Air-Fried Plantain: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Plantains are a starchy fruit from the banana family, popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines. They are typically fried, but can also be steamed, boiled, grilled, or baked. Air fryers have become a popular alternative to frying plantains, as they require less oil and are therefore considered a healthier option. Air-fried plantains are also quicker to cook and easier to prepare than their traditionally fried counterparts.

Air fryer plantains are healthier than fried plantains

Air fryer plantains are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried plantains. Plantains are a starchy fruit from the banana family, which are popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines. They are typically deep-fried, baked, steamed, boiled, grilled, or fried. However, frying them can add a lot of extra fat and calories.

Air-fried plantains, on the other hand, are a healthier choice as they require very little oil—just a teaspoon per plantain—and are therefore lower in fat and calories. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and are beneficial for gut and heart health.

To prepare plantains for air frying, start by cutting off the ends and peeling the skin. Then, cut the plantain into your desired shape and season with salt, which is optional. Finally, coat the plantains with a thin layer of oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 370-395°F for about 12 minutes, flipping the plantains halfway through.

Air fryer plantains are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, offering the same taste and texture with reduced fat and calories. They are a perfect side dish or snack and can be enjoyed by everyone.

How to prepare plantains for air frying

Air-fried plantains are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional Latin-American side dish of fried sweet plantains. This recipe is perfect for a tasty appetizer, a quick snack, or a side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare plantains for air frying:

Selecting the Plantains:

At the grocery store, you will find plantains that are green, yellow, or black. Green plantains are less sweet and starchier, while yellow ones are more ripe, and black plantains are the ripest and the sweetest. For air frying, ripe yellow or black plantains are the best choice.

Preparing the Plantains:

• Before peeling, use a sharp knife to cut the ends of the plantains.
• Make a shallow slit along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not the flesh.
• Peel the skin and discard it.
• Slice the plantains diagonally into uniform pieces, about 1/2" thick. The thickness of the slices will impact the cooking time, so try to keep them consistent.
• Place the plantain slices into a bowl.
• Drizzle or spray the plantain slices with oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, canola oil, or coconut oil. A small amount of oil is needed, as air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying methods.
• Optional Step: Sprinkle salt or sugar over the plantains and toss the ingredients to coat the slices evenly.

Air Frying the Plantains:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-425°F. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on an air fryer rack. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry the plantains for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time will depend on the ripeness, thickness of the slices, and your desired level of doneness.
• Check the plantains for doneness by poking them with a knife. They should be soft in the middle and have a golden brown color.
• Once cooked, transfer the plantains carefully to a serving plate and enjoy!

Air-fried plantains are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 380°F for 2-3 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The air fryer temperature and cooking time for plantains depend on the desired texture and the ripeness of the plantains. Riper plantains will be softer and sweeter, and may cook faster. For ripe plantains, a temperature of 380°F for 10-12 minutes is recommended, flipping them over halfway through. Less ripe plantains should be cooked at 395°F for 12 minutes, also flipping them over halfway through.

If you prefer your plantains to be crispy, you can cook them at a lower temperature for a longer time, or use a water soak in between frying. You can also coat the plantains in oil to help maintain a crispy outside and tender inside. If you want to avoid using oil, you can use a cooking spray or bake the plantains, but they will not have the same browned, crunchy texture.

The size of your air fryer will also determine the cooking time and number of batches. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook the plantains in multiple batches.

Air fryer plantains as a side dish

Air fryer plantains are a tasty and healthy side dish that is vegan, gluten-free, paleo and whole30 approved. They are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium.

To make air fryer plantains, you will need ripe plantains, oil, and salt (optional). Ripe plantains are yellow or yellow with some black, and they will be tender and sweet. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain. You can speed up the ripening process by letting the plantains sit on the counter or somewhere warm.

Once your plantains are ripe, cut off the ends and carefully remove the skin. Cut the plantain into 1/2"-thick pieces diagonally or in any shape you like. If the plantains are soft, you can directly spray oil or lightly grease the bottom of the air fryer basket. Otherwise, transfer the plantain slices to a bowl and toss with oil and salt. Then, place the plantains in the air fryer basket in a single layer and sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Set your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the plantains for 8-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The plantains are done when they are browned on the outside and tender on the inside. You can poke them with a knife to check if they are done to your liking.

Air fryer plantains are best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply air fry for a minute at 380°F. You can also sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top to serve with dessert.

Air fryer plantains as a snack

Air-fried plantains are a tasty, healthier alternative to fried plantains. They are vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and whole30 approved. Plantains are a starchy fruit from the banana family and are popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines.

Preparation

Firstly, you need to select plantains that are ripe. The riper the plantain, the sweeter it will be. You can tell a plantain is ripe when it is brown or black with some yellow left on the skin. You can speed up the ripening process by letting the plantain sit on your counter or somewhere warm.

Once you have a ripe plantain, cut off the ends and then use a sharp paring knife to cut a slit along the length of the peel. Carefully remove the skin and then cut the plantain into 1/2"-thick pieces. You can cut the plantain diagonally or at an angle.

Cooking

Place the plantain pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Spray the plantains with oil and sprinkle with salt, if desired. Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The plantains are done when they are browned on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serving

Air fryer plantains are best enjoyed fresh when cooked. They can be served as a snack on their own or with a dip. You can also sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top to make them sweeter.

Frequently asked questions