Air-Fried Green Plantains: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Green plantains are unripe and have white flesh, and are often used as a substitute for potatoes or rice. They are bigger and harder to peel than bananas, and are usually baked or fried. They are also less sweet than bananas and are prepared more like a vegetable.

A healthier way to cook green plantains is to use an air fryer. This method uses little to no oil and gives you a healthy snack alternative. To make green plantains in an air fryer, start by cutting off both ends of the plantain and scoring the peel. Then, remove the skin and cut the plantain into slices. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the plantain slices in a single layer. Spray the tops of the plantain slices with oil and cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness:

Green plantains are unripe and have white flesh. They are starchy and often used as a substitute for potatoes or rice. As plantains ripen, they turn yellow and eventually black, becoming sweeter as their starches are converted into natural sugars. For air-fried green plantains, it is best to choose unripe or slightly ripe plantains with green to yellow skin.

Freshness:

Fresh plantains are crucial for air-frying as they hold together better during the cooking process. Older plantains may become softer and are more likely to break apart when smashed or flattened. Look for plantains with smooth, unbruised skin and avoid those with excessive black spots, which indicate over-ripeness.

Size and Shape:

Select plantains that are uniform in size and shape. This will ensure even cooking in the air fryer. Avoid plantains with significant curves or bends as they may not fit properly in the air fryer basket.

Firmness:

Choose plantains that are firm to the touch. Avoid plantains that feel too soft or mushy, as they may not hold their shape well during the air-frying process.

Storage:

Do not refrigerate plantains as this can cause them to dry out and become brittle. Store them at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. If you need to ripen plantains, leave them on the counter for a few days until they reach the desired level of ripeness.

By considering these factors when choosing your plantains, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried green plantains!

Peeling and slicing the plantain

Start by cutting off both ends of the plantain with a sharp knife. This will expose the plantain's flesh and make it easier to remove the skin. Cut a shallow line down the length of the plantain, following one of the seams of the skin. You can use a paring knife to carefully cut through the skin, and for very fresh plantains, you can then peel back the skin and use your finger to gently remove it. For less fresh plantains, you may need to make a few slices around the seams to remove the peel. You can also use the knife to gently loosen the peel where it still appears attached.

Once the plantain is peeled, you can slice it. For air fryer plantains, it is best to cut the plantain into pieces that are about 1-inch thick. You can cut the plantain diagonally to create these pieces. It is important not to cut the pieces too big, as they may not cook through properly in the air fryer.

After slicing, you can proceed to the next steps of the recipe, which may include tossing the plantain slices in oil and then air-frying them.

Seasoning and oiling the plantain

Firstly, it is important to use fresh, green plantains that are unripe and have white flesh. These plantains are starchy and vegetable-like, making them perfect for frying.

Before seasoning, you must peel and cut the plantain. Cut off both ends of the plantain and then carefully remove the skin. You can then cut the plantain into slices or coins, ensuring they are not too thick (around 1/2 inch thick). This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from being undercooked.

Now, for the seasoning and oiling! You can either place the plantain slices in a bowl and toss them with oil, ensuring they are well coated, or you can directly spray oil or grease the bottom of your air fryer basket and place the plantains in a single layer. It is important to use enough oil to seal in the moisture and create that crispy exterior. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or neutral cooking oils.

After oiling, you can add your choice of seasoning. A simple sprinkle of salt is a classic option, but you can also get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning. You could also make a dipping sauce, such as "mayoketchu" (a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup) or warmed garlic oil with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt.

Once your plantain slices are seasoned and oiled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer! Remember to cook in batches and not overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Air-frying the plantain

Air-frying plantains is a healthier alternative to frying them, as it requires less oil. It is also less messy, with no oil splatters.

To air-fry green plantains, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. Then, cut off both ends of the plantain and score the skin lengthwise. Peel off the skin and cut the plantain in half. You can then either cut the plantain into 1-inch pieces or use a vegetable peeler to peel it into strips.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the plantain pieces in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer and do not touch. Spray the tops of the plantain pieces with oil.

Cook the plantain in the preheated air fryer for 7-12 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. For strips, cook for 7-9 minutes, then turn each strip over and continue frying for an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy. For 1-inch pieces, cook for 10 minutes, then remove from the air fryer and flatten to 1/4-inch thick discs. Add more oil, then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Your air-fried plantain is now ready to be seasoned and served!

Serving the plantain

Once you've cooked your plantain, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving your air-fried plantain:

• Serve immediately: Air fryer plantains are best served hot and fresh out of the fryer.
• Seasonings: Season your plantain with a pinch of salt to enhance its flavour. You can also get creative with other spices and seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning.
• Dips and sauces: Plantains can be enjoyed with various dips and sauces. For a savoury option, try "mayoketchu," a dipping sauce made of mayonnaise and ketchup. Alternatively, you can dip your plantain in a warmed garlic oil known as "ajillo," made by combining minced garlic, olive oil, and salt.
• Sweet variations: If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on your plantain for a delicious dessert. You can also make sweet plantain chips by tossing them in cinnamon-sugar after frying.
• Side dish: Plantains make a great side dish to accompany a heavier meal. They can be served as a snack or appetizer, similar to potato chips.
• Main course: For a heartier option, try Air Fryer Maduros, a classic Latin dish made with sweet plantains, cinnamon, and melted cheese.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days. To reheat, simply air fry the plantains for a minute at 380°F.
• Freezing: You can also freeze your cooked plantains for later. Flatten the fried plantains and let them cool completely before sealing them in a freezer storage bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions