Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to achieve perfectly golden, crispy, and delicious Honey Glazed Banana Fritters every time. The process is broken down into preparing the components and the final cooking and glazing.

Step 1: Prepare the “Mise en Place”

Before you begin mixing, get all your ingredients and equipment ready. Measure out the flour, sugar, and spices. Crack the egg into a small bowl. Measure the milk and vanilla. Set up your frying station with a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, a thermometer, and a wire rack set over a baking sheet for draining the cooked fritters. This preparation makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, peel the ripe bananas. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash them thoroughly. You want a consistency that is mostly smooth but still has a few small lumps for texture. Don’t puree them; those little banana pieces are a pleasant surprise in the finished fritter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisking them together first ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which is key for uniform puffiness and flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

To the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the lightly beaten egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until they are just combined. It is crucial not to overmix the batter. A few small lumps of flour are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, chewy fritters instead of light and fluffy ones. The batter should be thick, almost like a thick pancake batter.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of at least 2-3 inches. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a steady temperature of 365°F (185°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is the single most important factor for crispy, non-greasy fritters.

Step 7: Fry the Fritters in Batches

Once the oil is at the correct temperature, use two spoons or a small cookie/ice cream scoop to carefully drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly. Fry the fritters in batches of 4-5 at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until they are deep golden brown and have puffed up.

Step 8: Flip and Finish Frying

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully flip the fritters over and continue to fry for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until they are evenly golden brown and cooked through. The total cooking time should be around 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 9: Drain the Fritters

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the hot oil, allowing any excess oil to drip back into the pot. Transfer the hot fritters to the prepared wire rack to drain. Placing them on a wire rack instead of paper towels allows air to circulate all around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming steamy and soggy. Continue this process with the remaining batter, ensuring the oil returns to 365°F between batches.

Step 10: Prepare the Honey Glaze

While the last batch of fritters is frying, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and the unsalted butter. If using, add the teaspoon of lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and the glaze is smooth and liquid. Do not let it boil. Keep the glaze warm.

Step 11: Glaze the Fritters

Place the warm, drained fritters into a large, heatproof bowl. Pour the warm honey glaze over the top. Using a spatula, gently toss the fritters until they are all evenly and lightly coated in the sticky, sweet glaze.

Step 12: Serve Immediately

For the absolute best experience, serve the Honey Glazed Banana Fritters immediately while they are still warm, crispy, and gooey.