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

Air fryer plantain chips are a tasty, healthier alternative to potato chips. They can be made sweet or savoury, depending on your preference. The chips are made using green plantains, which are larger, starchier, and less sweet than bananas. The plantains are thinly sliced and then air-fried until crispy. The chips can be seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices like cumin, coriander, or chili flakes. They are best served fresh out of the air fryer but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness

The ripeness of the plantain will determine its sweetness and texture. For plantain chips, it is generally recommended to use green or slightly unripe plantains. Green plantains are high in starch, low in moisture and sugar, resulting in a firmer texture that is easier to slice. They also have a lower glycemic index, making them a healthier option. As plantains ripen and turn yellow, they become sweeter due to the conversion of starch into sugar. Yellow plantains are softer and can be trickier to slice uniformly, but they can be used if you prefer a sweeter chip.

Colour

When selecting a plantain, look for one that is mostly green with a few brown spots. Avoid plantains that are turning yellow, as they will be too soft for making chips. The ideal plantain for chips will be firm, easy to peel, and simple to slice into thin, uniform pieces.

Thickness

The thickness of your plantain chips is a matter of personal preference. Thicker slices (around 1/8 inch) will give you a more substantial chip that can hold up to dips. Thinner slices (around 1/16 inch) will result in delicate, crispy chips that may curl a bit more. Regardless of the thickness, it is important to maintain consistency in the thickness of your slices to ensure even cooking.

Tools

To achieve the desired thickness and uniformity in your plantain slices, it is recommended to use a mandoline slicer. A mandoline will help you quickly and easily slice the plantain to the desired thickness, ensuring that all your chips cook evenly. While you can use a knife, it may be more challenging to get consistent results.

Soaking

Before air-frying, it is beneficial to soak the plantain slices in water and turmeric for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove any additional starch from the plantain, ensuring that your chips turn out crispy. After soaking, be sure to pat the plantain slices dry with a kitchen towel before tossing them with oil and seasoning.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right plantain, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy plantain chips in your air fryer!

Preparing the plantain

To prepare the plantain, start by cutting off both ends of the fruit. Then, use a knife to gently slice through the peel lengthwise, being careful not to cut into the flesh of the plantain. Remove the peel, using your thumb or a spoon to help pry it off if necessary.

Next, slice the plantain into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness varies from 1/16 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch. You can use a knife or a mandolin slicer for this step. Some recipes also suggest cutting the plantain in half before slicing it.

Once sliced, toss the plantain slices with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings. Recommended seasonings include salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. You can also experiment with other spices and seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, black pepper, or cayenne pepper.

Finally, arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. It is important to leave space between the slices to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the plantain chips in multiple batches.

Seasoning

If you are watching your salt intake, you may want to skip the salt and instead season your chips with spices such as cumin, coriander, or chilli flakes. You could also try sodium-free spices such as black pepper, Cajun seasoning, blackening spices, lemon pepper, or cayenne pepper. If you do want to add salt, you can sprinkle it on the chips before or after cooking.

If you are making sweet plantain chips, you can sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the chips after frying. You could also drizzle them with melted chocolate.

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Plantains

First, select the right plantains. For savoury plantain chips, choose green plantains, which are less sweet and maintain their texture better. For sweet plantain chips, opt for ripe, yellow plantains with black spots, which will be softer and sweeter.

Cut off both ends of the plantain and score the skin lengthwise, being careful not to damage the flesh. Then, peel off the skin and cut the plantain in half. You can also cut the plantain into diagonal slices, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 2: Season the Plantains

Place the plantain slices in a bowl and toss them with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or any oil of your choice. For savoury chips, season with salt and pepper, or add spices like cumin, coriander, or chili flakes. If you're making sweet plantain chips, you can toss them with cinnamon-sugar after frying.

Step 3: Air Fry the Plantains

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C to 180°C). Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap.

Cook the plantains for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and your air fryer model. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn each slice over to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve the Plantain Chips

The plantain chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Season them with additional salt or spices, if desired. You can serve plantain chips as a snack or side dish, paired with dips like salsa, guacamole, or hummus. Enjoy!

Serving

Your homemade plantain chips can be served as a snack on their own or with a variety of dips such as salsa, guacamole, hummus, spicy cheese sauce, spinach and artichoke dip, or even some store-bought salsa. They also work well as a side dish for burgers, sandwiches, and other savoury dishes.

For a more filling appetizer, try serving your plantain chips with air fryer chicken wings or some other Latin American dishes like Colombian Arepas con Queso, Colombian fruit salad, or Colombian ceviche.

If you're craving something sweet, try making your plantain chips with ripe, yellow plantains instead of green ones. Sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Plantain chips are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. However, they're better enjoyed at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions