Crispy, juicy, and tender Air-Fried Plantains that capture the flavor of traditional fried plantains with far less oil. These take only a few simple steps and three main ingredients, making them a versatile and delicious appetizer or side dish.
Fried plantains are a favorite at Caribbean restaurants: crisp on the outside, soft and caramelized inside. To enjoy that texture at home without deep-frying, try the air fryer. It gives plantains a golden, crispy exterior with minimal oil and less mess.
For this recipe, a few teaspoons of avocado oil are enough to help the plantains caramelize and crisp. After you peel and slice them, brush or spray with oil, season with a little salt, and air fry until golden and tender—about 12 minutes total. Serve warm alongside your favorite mains or enjoy them on their own.
Table of Contents
- All About Sweet Plantains
- Other Ingredients
- How to Cook Plantains in the Air Fryer
- Jenné’s Recipe Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Storage Directions
- More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Plantains Recipe
All About Sweet Plantains
Sweet plantains, often called maduros, are ripe plantains with yellow to black skin. The darker the skin, the sweeter the flesh, because the starches convert to sugars as the fruit ripens. Green plantains are starchy and potato-like, while ripe plantains are soft, moist, and naturally sweet—perfect for caramelizing.
Choose plantains that are mostly black for best sweetness. If you can only find green plantains, let them ripen at room temperature for several days or speed the process by placing them in a closed paper bag. When peeling ripe plantains, trim the ends and make a shallow lengthwise slit through the skin (without cutting the flesh) to remove the peel more easily.
Other Ingredients
Avocado Oil: A light brush or spray of avocado oil helps the plantains crisp and prevents sticking. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. If you prefer, use melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness and nuttiness.
Salt: A small amount of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) balances and enhances the plantains’ natural sweetness. Fine sea salt, kosher salt, or Himalayan salt work well.
How to Cook Plantains in the Air Fryer
These plantains are fast and easy to prepare. Follow these steps for consistently crisp, caramelized results:
- Peel the plantains. Cut off the tips, slice a shallow lengthwise slit through the skin, and peel away the skin with your hands.
- Slice on the bias. Cut plantains at a slight angle into 1/4-inch thick pieces for even cooking and a pleasing shape.
- Prepare the air fryer. Line the base with parchment paper and lightly coat it with oil. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer with at least 1/2-inch between pieces. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Season. Brush or spray the tops with a little more oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cook. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 6 minutes. The plantains should be tender, golden, and crisp at the edges. Add extra 2-minute increments if needed. Serve hot.
Jenné’s Recipe Tips
- Cut even pieces. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Air fry in batches. A single layer yields the crispiest results; overcrowding will steam the plantains instead of crisping them.
- Turn while cooking. Flip after the first interval to brown both sides evenly.
- Check doneness. Plantains are ready when golden on the edges and easily pierced with a fork. Add time in 2-minute increments if needed.
- Serve hot. They’re best fresh from the air fryer.
Recipe Variations
Customize these plantains with simple finishes to match your meal:
- Chili and lime: Squeeze fresh lime and dust with Tajín, chili powder, or cayenne.
- Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness.
- Curry powder: Toss the oiled slices with curry powder and salt before air frying for a Caribbean twist.
- Smoky spice: Mix salt with 1/2 teaspoon each smoked paprika and cumin for an earthy seasoning.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Store cooled plantains in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: After cooling, place plantains in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in a 350°F air fryer for 3–5 minutes from refrigerated, or 5–8 minutes from frozen, until heated through and crisp again.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Eggplant
- Air Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Plantains
Equipment
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air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 ripe yellow plantains, the skin should be mostly black
- 2 tsp avocado oil, or avocado oil spray
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the tips off the plantains, then make a shallow lengthwise slit through the skin and peel it away.
- Slice the plantains on a bias into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- Line the base of the air fryer with parchment and lightly coat it with oil.
- Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer with about ½-inch between pieces. Work in batches if needed.
- Brush or spray more oil on top of the slices and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip and cook another 6 minutes, or until golden and crispy at the edges. Add additional 2-minute increments if necessary. Serve hot.
Notes
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Re-crisp in a 350°F air fryer for 3–5 minutes from refrigerated, or 5–8 minutes from frozen, until heated through.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Cut even pieces. Uniform thickness cooks most evenly.
- Air fry in batches. A single layer produces the best texture.
- Turn while cooking. Flip after the first interval for even browning.
- Check for doneness. Plantains are done when golden and easy to pierce with a fork.
- Best hot. Serve immediately for optimal texture.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 29 g
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Protein: 1 g
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Fat: 3 g
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