Mash ripe bananas in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, beaten eggs, water or milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Add the mashed bananas to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan (about 6 to 8 tbsp).

Take 1 heaping tbsp of batter for each beignet and carefully drop it into the hot oil.

Fry in batches of 4-5, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Add more oil as needed to maintain the oil level.

Remove the fried beignets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve generously sprinkled with granulated sugar.