Banana bread is a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. Its moist, tender crumb and sweet banana flavor make it a favorite for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. This recipe takes a modern twist by using an air fryer, offering a quicker and more energy-efficient way to bake this beloved treat. With the addition of Greek yogurt and peanut butter, this banana bread is not only moist but also packed with protein. Optional mini chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this air fryer banana bread recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
- Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and mini chocolate chips, if using. Ensure the bananas are well incorporated without overmixing.
- Fill the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Air Fry the Banana Bread:
- Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket. Cook at 310 degrees F (154 degrees C) for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 706
- Total Fat: 15.7g (20% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 122.3g (44% DV)
- Protein: 23.4g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes banana bread moist?
The moistness in banana bread comes from a combination of ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter. These ingredients add moisture and fat, which help create a tender and moist crumb. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of white sugar can contribute to the moisture content due to its molasses content.
2. Can I use oil instead of butter in banana bread?
Yes, you can substitute oil for butter in banana bread. This recipe uses peanut butter for added flavor and moisture, but you can replace it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Using oil can result in a slightly different texture but will still yield a moist and delicious banana bread.
3. How do I store banana bread?
To store banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze banana bread for up to 3 months by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or by placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
4. Can I make banana bread healthier?
Yes, there are several ways to make banana bread healthier. You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reduce the amount of sugar, or use a sugar substitute. Adding ingredients like oats, flaxseed, or chia seeds can boost the nutritional value. Greek yogurt and peanut butter in this recipe already add protein, making it a healthier option compared to traditional banana bread recipes.
5. Why did my banana bread turn out dense?
Dense banana bread can result from overmixing the batter, which develops the gluten in the flour and makes the bread tough. To avoid this, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Another reason could be using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
1. Use Ripe Bananas:
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
2. Avoid Overmixing:
- Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to prevent a dense and tough texture.
3. Check for Doneness:
- Use a toothpick to check if the banana bread is done. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
4. Let it Cool:
- Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
5. Add Mix-Ins:
- Customize your banana bread with mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt pinch
- 4 large bananas peeled and ripe
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- First, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F or 176 degrees C for a few minutes.
- Line a parchment paper on a cake pan.
- Take a bowl and add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and add peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract.
- Mix well, and then add the flour mixture to the egg mixture.
- Mix well, then fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Stir and fill the cake pan with the batter.
- Place it in the basket and cook at 310 degrees F or 154 degrees C for 40 minutes.
- Once done, slice and serve after cool down.
Notes
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 706
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15.7g 20%
Total Carbohydrate 122.3g 44%
Protein 23.4g
Variations and Serving Suggestions
1. Easy Banana Bread Recipe:
- Simplify this recipe by omitting the peanut butter and chocolate chips. The basic ingredients will still yield a delicious and moist banana bread.
2. Moist Banana Bread Recipe:
- For extra moist banana bread, add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
3. Banana Bread Recipe with Oil:
- Replace the peanut butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor and texture.
4. Best Banana Bread Recipe:
- This recipe can be considered the best due to its balance of flavors and moist texture. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
5. Healthy Banana Bread:
- Make a healthier version by using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, and adding nutritious mix-ins like flaxseed or chia seeds.
6. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe:
- Add ½ to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolatey twist.
7. Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe:
- Follow this recipe for a quick and foolproof method to achieve moist banana bread every time.
8. Banana Cake:
- Turn this banana bread into a banana cake by baking it in a round cake pan and frosting it with cream cheese frosting.
9. Healthy Banana Bread:
- Incorporate healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Conclusion
Air fryer banana bread is a modern take on a classic favorite, offering a quick and energy-efficient way to bake this delicious treat. The combination of ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter ensures a moist and flavorful loaf, while optional chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!