Air Fryer Banana Pancake Dippers Recipe
Tender banana-infused pancakes transformed into dippable sticks with crispy golden edges from the air fryer, perfect for dunking in syrup, chocolate, or fruit compote.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">180g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for the air fryer)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 200g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or fruit compote</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (cut to fit air fryer basket)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Piping bag or zip-top bag with corner cut off</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER
Kitchen Converter
Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.
Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. These dry ingredients provide structure and flavor to your pancake dippers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The fat from the oil will help create tender pancakes that won't dry out in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined - a few small lumps are fine! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your pancakes tough rather than fluffy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fold in the mashed bananas until just incorporated. The riper your bananas, the more natural sweetness and banana flavor they'll impart to your dippers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. While waiting, transfer your pancake batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cut parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket and lightly brush or spray with oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve golden edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pipe the batter onto the parchment paper in 10-12cm long strips, leaving space between each as they will expand during cooking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would prevent proper air circulation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip each dipper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they're golden brown and cooked through. You'll know they're done when they spring back slightly when touched.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Transfer cooked dippers to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining batter. The cooling rack prevents condensation from making them soggy on the bottom.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces. Maple syrup is classic, but chocolate sauce, fruit compote, yogurt, or nut butter are all delicious options. The dippers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 160°C.</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can I make these banana pancake dippers without an air fryer?
Yes! While you won't get the same crispy exterior, you can cook these on a non-stick pan or griddle. Pour the batter in thin strips and cook until bubbles form on top before flipping. They won't be quite as dippable but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent my banana pancake dippers from sticking to the air fryer?
Always use parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket and lightly oil it before piping on the batter. Don't skip preheating the air fryer, and ensure the dippers are fully cooked before flipping, which helps them release more easily.
What's the best way to store leftover pancake dippers for meal prep?
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 160°C for 1-2 minutes from refrigerated or 2-3 minutes from frozen for that just-made crispy texture.
Want to try something else in ...
More recipes you might like
Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.
