Sweet & spicy air fryer plantains make a delicious side dish or starter. Tasty, with hints of sweet, tang and spice for a fabulous flavour combo and ready in less than 15 minutes, start to finish.
This recipe was originally published in July 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.
Plantains make a great snack for game day or movie night. Or serve them alongside your favourite burger, for a healthy alternative to fries.
Why air fry plantains?
For starters, it’s faster then baking and FAR healthier then frying. So you get the best of both worlds.
Air fryer plantains are delicious and flavourful, without heating up your kitchen or making a big mess from frying on stove top.
How to make them
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Gather your ingredients. Make sure to use plantains that are dull yellow with black spots for optimal ripeness.
Peel and slice your plantain into 1/4 inch thick slices. (photo 1)
Combine all remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. (photo 2)
Add the sliced plantain to the bowl with the marinade and mix well to evenly coat each piece. (photos 3-4)
Spray your fryer basket with cooking spray and then place the slices inside. Arrange in a single layer with space in between the slices for best results and even cooking. (photo 5)
Air fry at 370 degrees for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges appear golden brown and then carefully flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. (photos 6-7)
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and enjoy.
Common Questions
Similarly to bananas, plantains start off green and go through various stages of ripeness, from green, to yellow, to brown. For this recipe, use plantains that are yellow but spotted brown or black. These will be naturally sweeter and the level of ripeness you want for this dish.
Yes, absolutely. Plantains are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C and high in potassium. A great wholesome fruit, but less so if you’re deep frying them in oil or fat. So just use a light spray of oil on your fryer basket to keep this dish low fat.
Although they both come from the same family of plants and look similar too, they each have their own distinct flavour profile. Both are nutritious fruits for a great addition to a healthy diet. Plantains are more starchy and have less sugar, especially when green.
Any fryer with a basket will work well for this recipe. We use and love our Ninja Foodi 8qt and find the basket is large enough to make these air fryer plantains in one batch. If you have a smaller basket, work in two batches for best results.
Can I bake them if I don’t have a fryer?
Yes, you can also make this recipe in your oven. Just preheat as directed below and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and evenly coat your plantain slices and arrange them in a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 5-10 minutes, until edges are golden brown and crispy.
Expert Tips
- Choose ripe plantains with dull yellow skins and plenty of black spots on them.
- Make sure to arrange your plantain slices in a single layer with plenty of space in between, no matter which cooking method you choose. This will result in the best texture and crispy edges, and prevent the pieces from sticking together.
- Handle the slices with care when flipping them, so you don’t squish them.
More air fried recipes
- Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Air Fried Spaghetti Squash
- Healthy Air Fried Eggplant
- Air Fried Broccoli
- Healthy Air Fried Mushrooms
- Air Fried Hash Browns From Scratch
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Buon appetito,
Rosa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe plantain dull yellow with black spots
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce of choice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
Instructions
To Air Fry
- Preheat your fryer to 370 degrees F and spray the bottom of your basket with cooking spray. Then combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Peel and slice your plantains (about 1/4" thick) and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Gently mix to evenly coat each slice.
- Arrange the plantains in a single layer with plenty of space in between and air fry for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy.
To Bake
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F convection bake and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Then combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Peel and slice your plantains (about 1/4" thick) and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Gently mix to evenly coat each slice.
- Arrange your plantains in a single layer on your tray and bake for 15 minutes. Then flip and bake for 5-10 more minutes longer, until edges are golden brown and crispy.
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