Instant Pot Baked Banana Bread

Banana bread is a delicious and comforting staple when it comes to baking, and there is nothing better than the flavorful aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting throughout the kitchen. Many Instant Pot Banana Bread recipes use the Pressure Cook feature to "steam-bake" banana bread and it results in a moist and denser bread. Using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp our Banana Bread recipe makes use of the Air Fryer lid's Bake feature to create a deliciously rich and moist banana bread with a lighter texture.  This easy to make recipe is a great way to use up your ripening bananas, and makes for a great breakfast, dessert, or snack any time of the day!

Why make Banana Bread in the Instant Pot?

There are many great reasons why you would choose to make Banana Bread in your Instant Pot

• It's easy and fun!
• It free's up space in your oven for other baking needs
• It's a good alternative to use on hot days when you don't feel like turning on the oven or heating up your kitchen
• It's a great portable option to use in a dorm room, hotel, while camping, in your RV, or on a road trip (all you need is an outlet)
• It's a good option to use if you don't have an oven or are under-going a kitchen renovation

How to ripen bananas quickly for baking

There always seems to be a few bananas we can't eat before the skins start to freckled or turn soft and brown. These ripe bananas are perfect for making banana bread since ripened bananas make the banana bread even more flavorful. It's also a good idea to freeze your peeled ripened bananas and save them for times when you need to make banana bread. If however, you don't have any ripe bananas on hand,  you can easily ripen bananas quickly in the oven following the steps below:

1.  Place the unripened bananas (unpeeled) on a parchment-lined baking sheet
2. Bake the bananas at 300ºF for 20-30 minutes until the skins turn shiny and black
3. Let the bananas cool, then peel the skin and mash before adding to the banana bread batter

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Use ripe (soft and brown) bananas for richer banana flavor
• Add yogurt or sour cream to add moisture to the banana bread
• Use softened butter when making the batter, you can also use oil but butter provides a richer flavor
• Sift the flour and other dry ingredients for a lighter overall texture
• Do not over-mix: simply mix the ingredients until just incorporated and then fold the bananas into the batter
• Line your bread pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the banana bread after baking
• Mid-way through baking, place foil over the top of the bread to prevent the top from browning too quickly while the interior continues to cook. Remove the foil 5-10 minutes before the bread is done baking to allow the top to fully brown and crisp.
• Use a thermometer to check the doneness of the banana bread.  Test a few spots in the bread and make sure the temperature has reached at least 200ºF-210ºF
• Store the banana bread in an air-tight container to preserve its freshness and flavor

What else can I add to my Banana Bread?

This banana bread recipe uses ingredients most commonly found in our pantries, but the great thing about banana bread is it's a very forgiving recipe that allows for a lot of variation. So, if you're short on some of the ingredients, you can play with the base ingredients and still enjoy a deliciously moist and flavorful banana bread. Here are a few great add-ins or substitutions you can try:

Optional Add-ins:

• chocolate chips
• chopped nuts (pecans/walnuts)
• rolled oats
• dried fruits (cranberries/raisins)
• whole/ground flax or chia seeds

Substitutions:

• Flour: try different types of flour for healthy or low carb diets (whole wheat/whole-grain/almond)
• Butter:  use margarine, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or shortening for moisture
• Yogurt: use sour cream, mayonnaise or coconut milk for added moisture
• Sugar: use honey, maple syrup or other sweeteners
• Eggs: use apple sauce or vegetable oil

How to store Banana Bread

Banana Bread retains its flavor and moisture when stored properly in an air-tight container for 3-4 days. It also freezes well to preserve its freshness, flavor, and texture. Once the bread has completely cooled, store the entire loaf or pre-cut slices in a freezer-friendly storage container or freezer bag. Pull the bread out to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

What if I don't have an Instant Pot Duo Crisp?

This Banana Bread recipe was made using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp as this multi-functional One-Pot pressure cooker also has an air fryer lid with a Bake function. You can also make this recipe using any Instant Pot compatible with an Air Fryer Lid to achieve the same results. If you don't have a One-Pot cooker with a Bake function or prefer to use a conventional oven, simply bake the banana bread uncovered in the oven at 350ºF for about 60 minutes or until browned. Check a few spots in the loaf with a thermometer to check the doneness of the bread. Ensure that the internal temperature has reached 200ºF-210ºF before removing from the oven and let the banana bread cool at room temperature.