Air Fryer Plantains

These Air Fryer Plantains are a great meal prep snack that lasts all week! Sweet, ripe, plantains cook up quickly and easily in the air fryer to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

recipe overview

Plantains are a staple ingredient in Caribbean cuisine as well as Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican dishes. Luckily, plantains are readily available in American grocery stores, and you are about to learn how to make air fryer plantains that are just as delicious as anything you’d get in the Caribbean!

Air Fryer Plantains are easy to make, and this recipe needs only three ingredients. Traditionally, plantains would be fried in oil to get tender and crispy on the outside, but we are using just a tablespoon of oil to get the same effect from the air fryer.

Want to air fry some regular bananas? We have a recipe for Air Fryer Banana Chips! Or maybe your should pair these plantains with a side of Fat Elvis Ice Cream! Trust me on that one!

list of ingredients

• Plantains – You want two very ripe plantains that are still fairly firm. The more black you see on the skins the better. Similar to bananas, they get sweeter and softer the riper they get.
• Oil – A little bit of any neutral-flavored oil works here. Avocado oil, light olive oil, or vegetable oil are my go-to options.
• Sugar – Sugar is added to enhance the natural sweetness of the plantains. If you prefer not to add sugar, you can leave it out, or use a sprinkle of salt instead. Pro tip: Add a little sugar AND salt to the basket when they are still hot. Trust me.

how to air fryer plantains

1. Slice ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Be sure all the plantain chips are the same size for even air frying.
2. Put the sliced plantains into a bowl and drizzle with half of the oil. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Place plantains in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do two batches, depending on the size of your plantains.
4. Cook plantains at 370F for 5 minutes. Brush the tops of the plantains with the remaining oil, flip over and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until plantains are browned and the insides are tender.

Serving ideas

Plantains make a beautiful side dish for any meaty meal, or can even act as a meat substitute in vegetarian meals. They are very versatile!

Enjoy sweet plantains with Air Fryer Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Smoky Chicken, or Air Fryer Pork Belly. The sweetness pairs well with the smoky, savory flavors of these meat dishes.

Use air fryer plantains as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite taco fixings.

Make a vegan meal using air-fried plantains served with seasoned beans and rice. It’s got all the textures and flavors you need in a well-rounded dish with none of the meat!

You can even use plantains on top of an ice cream sundae!

how to pick the perfect plantain

A ripe plantain looks like it may have gone bad! If your plantain is yellow or green, it is not ready to eat yet. Allow your plantains to sit out on the counter until they are mostly black. This is when they are perfectly soft and sweet and ready to be cooked.

The ideal plantain for this recipe is very ripe and still fairly firm. The more black you see on the skins the better.

Typically you will buy the plantain green and will need to give it a few days at home to get ripe, so if you are planning ahead, allow some time.

Need to ripen your plantains fast? Put them in a paper bag with a ripening apple or banana to speed up the process by a couple of days.

how to peel a plantain

Plantains might look like bananas, but they don’t peel the same! Here’s the best way to peel a plantain:

1. Use a paring knife to cut off both ends.
2. Score a line down the peel.
3. Place the knife into the cut your just made and slice off a strip of the peel.
4. Continue gently prying the peel off of the plantain and cutting when necessary.
5. Try not to cut the plantain while you are peeling it!

No need to boil first!

If you were frying these plantains in a traditional fryer you’d need to boil them first. But not with the air fryer!

This air fryer plantains recipe is made with less fat than a traditional fried version, plus there is less work required! All you need is an air fryer and a sharp knife for this easy snack recipe.