Air-Fried Sweet Plantains: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Sweet plantains are a beloved dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, and they are typically shallow-fried in oil. However, air-fried plantains are a healthier alternative that uses less oil and is easier to prepare. The natural sugar in the plantains caramelises during cooking, making them even sweeter. To make sweet plantains in an air fryer, you will need ripe plantains, oil, and optionally cinnamon or sugar. First, cut the ends off the plantains and remove the skin. Then, cut the plantains into slices and place them in the air fryer. Spray the plantains with oil and cook at around 370-400°F for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Finally, sprinkle with cinnamon or sugar and serve immediately.

Choosing ripe plantains

• Colour: Look for plantains with skin that is mostly black with a little yellow, or dull yellow with black patches. Avoid those that are completely black, as they tend to be too soft and difficult to prepare.
• Texture: Ripe plantains should be slightly firm to the touch, similar to the firmness of a peach. They should not be overly soft or mushy.
• Yield: When gently pressed, a ripe plantain should yield slightly. This indicates that the fruit is soft enough to be sweet but not so soft that it has become overripe.
• Availability: It is usually hard to find ripe plantains at grocery stores. You may need to purchase unripe green plantains and let them ripen on your kitchen counter. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two.
• Storage: If you want to speed up the ripening process, you can store the plantains in a paper bag or bury them in a bowl of uncooked rice. The ethylene gas produced by the fruit will help them ripen faster, usually within 5-10 days.
• Sweetness: The darker the skin of the plantain, the sweeter it will be. Look for plantains that are heavily spotted or mostly black for the sweetest flavour.

Preparing the air fryer

Before placing the plantains in the air fryer, it's important to ensure your appliance is clean and ready for use. It is recommended to read the instructions for your specific air fryer model to properly prepare it. One important tip is to avoid using Pam or similar products when seasoning the air fryer basket, as they can leave a coating that is difficult to remove. Instead, opt for oils like coconut, Crisco, or canola oil.

Once your air fryer is prepared, it's time to focus on the plantains themselves. For sweet plantains, it is crucial to use ripe plantains that are mostly black or yellow with black speckles. Ripe plantains will be softer and sweeter, enhancing the flavor of the dish. If you can only find unripe plantains, you can let them ripen at home. Place them in a closed brown bag for 3-5 days, and they will gradually ripen.

When your plantains are ripe, it's time to cut them. Cut off both tough ends of the plantain, then make shallow slits along its length, cutting through the peel but not the flesh. Gently remove the peel, and you're almost ready to start frying!

To enhance the flavor and texture of your plantains, slice them diagonally or on a bias. This cut increases the surface area, resulting in a crispier, more caramelized texture. It's a simple trick that makes a big difference in the final dish.

Now, it's time to assemble your air fryer. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a suitable oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. Avoid using aerosol sprays, as these can leave residue. Place the plantains in the basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart. Then, lightly spray the tops of the plantains with oil. This step ensures that your plantains cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

With your plantains prepared and placed in the air fryer, you are now ready to start cooking! Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your plantain pieces, set the temperature between 360-425°F and cook for 8-12 minutes. For optimal results, consider flipping the plantains halfway through the cooking process and spraying them with additional oil.

Remember, every air fryer is unique, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to achieve the perfect sweet plantains. Enjoy your delicious, healthy treat!

Cutting the plantains

The first step to making sweet plantains in an air fryer is to prepare the plantains. You'll want to make sure your plantains are ripe—ideally, the skin should be black, or yellow with many black speckles. The riper the plantain, the sweeter it will be. However, you don't want them to be so ripe that they fall apart or become mushy.

Once you have ripe plantains, it's time to start cutting. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut off both ends of the plantain.
• Make shallow slits along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not the flesh.
• Gently pull back the peel along the slits and use a knife to remove any remaining peel.
• Slice the plantains on a diagonal or bias cut, which will increase the surface area and result in a crispier texture. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.

Now that your plantains are cut and ready, it's time to move on to the next step of the recipe.

Note: When handling a knife, always exercise caution to prevent accidental cuts or injuries.

Cooking the plantains

First, select ripe plantains. The ripeness of the plantain will determine the outcome of your dish. Ripe plantains are usually yellow or black, and the darker the skin, the sweeter they are. If your plantains are unripe, you can speed up the ripening process by leaving them on the counter or somewhere warm.

Next, cut off both ends of the plantain. Then, using a paring knife, cut a slit along the length of the peel. Carefully remove the skin. Slice the plantain into pieces, ideally cutting them diagonally to increase the surface area and achieve a crispier texture.

Now, you can coat the plantain pieces with a light layer of oil. You can use avocado oil, canola oil, or coconut oil. Place the plantains in the air fryer, spaced evenly apart, and spray them with oil.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Most recipes recommend cooking the plantains at temperatures between 360-425°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Once the plantains are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, or any other desired seasoning.

You can also add toppings like melted cheese or crema, a Mexican version of sour cream, for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving the plantains

These sweet plantains are best served immediately, straight out of the air fryer. They are delicious on their own, but you can sprinkle some salt on top for a savoury touch.

If you have any leftovers, they can be kept for 2-3 days and reheated in an oven or toaster oven. However, they won't retain their crisp texture.

You can also serve them with a dipping sauce. For a sweet version, try El Salvadorian crema, which is creamier and sweeter than traditional sour cream. For a savoury side dish, swap the sugar for Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, and serve with any sauce of your choice.

To add a fresh flavour, squeeze some lime juice over the plantains just before serving. You can also sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt to further enhance the flavours.

Frequently asked questions