My mom has made banana bread so often that she can make it without even referencing a recipe. And I’m sure she’s not alone. The sweet but simple loaf is easily customizable and requires little prep — it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
There’s only one issue: It’s rarely ever as good as it is on the first day you make it. This is where getting creative with leftovers comes in handy. Here’s how I like to hack it.
1. Pair it with cream cheese. The first part of this hack comes from my mom. She almost always serves leftover banana bread slices warm with a generous amount of cream cheese on top. It’s a delicious combination that I think more people should know about. The sweet banana flavor is not compromised and pairs so well with the tanginess of the cream cheese.
2. Air-fry it. I’ve recently decided to take things a step further. Instead of simply covering warmed leftover slices with softened cream cheese, I air-fry the cream cheese-covered slices to allow the edges to crisp up and the cheese to set in the center just a bit.
The task is simple: Spread cream cheese (whipped works well!) on slices of banana bread. Be sure to create a lot of swerves with the butter knife, as this helps with browning. Air-fry the cream cheese-covered banana bread at 375 F for just three minutes. Lastly, drizzle with a small amount of honey for added sweetness.
This method works great with homemade banana bread, although a store-bought version can get the job done too. This is also a way to use your air fryer for more than just savory meals or side dishes (although air fryer French fries are truly exceptional).
(Cory Fernandez is associate food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to [email protected].)
