Air-Fryer Sweet Plantains: A Quick, Easy Treat

Sweet plantains, also known as Maduros, are a staple food in many cultures, including Caribbean and Latin American countries. They are typically shallow-fried in oil, but can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy, and faster alternative. Air-fried plantains are just as delicious as their traditionally fried counterparts, with caramelized crisp edges and a sweet, tender interior. The ripeness of the plantain will determine how sweet the dish will be, with darker skins indicating a sweeter taste. Preparing air-fried sweet plantains is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients and an air fryer.

How to cut plantains

• First, you want to make sure your plantains are ripe. Ripe plantains are sweeter and taste better. The riper the plantain, the darker the skin. If your plantains are unripe, let them sit on the counter to ripen, which can take 3 to 5 days.
• Cut off both ends of the plantain.
• Make shallow slits along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not the flesh.
• Gently pull back the peel along the slits. Use a knife to slice off any stuck-on peel.
• Slice the plantains diagonally to increase the surface area. This will result in a crispier, more caramelized texture.
• If the plantains are firm, transfer them to a bowl and mix them with oil and salt. If they are soft, you can skip this step and go straight to the air fryer.
• Place the plantain slices in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cook at 370-380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Your plantains are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to cook plantains in the air fryer

Air-fried plantains are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried plantains, which are often high in calories and require a lot of oil. Air-fried plantains are also a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or a side dish.

Choosing your plantains

First, you will need to select your plantains. Plantains are a starchy fruit from the banana family and are typically eaten cooked. They are popular in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines. When ripe, plantains are sweet and soft, and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. For this recipe, choose plantains that are yellow with black speckles or nearly all black. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain.

Preparing your plantains

Before cooking, you will need to cut and peel your plantains. Cut off both ends of the plantain, then make a shallow slit along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not the flesh. Peel off the skin and discard. Slice the plantains on a diagonal into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick pieces. If your plantains are firm, you can toss them with oil and salt in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer. If your plantains are soft, you can place them directly in the air fryer basket and spray or drizzle them with oil.

Cooking your plantains

Preheat your air fryer to between 325°F and 425°F. Place the plantains in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the plantains are caramelised on the edges and soft in the middle.

Serving your plantains

Air-fried plantains are best served immediately. They can be enjoyed as is or with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sugar, or salt.

How to serve sweet plantains

Sweet plantains are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Sweet plantains are commonly served as a side dish, accompanying a variety of main courses. They pair well with meaty dishes such as chicken, rice, and beans, or Latin American staples like arroz con pollo, picadillo, ropa vieja, and lechon asado. They can also be served alongside curry goat, oxtail, brown stew chicken, jerk chicken/pork, ackee + saltfish, or a salad.

For Breakfast

Sweet plantains can be a tasty addition to a hearty breakfast. Try them with a crispy fried egg, bacon or sausage, and hash browns.

As a Snack

Sweet plantains can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, perhaps with some seasoning.

With Dessert

Sweet plantains can even be served as a dessert. Try them with ice cream, drizzled with sweetened condensed milk (platanos con lechera), creamy pudding/rice pudding, or dusted with cinnamon sugar.

In a Sweet Plantain Lasagna

For something a little different, sweet plantains can be used to make a sweet plantain lasagna, such as the Puerto Rican Lasagna.

With Dips

Sweet plantains can be served with dips such as guacamole or salsa.

With Cheese

Sweet plantains can be enjoyed topped with cheese, such as queso blanco rallado (grated white cheese) or Venezuelan white cheese.

The health benefits of plantains

Sweet plantains can be made in an air fryer. The plantains should be ripe, with black skin and tender flesh. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain.

Now, here is some information on the health benefits of plantains:

Plantains are a starchy fruit that belongs to the banana family. They are less sweet and starchier than bananas and are usually cooked before serving. They are a staple food in many tropical countries, including those in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

• Digestive health: Plantains contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. They also have a good amount of fiber, which improves bowel function and can help prevent constipation.
• Blood sugar control: Plantains have a low glycemic index, which means they don't cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This makes them a good food choice for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Blood pressure control: Plantains are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
• Immune system support: Plantains are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which are important for supporting a healthy immune system.
• High in antioxidants: The vitamin C in plantains acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body against free radical damage associated with aging, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Weight management: Plantains contain complex carbohydrates and fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack on unhealthy foods.

Plantains are a versatile and nutritious food that can be prepared in various ways, such as boiling, baking, frying, or grilling. However, frying plantains can increase their calorie and fat content, so baking or air frying may be healthier alternatives.

How to store leftover plantains

If you have leftover plantains, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover plantains:

• Let the plantains cool down: It is important to let the plantains cool down completely before storing them. This will help prevent excess moisture and keep them from going bad.
• Store in a sealed container: Once the plantains are cool, place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag.
• Refrigerate: Put the container in the refrigerator. The plantains will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freeze for long-term storage: If you want to keep the plantains for a longer period, you can freeze them. Use a container or bag that is safe for freezer storage. Label the container or bag with the date, and then place it in the freezer.
• Thaw before using: When you are ready to use the frozen plantains, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat them or add them directly to your recipes.
• Store plantain chips in airtight containers: If you are storing plantain chips, it is important to keep them in airtight containers to maintain crispness.
• Store plantain chips in a cool, dry place: Keep the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and warm areas. Room temperature is best for plantain chips as they may become soggy if stored in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions