Air Fryer Plantains: The Perfect 400-Degree Cooking Time

Air-fried plantains are a healthier alternative to the traditional Latin-American side dish, platanos maduros, or fried sweet plantains. By using an air fryer, you can cut down on the amount of oil used and still achieve the same texture and taste. The natural sugar in the plantains caramelizes along the surface, giving them a sweet and juicy flavour. The ripeness of the plantain will determine how long it needs to be cooked for, with softer, riper plantains requiring less cooking time. At 400°F, air fryer plantains will take between 10 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on the desired level of browning and the thickness of the slices.

Air Fryer Plantains

Air-frying plantains at 400°F for 11-12 minutes

When air-frying plantains, it is important to use ripe plantains. Look for plantains that are yellow, or even better, black with some yellow left on the skin. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain will be. Green plantains are less sweet and starchier and are not ideal for this recipe.

To prepare the plantains, start by cutting off the ends with a paring knife. Then, cut a slit along the length of the peel and carefully remove the skin. Cut the plantain into slices that are about 3/4 to 1-inch thick. The thickness of the slices will impact the cooking time, so try to keep them uniform. If your plantains are soft, you can lightly grease the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer and spritz or drizzle the tops with oil. You can also add salt or sugar at this step, if desired.

Now you are ready to air-fry! Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the plantains for 11-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The plantains are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Air-fried plantains are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the plantains back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Preparing plantains for air-frying

Once you have selected your plantains, it's time to start preparing them. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off both ends of the plantain. This will make it easier to remove the skin. Then, using the same knife, carefully cut a slit along the length of the plantain, making sure not to cut into the flesh. You can then use your fingers to carefully peel away the tough outer skin.

The next step is to slice the plantain into pieces. For air-frying, it is recommended to cut the plantain into diagonal slices or medium-sized pieces. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference, but it is important to ensure that they are all roughly the same thickness so that they cook evenly.

Once your plantain slices are ready, you can choose to season them before cooking. You can toss the plantain slices with your favourite seasonings, such as garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning. You can also choose to sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top for a sweeter treat.

After seasoning, it's time to load the air fryer. Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded so that they can cook evenly. You can then spray the plantains with cooking oil or lightly grease the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Finally, set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your plantain slices and the desired level of doneness. For crispy plantain chips, a higher temperature and longer cooking time may be desired.

Air-frying plantains in batches

Firstly, you should ensure your plantains are ripe. Ripe plantains will be yellow or black, with the darker skins being sweeter. Green plantains are less sweet and starchier, and are not recommended for this recipe. You can let your plantains ripen at room temperature until they reach the desired colour.

To prepare your plantains, cut the ends off and then cut a slit along the length of the peel. Peel the skin and cut the plantain into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. If your plantains are soft, you can coat them with oil or grease the air fryer basket. If your plantains are firm, you can toss them in a bowl with oil and salt before placing them in the basket.

Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spritz or spray with oil. Air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove the plantains and place them between two sheets of aluminum foil. Flatten the plantain slices to about 1/2-inch thickness using a flat-bottomed surface, such as a glass or jar.

Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Return the flattened plantains to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

You can serve your plantains with a variety of dips and toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, cinnamon, or cheese. Enjoy!

Reheating air-fried plantains

When you are ready to reheat the plantains, avoid using a microwave, as this can make them soggy. Instead, place them in the air fryer in a single layer at 350°F for two to three minutes, or until they are warm and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or on the stovetop in a non-stick pan with minimal oil over medium heat for two to three minutes on each side.

If you are reheating plantains that have been sliced into thin plantain chips, they may only need a minute at 380°F in the air fryer.

Health benefits of air-frying plantains

Air-frying plantains is a healthier alternative to deep-frying them. Air-frying requires significantly less oil, resulting in a lighter, guilt-free snack with fewer calories and less fat. This method also achieves a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender without using excessive oil.

Plantains are a starchy fruit from the banana family and are typically larger and starchier than bananas. They are popular in Latin American, Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and African cuisines. Green plantains are unripe and have white flesh, making them ideal for starchy vegetable substitutes like potatoes or rice. As plantains ripen, they become yellow and then black, and their flavour also sweetens. Yellow plantains are slightly soft and sweet, making them suitable for frying and baking, while black plantains are very soft and sweet, perfect for desserts.

Plantains are a good source of fibre, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and are beneficial for gut and heart health. However, they are high in carbohydrates, and deep-frying them can add a lot of extra fat. Hence, baking, grilling, or air-frying are healthier alternatives to enjoy the nutritional benefits of plantains without the added fat and calories.

To air-fry plantains, you can slice them super thin to make plantain chips or cut them into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Toss the plantain slices with seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or cajun seasoning, and a light cooking oil like olive, canola, avocado, or coconut oil. Arrange the plantains in a single layer on the air fryer tray, spritz with cooking spray, and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned. Flatten the plantains to about 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of aluminium foil using a glass, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Frequently asked questions