Air-Fried Plantain: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Roasted plantain is a tasty, healthy, and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep and in under 30 minutes. The plantain is a starchy fruit from the banana family, commonly used in Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines. It can be steamed, boiled, grilled, fried, or baked, but frying in an air fryer is a healthier option, as it requires less oil. The ripeness of the plantain will determine how it tastes—the darker the skin, the sweeter it is.

Choosing the right plantain

• Ripeness: Ripe plantains are ideal for roasting as they are sweeter and have a softer texture. Look for plantains that are yellow with some brown or black spots. Avoid overly ripe plantains, as they can be too sweet and mushy. If you can only find green (unripe) plantains, let them ripen on your kitchen counter until they turn yellow.
• Size and shape: Plantains that are more rounded, like bananas, are likely to ripen evenly and have a better chance of ripening before rotting. Avoid plantains with defined ridges, as these may have been picked too early and may rot before they ripen.
• Texture: The skin of a ripe plantain will be thinner and easier to peel. The flesh will also be softer, making it easier to cut and roast.
• Taste: Ripe plantains will have a natural sweetness that enhances the flavour of your dish. If you prefer them sweeter, wait until the skin turns black.
• Preparation: Before roasting, trim the ends of the plantain and make a shallow lengthwise cut through the peel. Remove the peel and cut the plantain into diagonal slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. This will maximise the surface area in contact with the baking sheet, resulting in extra caramelisation.

Remember, the ripeness and quality of the plantain greatly impact the flavour and texture of your roasted plantain dish. By choosing the right plantain and following the preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious treat!

Peeling and slicing the plantain

• Cut the ends of the plantain: Using a sharp paring knife, cut off both ends of the plantain. This will make it easier to remove the peel.
• Score the peel: Make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain, cutting through the skin only. You can run the knife through the skin lengthwise, ensuring you don't cut into the flesh of the plantain.
• Peel the plantain: Starting from the slit you made, carefully pry the peel away from the plantain. You may need to use your knife to gently lift the peel from the fruit. Try to avoid cutting the plantain while peeling.
• Slice the plantain: Once peeled, slice the plantain into your desired shape and thickness. For plantain chips, cut the plantain into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices or strips. For tostones, cut the plantain into 1-inch thick coins or slices.

It's important to note that green plantains can be tricky to peel. If you're using green plantains, you may need to make a shallow slit along the length of the fruit and use your fingers to carefully peel away the tough outer skin. Additionally, ensure that your plantains are ripe, especially if you want a sweeter taste. Ripe plantains will have yellow or black skins, and the darker the skin, the sweeter the fruit.

Seasoning and coating the plantain

There are many ways to season and coat your plantain. The ripeness of the plantain will affect the flavour of the final dish, so it's important to consider this when seasoning. Ripe plantains are sweeter, so you may want to sprinkle them with a little sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. If your plantain is unripe, it will have a milder flavour, so you may want to add more seasoning.

If you're making savoury plantain, you can season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. You can also add black pepper for a kick. If you're making sweet plantain, you can sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, or just cinnamon on its own.

When coating the plantain, you'll want to use a small amount of oil. Avocado oil, light olive oil, or vegetable oil are good options. You can also use a cooking spray to help crisp up the plantains without the need for excess oil.

Air-frying the plantain

First, you'll want to make sure you have ripe plantains. If your plantains are still green, they will need a few days to ripen. Place them on your counter or somewhere warm to speed up the process. You can also put them in a paper bag with a ripening apple or banana to speed up the process by a couple of days.

When your plantains are ripe, use a sharp knife to cut the ends off. Then, cut a slit down the length of the peel. For super fresh plantains, carefully peel back the skin from the slit you've made and run your finger down the seam to gently remove the rest of the skin. For less fresh plantains, you may need to make a few slices around the seams to remove the peel.

Next, slice the plantain. For plantain chips, slice the plantain into thin strips. For other recipes, slice the plantain into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces.

Now it's time to cook the plantain! Place the plantain slices in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss until the slices are evenly coated. Then, place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the plantain in batches.

Cook the plantain at 370-380°F for 5-12 minutes. If you're making plantain chips, brush the tops of the plantain strips with oil and flip them over halfway through cooking. If you're making plantain slices, remove the plantain from the air fryer and place the slices between two sheets of aluminum foil. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten the plantain slices to about 1/2-inch thickness. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and return the flattened plantain to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Your plantain is now ready to be seasoned and served!

Serving the plantain

Your air-fried plantain is now ready to be served! Depending on your preference, you can serve it as a savoury or sweet dish.

For a savoury option, sprinkle some salt on the plantain. You can also serve it with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, or mashed avocado on the side. If you want to spice things up, add some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

For a sweet option, sprinkle cinnamon or sugar on the plantain. You can also add a little sugar and salt to the basket when the plantain is still hot. You can even sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar on the plantain after frying for a sweet treat.

The plantain can be served as a side dish or a snack. It goes well with meaty dishes like chicken or pork and can also be used as a filling for tacos or served with seasoned beans and rice for a vegan meal.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried plantain!

Frequently asked questions