Breakfast & Brunch
This banana egg roll recipe transforms a simple wonton wrapper into a crispy, golden masterpiece with a silky banana filling that melts in your mouth. đ The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweetness and textureâcaramelized banana wrapped in delicate wonton skins, creating a dish thatâs both satisfying and elegant. What makes this recipe stand out is how it delivers that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the filling tender and flavorful.
The process is straightforward yet precise: youâll start by preparing the banana filling with a touch of flour and sugar for that ideal consistency, then carefully wrapping each piece in wonton skins before frying to a golden finish. This isnât just a dessertâitâs a versatile treat that works as a breakfast pastry, snack, or even a light dessert. The best part? Itâs foolproof, and the results are restaurant-quality every time.
Once you bite into that first crispy egg roll, youâll understand why this recipe has become a favorite. The contrast of the crispy wrapper and the soft, caramelized banana inside is pure magicâespecially when paired with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Itâs the kind of dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Ready to make these?
Whether youâre serving them at brunch, as a snack, or even as a dessert, these banana egg rolls are sure to impress. The recipe scales easily, so you can make a batch for a crowd or just enjoy a few as a sweet treat. Letâs get started on creating these delicious, golden-wrapped delights.
Ingredients for banana egg roll
Four ripe bananas and a handful of pantry staples create crispy, golden egg rolls with silky filling.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas đ | 2 whole | Sliced into 1-inch pieces |
| All-Purpose Flour đž | Âź cup | For binding banana filling |
| Granulated Sugar đ | â cup | Adjust for sweetness preference |
| Wonton Wrappers đĽ | 12 pieces | Square, round, or rectangular |
| Vegetable Oil đŤ | 2 cups | For deep frying (high smoke point) |
| Eggs đĽ | 1 whole | Lightly beaten for sealing |
| Sweet Chili Sauce đś | ½ cup | For dipping (optional) |
| Crushed Peanuts đĽ | Âź cup | For garnish (optional) |
| Salt đ§ | ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Vanilla Extract đ¸ | ½ tsp | Enhances banana flavor |
| Cornstarch đž | 1 tbsp | For crispier texture (optional) |
The bananas are the starâpick ones that are just slightly underripe (theyâll soften as they caramelize). Trader Joeâs or Costco usually have perfect ones year-round. For the wonton wrappers, King Noodle or Martini brands are my go-tosâtheyâre sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. If you canât find them, rice paper wrappers work in a pinch, but theyâre trickier to seal. The egg wash is non-negotiable hereâitâs what gives those egg rolls that signature golden sheen. Donât skip it even if youâre in a hurry.
No sweet chili sauce? Mix 3 tbsp honey with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sriracha for a quick substitute. Out of crushed peanuts? Toasted almonds or sesame seeds add a nice crunch instead. The cornstarch is optional but worth the extra minuteâit helps the filling stay together better when frying. For the oil, vegetable or canola works best (high smoke point), but peanut oil gives extra flavor if youâre feeling fancy. If your bananas are too ripe, add 1 tbsp more flour to the filling to absorb extra moisture.
Fry in small batchesâovercrowding makes them soggy. Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy longer. These reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes (just cover with foil to prevent burning). Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but honestly? Theyâre best fresh. Freeze uncooked wrapped egg rolls for up to 2 monthsâfry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes. The filling keeps well tooâmake a double batch and save half for smoothies!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Overmixing Needed: I swear by thisâjust mix the batter until just combined, no need to overwork it like pancakes. The bananas keep it tender, and the wonton wrappers add that perfect crispy crunch without fuss.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: That caramelized banana filling with a hint of sugar? Itâs like dessert meets dinner. The crispy edges soak up just enough sweetness, but the center stays softâtrust me, itâs the kind of bite that disappears fast.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, these freeze like a dream. I make a batch on Sundays, pop them in the freezer, and grab one straight into my lunchboxâno reheating needed. Kids love the fun shape, and theyâre packed with energy for the afternoon.
- Pantry Staple Hack: Wonton wrappers and ripe bananas? Youâre already halfway there. No specialty ingredients, no last-minute grocery runs. Itâs my go-to when Iâve got overripe bananas begging for love and zero time to waste.
Step-by-step instructions for banana egg rolls
Crispy, golden egg rolls with a silky yolk centerâhere's how to make them perfectly every time.
đ¨âđł Step 1: Prepare the Banana Filling
Slice the 2 whole ripe bananas into 1-inch piecesâthey should be soft enough to mash easily with gentle pressure. In a medium bowl, combine the banana slices with the 0.25 cup all-purpose flour, 0.125 cup granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp vanilla extract. Gently fold everything together until just combinedâyou want a sticky, thick mixture that holds its shape when scooped.
Here's the thingâdon't overmix or the filling will become dense. The flour acts as a binder, but you still want the bananas to stay recognizable inside. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to help it bind. Taste a small spoonful and adjust the sugar if neededâyou want it sweet enough to balance the crispy wrapper.
đĽ Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls
Place one wonton wrapper in your palm and add 1 tablespoon of the banana filling near the bottom corner. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides tightly, and roll it up like a burrito. Press gently to sealâyou want it snug but not bursting. I like to make a small slit on the top to let any steam escape during frying, which prevents them from puffing up unevenly.
Work quickly but carefullyâwonton wrappers stick together like glue. If they start sticking to your surface, lightly dust with flour or keep a damp paper towel nearby to wipe your hands. You should have enough filling for 12 pieces, so pace yourself. The key to crispy egg rolls is even rollingâthicker spots won't cook through while thinner spots burn.
đĽ Step 1: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°Fâuse a thermometer to monitor this carefully. Once the oil reaches temperature, carefully add 4-5 egg rolls at a time (don't overcrowd or they'll steam instead of fry). Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown. You'll see bubbles form around the edgesâthat's your signal they're cooking properly.
Here's where it gets tricky: the oil temperature drops when you add the egg rolls, so it's normal for them to stop sizzling briefly. Give it 30 seconds, then check again. They're done when they float and have a consistent golden color. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If they're not golden enough, return them to the oil for another 30 secondsâthey crisp up fast!
đł Step 2: Seal with Egg Wash
While the egg rolls are still warm, beat the 1 whole egg lightly in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top of each egg roll with the egg washâthis creates a shiny, sealed crust that makes them extra crispy. Don't drown them; just a light coating is enough. Return them to the 350°F oil for 30-45 seconds to set the egg wash and get that beautiful golden finish.
This step is optional but makes a HUGE difference. The egg wash adds texture and gives them that restaurant-quality sheen. If you're short on time, skip it, but your egg rolls will be less crispy without it. Let them drain on the paper towels for 2-3 minutes before servingâthis prevents sogginess from steam.
đ˝ď¸ Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Transfer the crispy egg rolls to a serving platter and sprinkle with 0.25 cup crushed peanuts while they're still warm. The peanuts add crunch and a nutty contrast to the sweet filling. Serve immediately with 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce on the side for dippingâit cuts through the richness beautifully. For extra flair, dust with a pinch of 1 tbsp cornstarch (if using) for a powdery finish that adds texture.
Each bite should deliver a perfect balance: crispy wrapper, creamy yolk center, and sweet banana filling. If you made them ahead, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These egg rolls are best served fresh, but they'll still be delicious warm for about 30 minutesâafter that, the wrappers soften fast. Enjoy with iced tea or a cold beer for the ultimate snack!
Pro Tips For Making Banana Egg Roll
- MASH THE BANANAS FIRST: I learned this the hard wayâpeeling and slicing bananas before mashing them leads to a messier filling. Use a fork or potato masher directly in the peel, then scoop out the purĂŠe. This keeps your workspace cleaner and ensures even distribution in the wrappers.
- CHILL THE WRAPPERS: Wonton wrappers stick like glue when theyâre warm. Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before rollingâit makes sealing them tight a breeze. (Yes, even if you're impatient like me.)
- FRY IN BATCHES: Overcrowding the pan turns your egg rolls into soggy dumplings. Fry them in small batchesâabout 3 at a timeâso they sizzle and brown properly. A crowded pan steams instead of sears, and thatâs how you end up with sad, greasy results.
- SWEETEN THE FILLING LAST: The sugar burns fast when frying, so mix it into the banana-flour batter after youâve rolled the egg rolls. Brush a little extra sugar on top before frying for caramelization, but donât go overboardâyou want flavor, not a sticky disaster.
Essential equipment for this recipe
Deep Frying Essentials
Youâll need a deep skillet or Dutch oven with at least 3-quart capacityâI love the All-Clad Stainless Steel for even heat distribution. A deep-fry thermometer is non-negotiable for maintaining 350°Fâthe Thermoworks Thermapen is my go-to because itâs fast and accurate. If you donât have one, a simple candy thermometer works in a pinch. đĄď¸
For oil, vegetable or canola oil is idealâboth have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid olive oil (it burns too easily) and stick to 2 cups per batch. I keep a fine-mesh strainer nearby to drain excess oil efficiently, and a slotted spoon for flipping. A wire cooling rack is better than paper towels for keeping egg rolls crispy longer.
Wrapping Workstation
Set up a clean, flat surface near your filling bowlâI use a large cutting board or marble slab to prevent sticking. Keep a small bowl of flour and a damp paper towel handy for sticky fingers. A pastry brush (like OXO Good Grips) is perfect for the egg wash, and a small bowl for beating the egg. For speed, I pre-cut 12 wonton wrappers and stack them neatly before assembling.
Optional Upgrades
A mini food processor (like Cuisinart DLC-4A) saves time when mashing bananas if you prefer smoother filling. For extra crispiness, I sometimes use a cornstarch dusting stationâjust a small bowl with 1 tbsp cornstarch and a fine-mesh sieve to coat the finished egg rolls. A timer (even your phone works) ensures even cookingâset it for 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcrowding.
Safety First
Always use oven mitts when handling hot oilâSilvertree Heat-Resistant Gloves are my favorite for deep frying. Keep a fire extinguisher (or baking soda) nearby as a precaution. A splash guard (like the OXO Good Grips) helps contain oil splatters. Never leave oil unattended, and keep kids/pets away from the cooking area. đĽ
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these banana egg rolls without frying?
For a healthier version, try baking or air-frying. Place assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden, flipping halfway. For air-frying, use 375°F for 8-10 minutes, spraying with oil once halfway through. The texture will be lighter but still delicious!
Why did my egg rolls turn out soggy?
Soggy egg rolls usually happen from overcrowding in the oil or not draining properly. Fry in small batches (4-5 at a time) and maintain 350°F oil temperatureâdropping below this causes steaming. After frying, transfer to a wire rack (not paper towels) to drain excess oil completely. Also, ensure your filling isn't too wetâadd 1-2 tbsp more flour if needed.
What's the best way to store leftover banana egg rolls?
Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked wrapped egg rolls for 2 monthsâfry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. The filling keeps well tooâsave half for smoothies!
Can I substitute the wonton wrappers?
Yes! If you can't find wonton wrappers, try rice paper wrappers (soak briefly in warm water) or spring roll wrappers. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or corn tortillas (though they won't be as delicate). The key is to keep the filling snugâthinner wrappers may need extra sealing with egg wash. Avoid flour tortillasâthey're too thick and won't crisp up properly.
How do I adjust the sweetness level?
The recipe balances sweetness with the crispy wrapper and savory dipping sauce. For less sweetness, reduce sugar to 2 tbsp and add 1 tsp cinnamon to the filling. For extra sweetness, increase sugar to 0.25 cup or add 1 tbsp maple syrup. Taste the filling before assemblingâadjust while it's still raw since flavors intensify during frying. The egg wash also adds subtle sweetness!
