Air Fried Plantains

Air Fried Plantains are a quick and easy side dish to make, and they pair well with everything from Instant Pot beef stew to tacos. Fried plantains are common in Cuban, African, South American, and Caribbean cuisine, but people enjoy this slightly sweet and savory treat worldwide.

Plantains Vs. Bananas – What’s the Difference?

Plantains may look like bananas, and while they are genetically similar, they have many differences. Bananas are eaten raw or cooked, and plantains are starchy, so they need to be cooked before eating- they can be boiled, baked, sautéed, or fried.

• Size: Plantains are often larger than bananas.
• Flavor: Raw or cooked bananas are soft and sweet. On the other hand, plantains are more starchy and have a hard texture. 
• Exterior: Plantains have a tough peel and are typically less curved than bananas.

What You Need to Make Air Fried Plantains

• Plantains: Use ripe plantains when frying them.
• Cooking Spray: Mist the slices with cooking spray before frying them to give them a nice glisten.
• Salt: For a savory and balanced flavor, sprinkle the plantains with salt.

Additions and Substitutions

Spices vary depending on the region and the type of recipe you’re preparing. For instance, making plátanos requires oil and a little salt, like this recipe. We also have a recipe for fried plantains that calls for a west-African inspired marinade. Here are some suggestions for seasoning plantains to cater to your preference.

• Fat: Coconut Oil, Butter
• Sweetener: Vanilla, Honey, Coconut, Brown, or White Sugar
• Spices: Use traditional scotch bonnets to add really bring the heat to the spicy fried plantains.

Prepare the Plantains for Cooking

Expert Tips

• Choose plantains that are ripe but not overly ripe or blackened. The ideal plantain for air frying should be yellow with black spots.
• Slice the plantains at an angle, ¼ to ½ – inch thick, for an even sear.
• Toss the plantain slices with oil to help them cook evenly and crisp up.
• Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure that they are not overlapping.

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If you love air fried plantains, pair them with one of these dinner favorites!

Roasted Jerk Chicken

Boliche

Peruvian Chicken

Kedjenou

Serving Suggestions

What to Do With the Leftovers

• Refrigerate – Store plantains at room temperature for 3 weeks. The leftover air fried plantains should be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Reheat – Warm the plantains in the microwave (30-60 seconds), oven, or air fryer. Enjoy them right away for best results! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a plantain is ripe?

Ripe plantains are best for frying; they should be firm and yellow with bits of black. Ripe plantains can be hard to find in major grocery stores, but you can ripen them at home. If you have the time, leave them to sit at room temperature for one to two weeks, or speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag; they will ripen in about 4-5 days using this method. You can cook green plantains, but they are better for plantain chips.

Can I bake the plantains in the oven?

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Then line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Line the plantains onto it and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.

Are fried plantains healthy?

Plantains are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

How long to cook plantains in air fryer?

It depends on what kind of plantains you are making, but for this recipe I find that 8-10 minutes at 350°F (176°C) is the sweet spot.

Can you eat raw plantains?

You can eat raw green and yellow plantains, though the texture is starchier and less sweet than ripe bananas. Plantains are best cooked, and you can boil, steam, grill, bake, or air fry them.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

• Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan