Air Fryer Maduros: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Maduros are sweet, savoury, and damn freaking good! But if you try to cook unripe plantains, you won't get the same texture or sweetness. So, how do you make maduros in an air fryer?

First, you'll need to peel and cut your plantains. You want to cut them diagonally into slices that are about half an inch thick. You can use either very ripe yellow plantains or brown plantains, but make sure they have lots of black spots—this will give your maduros a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Next, toss your plantain slices with some oil. You can use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or organic canola oil or coconut oil. You don't need to use a lot of oil—just enough to coat the plantain slices.

Now it's time to cook your maduros! Place your plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to between 380-400°F. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Once they're done, sprinkle your maduros with some salt and enjoy! They are great as a snack or as a side dish with Cuban-inspired rice and beans, Jamaican jerk chicken, or fried eggs.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness

The ripeness of the plantain is key when making maduros. Ripe plantains will have yellow or black skin, with the darker skins indicating a sweeter flavour. The ideal plantain for maduros is very ripe, with a tender texture similar to bananas. The ripening process can be accelerated by placing unripe plantains in a brown paper bag for a few days or in the oven, unpeeled, at 300°F for 20 minutes. If you need to slow down the ripening process, place ripe plantains in the fridge.

Colour

The colour of the plantain's skin is a good indicator of its ripeness and sweetness. Look for plantains with dark yellow or black skin with some spots. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain will be. However, avoid plantains that are completely black as they tend to get mushy and fall apart when cut.

Texture

When choosing a plantain for maduros, look for one with a tender texture. A ripe plantain should feel soft when gently squeezed. Avoid plantains that are still hard or unripe as they will have a different flavour and texture.

Size

Select plantains that are large and uniform in size. This will ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Preparation

When preparing the plantain, start by cutting off both ends with a sharp knife. Then, make a shallow cut lengthwise along the plantain to help remove the peel. The peel should come off easily if the plantain is ripe. Cut the plantain into diagonal slices that are about 1/2-inch thick.

In summary, the ideal plantain for making maduros in an air fryer is a very ripe, large plantain with dark yellow or black skin and a tender texture. By choosing the right plantain and preparing it correctly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy maduros!

How to peel and slice plantains

Plantains are a great ingredient to cook with, but they can be a little tricky to peel and slice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Plantain

Before you start peeling, bring the plantain to room temperature, especially if it has been stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can make it twice as hard to peel. You can also soak the plantain in hot tap water for a few minutes to warm it up and make the peel come off more easily.

Step 2: Cut the Ends

Place the plantain on a cutting board and cut off both ends of the plantain. This step is crucial as it will make it easier to remove the peel.

Step 3: Slit the Peel

Using a sharp knife, make a slit along the length of the plantain, cutting only as deep as the peel. You can also make a cut in the middle around the circumference of the plantain to make it easier to peel. If the plantain is green, you may need to slide the knife just under the edge of the peel to loosen it.

Step 4: Remove the Peel

Now, use your fingers to separate and detach the peel from the plantain. Pull the peel side to side rather than lengthwise, and it will come off in sections. You may need to use the knife to loosen the peel from the flesh. Green plantain peels are stiff, while yellow plantain peels are more pliable.

Step 5: Slice the Plantain

For ripe plantains, you can simply slice them into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. You can also cut them lengthwise first and then slice them into pieces about 2-3 inches long. For green plantains, cut them into 1-inch rounds or thin slices, depending on whether you want to make tostones or plantain chips.

And that's it! You now have perfectly peeled and sliced plantains ready to be cooked. Remember to be careful when handling knives and always cut away from your body. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for making maduros in an air fryer will depend on the type of plantains you are using, the ripeness of the plantains, and the model of your air fryer.

For green plantains, you will need to fry them twice to achieve crispiness, and they won't be sweet. For yellow plantains, you will get a snack that is sweet but also has the pleasant saltiness of a chip. Black plantains are the sweetest of all but are quite delicate to work with.

When making maduros, it is best to use ripe yellow plantains with lots of black spots.

• Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/180 degrees Celsius and preheat it.
• Peel the plantain and cut it diagonally into slices about 1/2-inch thick.
• Place the plantain slices in a bowl and gently mix them with oil and salt until they are coated on both sides.
• Put the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook the plantains for 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.
• Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit/200 degrees Celsius and cook for another 5-13 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
• Serve the maduros warm, sprinkled with smoked salt or cinnamon.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the ripeness and thickness of the plantain slices will also affect the cooking time.

Seasoning options

There are endless options for seasoning your maduros. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Warm Spices

Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to your maduros for a warm and fragrant flavour.

Salt and Pepper

A little bit of salt is a simple yet effective way to season your maduros.

Savory Spices

For a more savoury flavour profile, try adding garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, or red pepper flakes to your maduros. A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest will also add a tangy kick.

Sweet and Savory

For a unique combination of sweet and savoury, try sprinkling your maduros with cinnamon and sugar, or drizzling them with honey.

Spicy

If you like your maduros with a kick, add some cayenne pepper or black pepper.

Cheesy

For an indulgent treat, top your maduros with cheese.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and ingredients to find your favourite way to season maduros!

Reheating and storage tips

Maduros are best served warm. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer in an air fryer set at 350°F (177°C or 190°F) for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

It is not recommended to freeze cooked plantains as this can affect their texture.

Frequently asked questions