Air Fryer Platano Maduro: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Platano maduro, or sweet plantains, is a classic Latin side dish that is often served with Caribbean or African meals. It is a healthier alternative to frying plantains, as air frying requires less oil. To make platano maduro in an air fryer, start by cutting off the ends of the plantain and removing the skin. Then, cut the plantain into slices or coins and coat them with oil. Place the plantains in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle cinnamon or cheese on top.

Choosing ripe plantains

• Ripening Process: Plantains ripen over time, turning from green to yellow to black, similar to bananas. When choosing ripe plantains, look for ones that are mostly black with a dull yellow or a little yellow colour. The darker the skin, the riper and sweeter the plantain will be.
• Texture and Taste: A ripe plantain should be slightly firm to the touch, similar to the firmness of a peach. It will have tender flesh underneath the black skin. The natural sugars in the plantain will have developed, making it sweeter.
• Availability: It can be challenging to find ripe plantains at regular grocery stores. They are more commonly available at local Asian or Latin markets. If you can only find unripe green plantains, you can purchase them and let them ripen on your counter or in a warm place. The ripening process can take a few days to a week.
• Storage: To speed up the ripening process, store the plantains in a paper bag, which helps them ripen faster.
• Visual Inspection: When selecting plantains, avoid those that are completely black as they tend to be too soft and difficult to prepare. Look for plantains with a mix of black and dull or bright yellow skin. The yellow plantains will ripen over time and turn almost completely black.
• Taste Preferences: Depending on your taste preferences, you can choose plantains at different stages of ripeness. If you prefer a starchier plantain, choose one that is mostly yellow with some black spots. For a sweeter plantain, wait until the skin is mostly black.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin, it is important to select the right type of air fryer. While a basket-style air fryer can be used, an air fryer with a tray is preferable as it allows for more even cooking and reduces the need for constant tossing. Make sure your air fryer is properly seasoned before use, and avoid using products like Pam, as they can leave behind a coating that is difficult to remove. Coconut oil, Crisco, or canola oil are better options for seasoning.

Once your air fryer is ready, the next step is to preheat it. Set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F, and preheat for 2-3 minutes. This step is important as it helps to ensure even cooking and can affect the final texture of your plantains.

After preheating, the next step is to prepare the air fryer basket or tray. Lightly grease the basket or tray with oil to prevent sticking. You can use an oil mister or a rag with oil to apply a thin, even layer of oil. This step is crucial, as it will help the plantains release from the basket or tray more easily and create a crispier texture.

Now that your air fryer is prepared, you can move on to the next step of the recipe, which is preparing the plantains themselves. Remember to select ripe plantains with yellow or black peels, as these will have the desired soft texture and sweet flavour. Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious air-fried Platano Maduro!

Peeling and slicing the plantains

Peeling and slicing plantains is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the plantains are ready for air frying.

First, select plantains that are ripe. Ripe plantains will have yellow or black skin with some softness to them. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain will be. If your plantains are not yet ripe, you can let them sit on the counter or somewhere warm to speed up the process. This can take a few days to a week.

Once you have ripe plantains, it's time to peel and slice them. Use a paring knife to cut off about 1/2-inch from both ends of the plantain. Then, use the tip of your knife to make a shallow slit down the length of the plantain, and carefully peel away the skin.

After peeling, you can slice the plantain. Cut the plantain into slices about 1/2-inch thick. You can cut them diagonally or straight across, depending on your preference. If you want thinner plantain chips, you can cut them a bit thinner, but keep in mind they will cook faster in the air fryer.

It's important to note that you should only peel and slice the plantains right before cooking. If you cut them and leave them out too long, they will start to oxidize and turn an unattractive brownish-grey color.

Now that your plantains are peeled and sliced, you are ready to move on to the next steps of air frying and seasoning!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried platano maduro vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide on the cooking time and temperature for this delicious dish:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 370°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the quicker the plantains will cook, but be careful not to burn them. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for around 2-3 minutes.

Next, prepare your plantains. The ripeness of the plantains will affect the cooking time and temperature. For sweet maduros, it is best to use plantains with black skins and tender flesh. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain, which is perfect for this dish. However, you can also use yellow plantains with some black spots, as the natural sugar in the plantains will caramelize during cooking and make them sweeter.

Once your plantains are prepared, lightly coat each piece with oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, or any other neutral-tasting oil. Spray or brush the oil onto the plantains, ensuring they are well-coated.

Now, it's time to cook the plantains. Place them in the air fryer and cook at the preheated temperature for 5 minutes on each side, spraying or brushing with oil after turning them over. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 3 minutes on each side, again, spraying oil each time you flip them. The total cooking time at this stage should be around 8-11 minutes.

Keep an eye on your plantains during the cooking process, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the plantain pieces and the desired level of doneness. You want the plantains to be tender and caramelized, with deep brown edges and golden brown surfaces.

Finally, remove the plantains from the air fryer and sprinkle them with cinnamon or salt to taste. Serve them while they are still hot or at room temperature, as cold maduros may not taste as good.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried platano maduro is a classic Latin side dish that goes well with most proteins, such as pork, chicken, and eggs. They are also great with Caribbean rice and beans, and can be served with a pinch of salt, or with mashed avocado, guacamole, or salsa.

For a more substantial meal, serve air-fried platano maduro with Picadillo, Carne Bistec, or any other Latin dish. They also go well with Chuletas Fritas, Arroz Blanco with Habichuelas Guisadas, and a garden salad.

Air-fried platano maduro can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own. They are best served hot or at room temperature, as cold maduros are not as tasty.

Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days, but they do not reheat well—they tend to become hard and chewy.

Frequently asked questions