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Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros) – Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free

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Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

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Air fryer sweet plantains are cooked in the air fryer to drastically reduce the amount of oil used. Same great sweet taste.

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

 

One of my all-time favorite foods as a child was plantains. I would say they were even a staple in our house. We had them often, and there never seemed to be enough. When my parents would make them, they’d get gobbled up so quickly. Fast forward to today, and the same is true in my house now with my own children. Growing up, the traditional way we made plantains was to fry them in a pan of oil. Now, to cut back on the calories I cook them in the air fryer and they still taste amazing. We like eating plantains as a side with our meal, but they can be used in sweet or savory dishes. They make a great meat substitute in tacos, and also make a great dessert when sprinkled with a little cinnamon and sugar.

 

What are plantains?

Although the plantains are classified as a fruit, in many countries, it is used more like a vegetable than a fruit. They are originally from Southeast Asia but are now grown all over the world. Plantains are usually tougher than bananas, with much thicker skin. They are starchy, not very sweet, and require cooking as they are not enjoyable to eat raw.

 

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

 

Even though plantains are a member of the banana family, they are distinctly different. They are actually a fruit, but treated like a vegetable. Plantains are also widely used in Latin cuisine. Growing up in a Latin family, we quite often ate plátanos. Plantains can be prepared in many ways, including steamed, boiled, grilled, fried or baked. My favorite style of plantains are maduros. Before ripening, plantains are green. Once they turn yellow/black, they are ripe and ready to go. The riper they get, the sweeter they are, and that’s what we want when making maduros. They will also be soft when lightly squeezing them.

 

Are plantains healthy?

Plantains are a rich source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and the minerals magnesium and potassium.   

 

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

 

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

  • Ripe plantains
  • Avocado oil
  • Salt

 

How to make Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

Start by peeling the plantains, then cut them into 1/2″ rounds.  This recipe still calls for oil, but a significant amount less than deep frying. Rather than cooking them in oil, the plantains are coated in a little oil. Cooking spray can be used if you don’t want to use oil, but you won’t get the same delicious results the oil gives, which is the browning of the plantain. This is the best way to go if you’re looking for more traditional plantains. I recommend using an oil with a high smoke point because they are better for cooking at higher temperatures. I use avocado oil, but oils such as canola, grapeseed, sunflower and safflower oils also work.  

 

Once the plantains are tossed in oil, add salt and toss them again. Most of the salt will fall off when cooking, so they can be sprinkled again with a little salt after cooking. They taste better when slightly salted, but the amount is a personal preference.  Turn the air fryer on to 400 degrees and place the plantain in the basket in a single layer, not overcrowding them. Cook for 5 minutes, flip them over, and cook for another 5 minutes. Repeat until all the plantain is done cooking.

 

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later!

 

Calories per serving (1/2 one plantain): 130

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

 

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)
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5 from 18 votes

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros) - Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free

Air fryer sweet plantains are cooked in the air fryer to drastically reduce the amount of oil used. Same great sweet taste.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish
Keyword: air fryer, low calorie food option, sweet plantains
Servings: 4
Calories: 130kcal
Author: simplylowcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium plantains, ripe
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Peel plantains. Then slice into 1/2" thick pieces.
  • Place plantain pieces in a medium size bowl. Add oil and salt. Mix well so every side of each plantain is covered with oil.
  • Add plantain to air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd basket. You will likely need to cook in batches.
  • Turn on air fryer to 400°. Cook plantain for 10 minutes, flipping over half way through.
  • Remove plantain pieces carefully from air fryer basket and set on plate. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Repeat until all the plantain is cooked.

Notes

  • If avocado oil is not available, canola oil can be substituted. 
 
  • Find plantains in your local grocery store, usually near the bananas. 
 
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros) - Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free
Amount Per Serving (4 g)
Calories 130 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Sodium 40mg2%
Potassium 447mg13%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 27mg33%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.


 

Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

 

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Comments

  1. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef

    5 stars
    The golden-brown crisp on these plantains is the exact colour of my Cuban friends in Miami that have the most amazing authentic restaurant! Love these, I have got to get one of these air fryers, I’ve been putting it off! lol Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • simplylowcal

      Thanks! I think they are close to authentic, given they are made in an air fryer. You definitely need an air fryer! 🙂

      Reply

    • simplylowcal

      Hi Aimee! Traditionally they are deep fried in oil. You can try to bake them, but they probably won’t get the same browned outside that way.

      Reply

  16. Emmeline

    5 stars
    This post made me hungry!!! I’ve been CRAVING plantains for such a long time but there’s just no way to get them here in Stockholm. Will need to schedule a trip to Mexico soon…

    Reply

  18. Megan Ellam

    5 stars
    I have never actually tried plantains they aren’t readily available in Australia without looking I suppose. These do however look amazingly caramelised. I think I need to go on a plantain hunt. 😂 Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply

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