Banana Kaps
Crispy, golden banana fritters that are soft and sweet inside with a light, crunchy gram flour coating. A quick teatime snack from Maharashtrian cuisine that turns ripe bananas into something special with just a hint of cardamom.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Slice the bananas.
Peel the ripe bananas and slice them into even rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Set aside on a plate.
TIPUse bananas that are ripe but still firm — overripe ones turn mushy while frying. - mix · ~3 min
Make the batter.
1.In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, sugar, cardamom powder, and salt.2.Add water gradually while whisking to form a smooth, lump-free batter.3.The batter should coat the back of a spoon — not too thick, not too thin.TIPRice flour is the secret to extra crispiness — don't skip it. - fry · ~3 min
Heat the oil for deep frying.
Pour oil into a kadai and heat on medium flame. To test, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil — it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
TIPMaintain medium heat throughout frying — high heat burns the coating before the banana inside warms through. - fry · ~7 min
Coat and fry the banana slices.
1.Dip each banana slice into the batter, coating both sides evenly.2.Gently slide the coated slices into the hot oil, frying 5-6 pieces at a time.3.Fry for about 2 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides.4.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — it lowers the oil temperature and makes the fritters greasy. - serve · ~1 min
Serve hot with chai.
Arrange the crispy banana kaps on a serving plate. Enjoy immediately while hot and crunchy, paired with a cup of ginger chai.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice bananas evenly (0.5 cm) so they cook at the same rate and stay tender inside.
- 2Rest the batter for 5 minutes after mixing — it hydrates the flours for a smoother coating.
- 3Test oil temperature with a batter drop: it should sizzle and rise instantly, not brown too fast.
- 4Fry in small batches (5-6 slices) to keep oil hot and fritters crisp, not greasy.
- 5Drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil and preserve crunch.
- 6Serve within 15 minutes — banana kaps lose crispness as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-free
This recipe is already gluten-free (besan and rice flour), but ensure your cardamom powder and sugar are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
savorySavory
Omit sugar and cardamom, add ½ tsp each of red chili powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of asafoetida to the batter for a spicy chaat-style fritter.
air friedAir-fried
Skip deep-frying: brush the coated banana slices with oil and air-fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Bananas are a well-known source of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Plant-Based Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) provides a good amount of plant protein and fiber, making this snack more satisfying than refined-flour fritters.
Naturally Sweet
The sweetness comes primarily from ripe bananas, so only a small amount of added sugar is needed — a healthier choice than many fried desserts.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas will break down in the hot oil, making the fritters mushy and hard to coat evenly.
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