Air-Frying Plantains: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air-fried plantains are a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional Latin American side dish, platanos maduros, or fried sweet plantains. This cooking method uses far less oil, reducing the calories and fat content of the dish. The ripeness of the plantain will determine how sweet the dish will be, with yellow plantains being more ripe and black plantains being the ripest. Before air-frying, the plantains should be peeled and cut into the desired shape, then seasoned with salt and coated in oil. They are then placed in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, being sure to flip them halfway through.

How to cook plantains in an air fryer

Choosing the right plantain

Colour

The colour of a plantain's skin is a good indicator of its ripeness. Ripe plantains have yellow or black skin. The darker the skin, the riper and sweeter the plantain will be. Look for plantains that are mostly black with a little yellow, or a dark brown colour all over. Avoid plantains that are completely black, as they will be too soft and difficult to prepare. If you prefer a starchier plantain, choose one that is green or pale yellow.

Texture

A ripe plantain should be slightly firm to the touch, similar to the firmness of a peach. Avoid plantains that are too soft, as they will be challenging to work with and won't hold their shape during cooking. On the other hand, very green plantains can be difficult to peel and may not have the desired sweetness.

Source

It can be hard to find ripe plantains at a regular grocery store. Your local Asian or Latin market may be a better source of ripe plantains. If you can only find green plantains, don't worry! You can let them ripen at home by leaving them on the counter. This can take a few days to a week, depending on the time of year and temperature.

Recipe

Finally, consider how you plan to cook your plantains. Some recipes, like plantain chips, are best made with less ripe, starchier plantains. Riper, sweeter plantains are perfect for air frying and serving as a side dish or snack.

Preparing the plantain

Choosing the Right Plantain:

Start by selecting ripe plantains, preferably yellow or nearly black ones. Ripe plantains are sweeter and softer, resulting in a more flavourful dish. Avoid green plantains, as they are less sweet and starchier, making them unsuitable for this recipe.

Cutting and Peeling:

Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut off both ends of the plantain. Then, cut a slit along the length of the plantain, through the peel, but be careful not to cut into the flesh. Gently peel back the skin and remove it. You can use a knife to help separate the peel from the fruit if needed.

Slicing:

For even cooking, it is important to slice the plantain into uniform pieces. Cut the plantain on a diagonal or bias, creating pieces that are about 1/2" thick to 3/4" thick. This will increase the surface area, allowing for a crispy, caramelized texture.

Seasoning:

Place the sliced plantain in a bowl. At this stage, you can add your preferred seasonings. A drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil spray is a great base. You can also add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the plantain. If you want a sweeter dish, a pinch of cinnamon and sugar can be added. Alternatively, try tossing the plantain in garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning for a savoury kick.

Air Fryer Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-395°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer, ensuring they are well spaced out for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the crispness of the plantain.

Your plantains are now ready for the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions for perfectly cooked, healthy, and delicious air-fried plantains.

Cooking temperature and duration

The cooking temperature and duration for air-fried plantains vary depending on the ripeness and type of plantain, the desired texture, and the size of the air fryer.

For sweet plantains, use ripe plantains that are yellow or nearly black. The darker and softer the plantain, the sweeter and moister it will be. Ripe plantains should be cooked at 395°F for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For plantain chips, slice the plantains thinly and use yellow, firm plantains. Toss them with seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning before air frying at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For Dominican tostones, use green, unripe plantains. Cut the plantains into 1-inch coins and cook at a lower temperature for a longer time. The exact temperature and duration are not specified, but the plantains should be cooked through enough to be smashed into small disks before the second round of frying.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the plantain slices. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking the plantains.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an important component of cooking plantains in an air fryer, as it helps to protect the moisture in the plantains and gives them a crispy exterior. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil spray. If you don't want to use oil, you can use a water soak between air fryings, but this may affect the texture of the plantains.

To prepare the plantains for air frying, start by coating them generously with oil. You can place the plantains in a bowl and drizzle them with oil, or spray them with oil directly in the air fryer basket. Make sure the plantains are well-coated, as this will help ensure a crispy exterior. You can also add seasonings to the plantains at this stage, such as salt, sugar, or cinnamon.

If your plantains are firm, you can transfer them to a bowl and toss them with oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer basket. This will help ensure that the plantains are evenly coated. If your plantains are soft and may get mushy, it's better to place them in the air fryer basket first and then spray them with oil and add seasonings.

When cooking plantains in an air fryer, it's important to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will allow for proper air circulation and help achieve crispy perfection. The cooking time will depend on the ripeness and thickness of the plantains, but generally, they should be cooked for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried plantains are a delicious and healthy snack, side dish, or dessert. They are a great alternative to the traditional method of frying plantains in a lot of oil, which increases the calories and fat content. Air-fried plantains can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a snack: Air-fried plantains can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Their natural sweetness and crispiness make them a tasty and healthy treat. You can also sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon and sugar to enhance their sweetness.
• With a dip: Air-fried plantains go well with various dips such as guacamole or salsa. You can also serve them with a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh flavor.
• As a side dish: Air-fried plantains make a great side dish to a variety of main courses. They pair well with meaty dishes, such as fish, seafood, chicken, pork, or beef. They can also be served with eggs and rice-and-beans dishes such as gallo pinto. For a Latin-inspired meal, try air-fried plantains with Picadillo, Carne Bistec, or any other Latin dish.
• In a sweet dish: Air-fried plantains can be used in sweet preparations as well. For a sweet and savory combination, top them with melted cheese, such as shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or Oaxaca cheese. You can also sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar to make them even sweeter and serve them with dessert.
• With other plantain dishes: Air-fried plantains can be served with other plantain dishes, such as Air Fryer Tostones or Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Plantains. This way, you can enjoy the different textures and flavors of plantains.
• As a healthy option: Air-fried plantains are a healthier alternative to fried plantains, especially for those watching their calorie and fat intake. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and minerals like magnesium and potassium.

When serving air-fried plantains, it is best to enjoy them fresh and hot out of the air fryer. They tend to lose their crispy texture when stored, but any leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. To reheat, simply air fry them again at 380°F for a minute or two until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions