Air-Fryer Plantains: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook plantains in a healthier way, with much less fat and calories than traditional frying methods. The natural sugar in the plantains caramelises along the surface, creating a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, tender inside. The key to getting the best results is to use ripe plantains, which are naturally sweeter. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain. You can use a variety of oils, including avocado, coconut, olive, and vegetable oil, and season with salt, cinnamon, or sugar. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the plantain slices, but generally, they will take around 10-15 minutes to cook.

Air Fryer Plantains

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness:

The ripeness of the plantain will significantly impact its flavour and texture. Ripe plantains are sweeter due to the conversion of starches into sugars during the ripening process. For air frying, very ripe plantains with black or nearly black skin are recommended. The darker and softer the plantain, the sweeter and moister it will be. However, avoid overly soft or mushy plantains as they may be challenging to work with. Look for plantains that are mostly black with a little yellow and still slightly firm to the touch.

Colour:

The colour of the plantain's skin is a good indicator of its ripeness. Plantains are typically found in green, yellow, or black, with green being the least ripe and black being the ripest. Yellow plantains are more ripe than green, and nearly black or dark brown plantains are the ripest and sweetest.

Texture:

The texture of the plantain will depend on its ripeness. Green plantains are starchier and less sweet, making them suitable for recipes that require a crisp texture, such as plantain chips. Riper plantains, on the other hand, are softer and sweeter, making them ideal for recipes that call for a tender, caramelized texture.

Source:

When selecting plantains, consider the source. Local Asian or Latin markets are likely to have a wider variety of ripe plantains. It can be challenging to find ripe plantains at grocery stores, as they typically carry fewer varieties.

Recipe Requirements:

Different recipes may call for varying levels of ripeness. Some dishes, like plantain chips, are best made with less ripe plantains to achieve the desired crispness and texture. In contrast, sweeter dishes may require very ripe plantains. Always check your recipe to determine the appropriate level of ripeness.

In summary, when choosing plantains for air frying, opt for very ripe, dark-skinned plantains that are slightly soft but still firm. The ripeness will contribute to the desired flavour and texture, ensuring your air-fried plantains turn out sweet, tender, and caramelized.

Preparing the plantain

Once you have selected your plantains, it is time to start preparing them. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off both ends of each plantain. Then, with a paring knife, carefully cut a shallow slit along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not into the flesh. This will make it easier to remove the skin. After you have cut the slit, you can carefully remove the skin and discard it.

Now it is time to slice the plantain. It is recommended to slice the plantain on a bias, or diagonal, which will give you more surface area for the plantain to achieve a crispy, caramelized texture. Try to cut the pieces to a relatively uniform thickness between 1/2" to 1" thick, so that they cook evenly. If you want to make plantain chips, you can slice the plantain super thin.

Finally, place the sliced plantain in a bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, depending on your preference. Toss the plantain pieces in the bowl to evenly coat them in oil. At this point, you can also add any desired seasonings, such as salt, sugar, garlic powder, cayenne, or cajun seasoning.

Oil and seasoning

The oil used to cook plantains in an air fryer can vary depending on your preference. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil spray. The type of oil used does not significantly affect the flavor of the dish since only a small amount of oil is needed for air frying. If you are using a liquid oil, place the plantain pieces in a bowl and drizzle the oil over them, tossing to coat evenly. If you are using an oil spray, you can spray the plantains directly in the air fryer basket.

The amount of oil used can be adjusted to your preference, but a light coating or a few sprays should be sufficient. You can also choose to omit the oil altogether if you prefer.

Regarding seasoning, salt is the most commonly used seasoning for plantains cooked in an air fryer. A generous sprinkle of coarse salt or cayenne pepper salt is often recommended. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or cinnamon. If you want to enhance the sweetness of the plantains, you can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top. Additionally, lime juice can be squeezed over the cooked plantains for a fresh flavor.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for preheating is around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can preheat for 2 to 3 minutes, or longer if you prefer.

Next, you'll want to set the temperature for cooking the plantains. The cooking temperature should be between 360 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the crispier the plantains will become. Adjust the temperature according to your desired level of doneness.

Regarding cooking time, the plantains will typically need 8 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. For example, you can cook them for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then check on them every minute or so until they're golden brown. Thicker slices and less ripe plantains will generally need more time.

It's important to note that you may need to cook the plantains in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure even cooking and the desired crispness. Additionally, remember to leave ample space between the plantains in the basket to promote proper air circulation.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried plantains can be served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. They can be served with a dip or with salt and your favourite spices. They are also great with a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh flavour.

If you are serving air-fried plantains as a side dish, they go well with black beans, rice and beans, or any Latin dish. They also go well with fish, seafood, chicken, pork, or beef.

For a sweeter option, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top. You can also add melted cheese, like shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or Oaxaca cheese.

Air-fried plantains can also be served with mashed avocado and a pinch of salt.

Frequently asked questions