I make this fried banana balls recipe using leftover mashed green bananas. This is a simple recipe to make. I added just 2 basic ingredients, and it took around 15 minutes. This is a healthy and kid friendly recipe, serve hot with tomato ketchup or green chutney if you like.
Do you love banana snacks? Try my Banana Fritters Recipe and Crispy Green Banana Fritters next.
Fried banana balls are a simple and tasty way to use leftover mashed green bananas. Instead of letting leftovers sit in the fridge, you can turn them into crispy little snacks in just a few minutes.
This recipe is easy and fun to make. You only need a few basic ingredients like flour, water, and salt. Once fried, these banana balls make a great snack, appetizer, or quick side dish.
About Fried Banana Balls
This fried banana balls recipe is similar to the mashed potato balls looking wise. But the real taste is vary different from each other. Banana balls provide more crunchiness than potato balls.
However, Fried banana balls are a clever leftover recipe many home cooks enjoy making.
When mashed green bananas are left from another meal, frying them into small balls gives them a completely new texture and flavor.
These banana balls are loved by all ages due to being healthy, vegan, and kid friendly light snack. Some of you also like to serve as a tea time snacks. Thus, it is a pure versatile snack to serve on several occasions.
If you want to make this recipe pure vegan, you just need to adjust the oil, replace butter with olive oil, and that’s it.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Leftover mashed green banana: This is hero of this recipe, you alos make with mashed potato. If the mash feels too soft, you can chill it for a few minutes before shaping the balls.
- Plain flour: Flour helps create the thin coating that becomes crisp during frying. All purpose flour works perfectly here. If needed, you can also try rice flour for a slightly crispier texture.
- Water: Water is used to make a light slurry with the flour. Don’t add all the water at a time.
- Salt: Add salt to taste.
- Oil for frying: Use any neutral cooking oil that works well for deep frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the coating turns crisp without absorbing too much oil.
How to Make Fried Banana Balls Recipe
1. Scoop the mashed green banana using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop. You can also roll it into small balls with your hands. Set them aside on a plate.
2. In a small bowl, combine the plain flour, water, and salt. Stir well until you get a smooth, lump-free slurry.
3. Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat until hot. I’m using a small wok, we call it a karahi.
4. Dip each banana ball into the flour slurry using a spoon so it is fully coated.
5. Carefully place the coated banana balls into the hot oil one by one. Fry in small batches. Turn them gently so they cook evenly on all sides.
6. Fry until the banana balls turn light golden and crisp on the outside.
7. Turn off the heat and remove the fried banana balls onto a serving plate. Serve hot with tomato chutney, mayonnaise, or green chutney.
Expert Tips For Fried Banana Balls
- I make this recipe with leftovers, and I can say that this is one of the best leftover banana recipes.
- Mix the flour and water until completely smooth. A bit lumpy, ok, it’s fine. But smooth slurry helps the coating stick evenly and fry nicely.
- The batter should lightly coat the banana balls. If it is too watery, the coating will not stay on during frying.
- Always fry in medium hot oil. If the oil is too cold, the balls will absorb too much oil. If it is too hot, the outside may brown too quickly. So, keep it balanced.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying a few balls at a time helps them cook evenly and stay crisp.
- These taste best when hot and crispy. If needed, keep them on a wire rack after frying so the outside stays crunchy.
- Serve it hot! hot! hot!
Serving Suggestion
Serve fried banana balls hot and fresh right after frying. They pair well with tomato chutney, mayonnaise, or green chutney. You can sprinkle a little chopped cilantro on top for color or Italian seasoning.
I personally serve with these recipes.
- Quick Gooseberry Chutney
- Kadamba Fruit Chutney
- Tamarind Tomato Chutney
- Lentil Rice With Beef
- Fried Rice With Mushroom
- Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Creative Variations for Fried Banana Balls
This recipe is very flexible, so you can easily try a few fun variations.
If you like a richer taste, you can mix a little shredded cheese into the mashed banana before shaping the balls. The mixture also works well in different shapes. You can form small nuggets, make burger patties, or shape them into soft kababs before frying.
Some people even add a bit of chopped herbs, green onions, or a pinch of extra spices to change the flavor.
If you enjoy crispy snacks, you can coat the balls in breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crunchy outside.
Once you try it, you will see there are many simple ways to turn this leftover mash into something new and delicious.
Storage and Re-heating Tips
Fried banana balls taste best when served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them in a skillet or oven for a few minutes so the outside becomes crisp again. Avoid microwaving for too long because it can make them soft.
You can also follow a simple traditional reheating trick.
If you have skewers, place the banana balls on the skewer and hold it over a medium flame for about 2 minutes. You can do this on a gas stove, an electric stove, or even over a heater.
This quick roasting helps bring back the crispy outside and warms the inside nicely.
FAQs
Yes. You can boil green bananas, mash them, and use them the same way for this recipe.
The mash may be too soft. Try chilling it for a few minutes before shaping the balls.
Yes, but the texture will be different. Baking will make them less crispy than deep frying.
Tomato chutney, mayonnaise, green chutney, or even a spicy garlic sauce work well.
You can shape the banana balls earlier and keep them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Fried Banana Balls Using Leftover
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups leftover mashed green banana
- 4 tablespoons plain flour
- 5 tablespoons water
- 2 pinches salt
- oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Scoop the mashed green banana using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop. You can also roll it into small balls with your hands. Set them aside on a plate.
- In a small bowl, combine the plain flour, water, and salt. Stir well until you get a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat until hot. I’m using a small wok, we call it a karahi.
- Dip each banana ball into the flour slurry using a spoon so it is fully coated.
- Carefully place the coated banana balls into the hot oil one by one. Fry in small batches. Turn them gently so they cook evenly on all sides.
- Fry until the banana balls turn light golden and crisp on the outside.
- Turn off the heat and remove the fried banana balls onto a serving plate. Serve hot with tomato chutney, mayonnaise, or green chutney.
Notes
- Use thick mashed green bananas so the balls hold their shape.
- If the mash feels soft, chill it for a few minutes before shaping.
- Keep the flour slurry smooth so it coats the banana balls evenly.
- Fry in medium hot oil for the best crispy texture.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.
