Air Fryer Plantain Chips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer plantain chips are a tasty, healthier alternative to potato chips. They can be sweet or savoury, and are a popular snack in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. To make them, you'll need green plantains, oil, and salt. First, peel and slice the plantains, then toss them in oil and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 325-370°F for 6-12 minutes, or until crispy. For sweet plantain chips, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after frying.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness

The ripeness of the plantain will determine the texture and flavour of your chips. For plantain chips, it is generally recommended to use green plantains that are unripe or only slightly ripe. Green plantains are high in starch and low in sugar, resulting in a firmer texture that is easier to slice. They will also yield a crispier chip. On the other hand, ripe yellow or black plantains are softer, making them harder to slice, and they will produce a sweeter chip. If you are making sweet plantain chips, you can opt for yellow plantains with some black spots.

Colour

When selecting green plantains, look for those that are a medium shade of green, not too dark or light. Avoid plantains that have already started to turn yellow, as they will be too soft for making chips. The ideal plantain for chips will be mostly green with a few brown spots.

Firmness

When choosing a plantain, ensure it is firm to the touch. A firm plantain indicates that it is not overripe and will be easier to slice into thin, even pieces. Avoid plantains that feel soft or mushy, as they will not yield crispy chips.

Size

Select plantains that are large enough to yield a substantial number of chips. Plantains that are on the larger side will give you more surface area to work with and allow for easier slicing.

Storage

Keep in mind that plantains will continue to ripen after you purchase them. If you buy dark green plantains, you may have a few days before they start to turn yellow. Lighter green plantains should be cooked immediately. Store them properly to prolong their shelf life and maintain their ideal ripeness for chip-making.

Peeling

Before slicing, you will need to peel the plantain. Green plantains have a thick, tough peel that can be difficult to remove. Cut off both ends of the plantain and then gently slice through the peel lengthwise, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Use your thumb or a spoon to pry off the peel.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the perfect plantain for making fried plantain chips in your air fryer. Remember to select green, firm plantains that are large enough for easy slicing and cooking. With the right plantain, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crispy snack!

Preparing the plantain

Firstly, select the right plantains. For crispy, savoury plantain chips, choose green plantains. If you prefer sweeter chips, opt for yellow plantains with some black spots. Green plantains are less sweet and maintain their texture better during the frying process.

Next, cut off both ends of the plantain. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice through the peel lengthwise, without cutting into the flesh of the fruit. You can then remove the peel with your hands, or use a spoon to gently pry it off. If you are using green plantains, be aware that the peel can be quite tough to remove.

Once the plantain is peeled, you can slice it. Using a mandolin set to 1/16 inch, thinly slice the plantain into very thin, even slices. If you don't have a mandolin, you can use a sharp knife to cut the plantain by hand, but achieving even slices can be tricky.

After slicing, place the plantain slices in a bowl and toss them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil. Ensure all the slices are coated in oil.

Now the plantain slices are ready to be arranged in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping slices may cause uneven cooking. Sprinkle the slices with salt and pepper, if desired.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 325°F and 370°F. Cook the plantain slices for 6-8 minutes, checking regularly to avoid burning. You may need to shake the basket or turn the slices over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking methods

To make fried plantain chips in an air fryer, start by cutting off both ends of the plantain. Score the skin lengthwise, being careful not to cut into the flesh, then peel off the skin. You can use a vegetable peeler to do this.

Next, slice the plantain into thin, even slices. A mandolin is the best tool for this, but you can also use a sharp knife. The slices should be about 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch thick. If you are making sweet plantain chips, you can cut the plantain in half before slicing.

Once sliced, toss the plantain pieces in a bowl with a small amount of oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil are all good options. You can also add salt and pepper, or other spices like chili flakes, cumin, or coriander, at this stage if you wish.

Now you are ready to cook the plantain chips in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 325° F and 370° F. Place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the top of the plantain slices with oil.

Cook the plantain chips for 6-8 minutes, then turn each slice over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until crispy. Keep a close eye on the chips, as they can burn easily.

If you are making savory plantain chips, sprinkle them with salt as soon as you remove them from the air fryer. For sweet plantain chips, toss them with cinnamon and sugar.

Storage

Air-fried plantain chips are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. To restore crispness, heat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Seasoning

Choosing Your Seasoning:

• Salt is the most common seasoning used for plantain chips. It enhances the savoury flavour and can be used on its own or in combination with other spices.
• Black pepper is another standard option that adds a subtle kick to your chips.
• For a sweet version of plantain chips, cinnamon-sugar can be used for seasoning. This combination gives the chips a delightful sweet and spicy flavour.
• If you want to experiment with other seasonings, you can try Cajun seasoning, blackening spices, lemon pepper, or cayenne pepper. These options will give your chips a unique and flavourful twist.

Applying the Seasoning:

• After cutting and slicing your plantains, you can sprinkle the seasoning of your choice directly onto the plantain slices. Ensure the slices are in a single layer and not overlapping for even distribution.
• For a more thorough coating, you can place the plantain slices in a bowl and toss them with oil and your desired seasoning. This method ensures that each slice is well-coated before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you are watching your salt intake, you can choose to season your plantain chips with just spices. This gives them flavour without adding extra sodium.
• If you prefer your chips on the spicier side, you can add spices like chilli flakes, cumin, or coriander. These spices not only enhance the flavour but also add a nice kick to your chips.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to find the right balance between the flavours and your personal preference. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect seasoning for your fried plantain chips!

Serving suggestions

• On their own as a snack, or with a dip such as creamy chipotle, salsa ranch, avocado sauce, veggie hummus, spicy cheese sauce, blender salsa, or spinach and artichoke dip.
• As a side dish for meals such as burgers, sandwiches, and other savoury dishes.
• With dips such as white bean dip with cilantro and avocado, cinnamon peanut butter dip, roasted sweet potato hummus, or Cowboy Caviar.
• Crumbled on top of a hearty soup.
• As a healthier alternative to tortilla chips with homemade pico de gallo, Colombian aji sauce, store-bought salsa, or Colombian ceviche.
• With any Middle Eastern dip.
• As a lunchbox addition or an afternoon snack.

Frequently asked questions