Really Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread (Mini Loaf!)

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Yes, you CAN bake banana bread in your air fryer! This mini air fryer banana cake recipe is perfect if you have a lonely overripe banana in your fruit bowl. Crunchy on the top and moist and fluffy on the inside, it’s super easy to make in around 30 minutes. With endless substitutions, this is for you if you want a healthier banana bread that you don’t even have to switch on your oven for!

A small stack of slices of air fryer banana bread on a wooden board with the rest of the bread and a banana behind.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy a slice of freshly baked banana bread, ideally still warm from the oven. But you don’t always want a big loaf of cake hanging around your kitchen, constantly tempting you to have that second (and third and fourth?) slice.

So what if you made a small banana bread instead? And you didn’t even need to turn on the oven to make it?

Yep, you guessed it, you can make a mini banana bread in your air fryer! How cool is that? You can still make it in your oven if you prefer (see instructions below!) but you’ll save power (and possibly even your waistline) if you make it in your air fryer. 😉

The BEST air fryer banana bread

Here’s why you should make THIS air fryer banana bread recipe rather than any other:

  • It’s a small banana loaf. Perfect for last minute entertaining or an emergency banana bread craving. No temptation to scoff the leftovers all to yourself!
  • it’s got a crisp outer crust and a soft, fluffy and moist inside. Delicious!
  • It’s a one bowl, super quick recipe. It literally takes around 5 minutes. No pesky creaming of butter and sugar! Just mash a ripe banana, whisk in an egg, then add sugar, oil, and flour.
  • It’s quick to bake, too. Banana bread usually takes about an hour to bake. But this small batch version takes only 30 minutes, whether you bake it in your air fryer or the oven.
  • It’s a fairly healthy recipe and not too sweet. There are only 2 tablespoons of both oil and sugar.
  • It works with many substitutions! I’ve made it with almond flour, coconut oil, whole wheat flour, coconut flour, and added raspberries, coconut and more. See below for more healthy substitution ideas!

5 star review *****

“I am so grateful to find a recipe that works! Love the crispy outer crust and soft inner texture! Thank you! ♥️” (Priscilla)

Ingredients

All the ingredients needed to make mini air fryer banana bread including flour, an egg, milk, a ripe banana and oil, on a marble background.

1 banana: Small to medium. The riper the better! Ripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorsome so I find this makes such a huge difference to the taste.

1 egg: I try to go for free range or organic. I usually use large, but this recipe is quite forgiving so any you have will work fine.

Brown sugar: 2 to 3 tablespoons depending on whether you’re in a sweet tooth mood or not! Other types of sugar work too, such as white or coconut, but I like the slight caramel-y taste of brown.

Oil: This is a banana bread recipe with oil, for ease. 2 tablespoons of your favorite oil is fine. I’ve successfully used vegetable oil, melted coconut oil and even light olive oil. Melted butter works, too, if you prefer that classic buttery flavor in your cake.

Milk: I’ve tried the recipe with whole milk, 2 percent (semi-skimmed/hi lo) and almond. I think it would work with any kind of milk you like, including non dairy milks.

All-purpose/Plain flour: Mix with 1/2 teapsoon baking soda, or just use self-raising flour. Other flours such as whole wheat work too (see below for more suggestions!).

I’d add a pinch of salt, as well!

What pan to use

To make this mini cake in an air fryer, you just need to use a really small baking pan or dish. I use a small glass baking dish that fits into my fairly small air fryer. It’s about 5.5 square inches.

However, you can use any dish or pan that’s ovenproof – glass, ceramic, metal or silicone – and of course that fits into your air fryer!

I recently bought a set of 4 mini metal loaf pans that are 5.5 inches by 3 inches. These work very well too. If you have a larger air fryer such as the Philips Essential Air Fryer XL then you could even sneakily double the ingredients and make 2 mini loaves at one time!

Whichever pan you use, it’s best to line it with baking paper and trim the edges, then spray it with oil to prevent sticking.

Set of 4 mini loaf pans in a rose gold color on a marble background.

How to make it

The step-by-step guide below should help you make the recipe perfectly first time. Scroll down to the end for the full recipe including ingredient amounts.

Step 1: Pre-heat your air fryer to 320F/160C and line a small baking dish or loaf pan with baking paper.

Step 2: Mash the banana well in a Pyrex jug or small baking bowl. I like to use a jug so that I can just pour the batter into my dish (with a little help from the fork I use to combine all the ingredients). No need for a spatula if you don’t want!

Step 3: With a fork, whisk in all the other ingredients (the egg, sugar, oil, pinch of salt and finally the flour and baking soda). Just until well combined – there can be some lumps.

Ingredients for making Quick and easy mini banana bread in a Pyrex jug from above
Batter for Quick and easy mini banana bread in a Pyrex jug from above with a wooden spoon

Step 4: Pour or scrape the batter into your small baking dish or loaf pan.

Someone holding a raw mini banana bread in a loaf pan

Step 5: Put the pan into your air fryer basket and bake for around 30 minutes. After this, check with a skewer or tooth pick that it’s done. If there’s still some raw batter, just turn it upside down and put back into the air fryer for an extra 5 minutes with the bottom facing up!

A close up of a mini banana bread just out of the oven on baking paper

Helen’s top tips

  • Throw all your overripe bananas into a bag in the freezer for your next mini banana loaf craving!
  • You might want to tuck aluminium foil over the top during the second half of the cooking time. You’ll find that the top of the banana bread gets browner than it would in the oven. Personally, I love the contrast of the crunchy top with the moist cake below!
  • The top sometimes cooks faster than the inside in an air fryer. To check it’s fully cooked, simply turn upside down and poke a skewer or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out virtually clean, it’s done!
  • If you prefer to bake it in your regular oven (maybe your oven is already on!), you can do this. The temperature is the same but the cooking time is a little less – around 25 minutes.
  • If you have a larger air fryer and two ripe bananas, why not double the ingredients and make two mini loaves instead of one? One for now, and one for the freezer!

Substitutions

This small batch banana bread recipe is very adaptable, and very easy to ‘healthify’. Not that the recipe is that bad in the first place (hello bananas!!).

You can change it up by:

  • using different oils. I’ve already used canola, olive and coconut oils to make this banana bread! You can also replace the oil with melted butter for extra flavor.
  • varying the flours. Once I used a mixture of whole wheat flour, coconut flour, and hemp seed flour. This one was delicious!
  • using a natural sweetener such as maple syrup, honey or date syrup instead of brown sugar.
  • adding things like milk, white or dark chocolate chips, flaked coconut, nuts or raspberries/blueberries. I’ve tried most of these additions and they were all delicious!
  • Add a large pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for an extra hit of flavor.

Somehow however I adapt it, my banana bread always works and tastes good!

Top tip: Do browse the comments below for more substitution ideas. Readers have already tested making this in so many ways!

Storing and freezing

Your mini banana bread will keep well in an airtight container for a few days (IF it lasts that long, which I doubt).

It also freezes well. You can freeze it well wrapped or in a freezer proof container for up to 3 months.

Sometimes, I like to slice it into separate slices, wrap it in baking paper, and freeze in small freezer bags. I then either let it defrost then reheat for a few seconds in the microwave, or defrost completely in the microwave.

Someone holding up a slice of banana bread with a bite out of it and with more in a pile underneath.

Got brown bananas? What are you waiting for?

Next time you have brown bananas sitting on the counter top that your significant other is threatening to throw away (mentioning no names, Mr Scrummy…), make one of these mini banana breads!

Just see how smug you feel when you take the first bite of your delicious warm-out-of-the-oven treat! 

More ripe banana recipes

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes, check out my easy air fryer recipes category. There’s air fryer whole roast chicken, air fryer bacon and much more.

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A stack of slices of mini banana bread with the rest of the bread in the background
4.92 from 67 votes

Really Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread (Mini Loaf!)

Got a brown banana hanging around? Fan of freshly baked banana bread but don't want a big loaf lying around to tempt you? This mini banana bread is a super easy one bowl recipe and there’s no creaming of butter and sugar necessary. Just mix together a few basic pantry ingredients, pop the cake into your air fryer (or oven if it's already on) and you’ll be enjoying a delicious slice of healthy banana bread in around just 30 minutes.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 banana, small to medium, mashed – the riper the better
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, I add 2-3 tablespoons depending on my mood!
  • 2 tablespoons oil, I’ve used light olive oil and canola and coconut oils. Melted butter works really well, too.
  • ¼ cup milk, Any milk works, including non dairy such as almond and soy.
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour, I’ve used white, wholemeal, coconut flours, or a mixture + hemp flour. I've also used self raising flour instead and skipped the baking soda.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch cinnamon or nutmeg, (optional)
  • raspberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, ½ teaspoon vanilla, (All optional extras!)

Instructions 

  • Line a very small ovenproof baking pan, glass dish or mini loaf pan (I've used 5 sq inches and also a 5×3 inch mini metal loaf pan) with baking paper and trim. Spray with a little oil.
  • Pre-heat air fryer or oven to 320F/160C.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg into the mashed banana. Then whisk in the sugar, oil, and milk.
    1 banana, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, ¼ cup milk
  • Add the flour and baking soda and salt and mix until just combined. Fold in any mix-ins e.g. chocolate chips, nuts.
    ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 pinch cinnamon or nutmeg, raspberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 1 pinch salt
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in your oven or air fryer for 25 to 35 minutes or until a skewer poked into the bottom of the cake comes out clean. A little bit of sticky-ness is fine. For me it takes 30 to 35 minutes in my air fryer and 25 minutes in my oven.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes in the tin/dish, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Video

Notes

Banana: Because this is a mini banana bread, I use a small to medium banana for this recipe. You can vary the amount of mashed banana a bit, but if you use too much the base of the bread can become a bit heavy (although it’s still delicious!). 
Cooking time: This banana bread usually takes 30 to 35 minutes to bake in my air fryer. In my oven it takes 25 to 30 minutes. Unfortunately I think the baking time will vary according to your oven. Just keep checking from 25 minutes onwards!
Since sometimes an air fryer cooks the top of a cake faster than the inside, you can turn the banana bread over 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
Storing: This banana bread will keep fresh for a few days in an airtight container.
Substitutions: This small batch banana cake is very versatile. I’ve healthified it by reducing the sugar and swapping out the oil and flour for healthier versions (e.g. coconut oil, wholewheat or coconut flour…) and the recipe still works really well.
I’ve also added chocolate chips, coconut flakes and raspberries to the original recipe. I particularly enjoy the raspberry version!
Freezing instructions: This banana bread freezes well. I like to slice it into separate slices, wrap it in baking paper, and freeze in small freezer bags. I then either let it defrost then reheat for a few seconds in the microwave, or defrost completely in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 171mg, Potassium: 181mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 103IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Helen Schofield

Don't expect to find anything fussy or complicated here. Just QUICK, EASY & (mostly!) HEALTHY recipes from the Mediterranean and beyond. ENJOY!

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144 Comments

  1. Not sweet enough! Or very little flavor .. it looked great but disappointed in the taste ..

    1. Hi Gina! Thanks for the feedback! I use oil to keep this recipe super simple, but I think using melted butter instead of oil would add to the flavour. Also make sure you use the ripest banana you can for maximum sweetness and banana flavour. You could add a bit of vanilla essence too, and I think the recipe would still work if you added a bit more sugar. I often keep my recipes on the less sweet side, but it’s fine to add more if you like. I hope you’ll give the recipe another go!

  2. Can I use the tiny foil cake pans for this recipe? It sounds like. a wonderful recipe with different ways to make it. I just bought an Airfryer and need to try this recipe. Thank you.

    1. Hi Maureen! Yes, why not? If they’re really tiny you could make two. They may cook a little faster if they’re a lot smaller though so just keep an eye on them! Good luck!

  3. I made a double batch last night in the air fryer. (A double batch came out to just over two cups of batter.) I added mini chocolate chips to one cup of batter. I checked the bread at about 17 minutes and it was still wet in the middle. At 26 minutes it tested done with my cake tester. I didn’t need to flip it, as some suggested. It turned out fantastically! Super easy recipe!

    1. Thanks so much for the vote of confidence, Stephanie! I never flip mine either. So glad you enjoyed it!

    1. So great to hear, Gina! Quite a few people seem to be recommending flipping it half way. I have to try that and if it works for me too I’ll amend the recipe!

      1. I used perforated paper and made a sling, when it was 5 minutes from being done I flipped because I like the outside crispy. This was awesome. I used coconut oil. Will make this again. I will add more banana and some nuts as well. thanks for the great recipe.

      2. Thanks so much for the feedback, Charlie. I like your idea of flipping just for the last 5 minutes! 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    Delicious and perfect size. Because of the comment about the bottom being a bit under done I just flipped mine for the last 8 minutes and it came out perfect!
    Thanks,
    Linda

  5. 5 stars
    Such a simple delicious recipe, I just doubled mine up as I have quite a large air fryer and came out perfectly even the kids agree!! Not a crumb left…

    1. Hi Nicole! Thank you so much for letting me know how you got on with this recipe. Fabulous idea to double up on the recipe. Good to know it still worked well – in fact I’ll have to add a note to the recipe. Also, you may be interested in the latest recipe I’ve just posted – banana bread breakfast waffles (just 3 healthy ingredients, 10 minutes!)

  6. 5 stars
    This small batch of banana bread was exactly what I needed today! My spotty bananas thank you!

  7. 5 stars
    Oh yum! Love mini banana bread but never tried making them at home. Will have to try this!