil is hot enough before frying and use enough oil to coat the pan.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Rice Fritters are a simple, delicious way to use ripe bananas and leftover rice.
Soft and sweet with a hint of spice, they make a comforting snack or breakfast that everyone will love.
