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

Sweet plantains, also known as Maduros, are a beloved recipe in many Latin American and Caribbean households. They are versatile and can be served as a snack or as a side dish with a meaty main course. Traditionally, they are shallow-fried in oil, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that requires less oil and still results in a delicious treat. Here is a simple recipe to make sweet plantains in an air fryer.

Choosing ripe plantains

• Look for plantains with dark yellow or black skin. The darker the skin, the riper the plantain. Ripe plantains will be mostly black with some yellow, or have a dull yellow colour with patches of black.
• Check the texture of the plantain. Ripe plantains should be slightly soft and yield slightly when gently pressed. Avoid plantains that are too soft or mushy, as they may be overripe.
• Plantains ripen at home. If you can't find ripe plantains at the grocery store, you can buy unripe green plantains and let them ripen at home. It usually takes about a week or two for plantains to ripen on the counter.
• Speed up the ripening process. To speed up ripening, you can store plantains in a paper bag, in a bowl of uncooked rice, or bake them in the oven at 300°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Choose plantains with heavy spotting. For the sweetest plantains, look for those that are heavily spotted or have a large number of black speckles.

Remember, ripe plantains are essential for making sweet plantains in the air fryer, as the ripeness will determine the level of sweetness and texture of the final dish.

How to cut plantains

Before you start, make sure your plantains are ripe. Ripe plantains will be black with some yellow left on the skin or yellow with lots of brown splotches. The darker the skin, the sweeter the plantain.

Place the plantain on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the plantain. Then, 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, using a knife to slice off any stuck-on peel. Slice the plantain on an angle, increasing the surface area to achieve a crispy, caramelized texture when cooked.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for your air fryer sweet plantains will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the ripeness of the plantains, and your personal preference for how crispy you like them.

As a general rule, you should preheat your air fryer to somewhere between 370°F and 425°F. You should then cook the plantains for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you like your plantains extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.

It's important to note that air fryers vary widely in terms of capabilities, capacities, and basket styles, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking times accordingly. For example, if you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook the plantains in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Additionally, the ripeness of the plantains will also impact the cooking time. Riper plantains will be softer and may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Finally, remember to allow the plantains to cool slightly before serving. They will be extremely hot straight out of the air fryer, so giving them a few minutes to rest will ensure you don't burn yourself.

Oil type and quantity

The type and quantity of oil used for making sweet plantains in an air fryer can vary depending on your preference and the desired level of crispness. Here is a guide to help you choose the right oil and amount for your recipe:

• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a great choice for air frying sweet plantains. It has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for the high temperatures of an air fryer. Use a non-aerosol avocado oil spray to lightly coat the air fryer basket and the plantains themselves. This will help to create a crispy, caramelized texture on the plantains.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is another recommended option for air frying. Spray olive oil on the air fryer basket and the plantains to ensure even cooking and a delicious flavour.
• Canola Oil: If you prefer, you can lightly coat each piece of plantain with canola oil before air frying.
• Neutral Oil: For a more subtle flavour, you can use a neutral oil such as olive oil or avocado oil.
• Oil Quantity: The amount of oil used will depend on the number of plantains you are cooking and the desired level of crispness. Generally, a light coating or spray of oil on the air fryer basket and the plantains is sufficient. For firmer plantains, you can also toss them in a bowl with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to seal in moisture and promote even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Sweet plantains are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. They can be paired with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes, thanks to their natural sweetness. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack

Sweet plantains are delicious on their own as a snack. For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

As a Side

Sweet plantains are a tasty side dish to a variety of meals. They pair well with meaty main courses, especially chicken and rice, or steak with tomatoes and onions. They can also be served with rice and beans, or as a side to Latin dishes such as Carne Bistec or Picadillo.

For Breakfast

Sweet plantains are a tasty breakfast option, especially when sandwiched between two slices of bread with a fried egg.

As an Appetiser

Air-fried sweet plantains are a great appetiser, especially when served with a dip. Try serving them with guacamole, salsa, or a ketchup and mayo mix.

With Other Latin Dishes

Sweet plantains are a classic Latin side dish, so they pair well with other Latin foods. Try serving them with Cuban Rice and Black Beans, Sweet Plantain Lasagna, or Turkey Picadillo Stuffed Plantains.

With Other Air-Fried Foods

Sweet plantains are a tasty addition to a meal featuring other air-fried foods. Try serving them with air-fried chicken, eggplant, or sweet potato wedges.

With Dessert

Sweet plantains can be served as a dessert, especially if you sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar to enhance their sweetness.

With Avocado

Sweet plantains pair well with avocado, so try serving them with mashed avocado on the side.

With Cheese

For a savoury twist, add some melted cheese to your sweet plantains. Shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or Oaxaca cheese are all good options.

With Other Fruits and Vegetables

Sweet plantains can be served with other fruits and vegetables, especially those that complement their sweetness. Try serving them with fried salami and avocado, or with a squeeze of lime juice.

Remember, sweet plantains are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions