To ripen bananas quickly, here are the most effective methods:
- Paper Bag Method: Place bananas in a closed paper bag to trap ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. For even faster results, add an apple, pear, or avocado to the bag as they also release ethylene. Keep the bag in a warm spot and check daily; bananas usually ripen in 1-3 days this way
- Oven Ripening: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place unpeeled bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 40 minutes until the peels turn black and the bananas become soft. Let them cool before peeling. This method softens bananas quickly, ideal for baking but the bananas will be too mushy for eating raw
- Microwave Method: Poke unpeeled bananas with a fork several times and microwave them on high in 30-second intervals until soft. Let them cool before peeling. This is the fastest method but mainly suitable for baking purposes
- Air Fryer: Place bananas in an air fryer at 275°F for 10 to 30 minutes until soft and darkened. Check regularly and add water if peels become too crispy
- Warm Environment: Simply placing bananas in a warm spot (above 75°F or 24°C) can speed natural ripening
- Egg Yolk Method: For baking, mash bananas with raw egg yolk and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. The enzyme amylase in egg yolk breaks down starch into sugars quickly, making bananas sweeter
In summary, for fastest ripening suitable for baking, use the oven or microwave methods. For natural ripening with better texture for eating raw, use the paper bag with ethylene-producing fruits in a warm place
