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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.
One of my all-time favorite foods as a child was plantains. We had them often, and there never seemed to be enough and they’d get gobbled up so quickly. Today 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.
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. 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.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Made in air fryer for less oil
- Same great taste as deep frying
- Great meat substitute
Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this recipe.
- Ripe plantains
- Avocado oil
- Salt
How to make this recipe
1 – Start by peeling the plantains, then cut them into 1/2″ rounds.
2 – Toss plantains in the oil, then 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.
3 – 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.
4 – Repeat until all the plantain is done cooking.
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.
Can I store leftover plantains?
Yes. place cooled plantains in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 days To reheat, place on a plate and microwave for a minute.
Please Note
Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on your food so it doesn’t burn.
Calories per serving (1/2 one plantain): 130
Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)
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.
- Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
Nutrition
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Enjoy!
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 🙂
Thanks! I think they are close to authentic, given they are made in an air fryer. You definitely need an air fryer! 🙂
This makes me want to bust out my air fryer! I have never had fried plantains before and these look yummy!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
These look great!! So easy to make but I love good fried plantains!!
Me too! Thanks! 🙂
These plantains look really good! I keep seeing so many healthy air fryer recipes, I think I need to get one!
For sure! I love my air fryer.
that looks so good. i am so interested to try that. is there a way to do it without an air fryer? I don’t have one.
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.
I’ve never tried plantains! You’ve made me curious. Also I must get an air fryer!
I think you would love them! 🙂
I never thought to do plantains in an air fryer. Gonna have to try this!
Thanks! I hope you like. 🙂
I have to confess I have never eaten plantains! They’re not widely available here in Italy. But if I do come across some, I def want to try frying them like you do!
I hope you can get ahold of some soon. They are really good!
I’ve actually never tried plantains, as they’re not available here in Japan. They look delicious!
Thanks so much!
Not a plantain lover as such but you have manged to make this recipe look beautiful . Thanks fcr the share .
Thanks! They’ve been a favorite since I was a kid. 🙂
I was recently gifted an awesome Power Air Fryer Pro & I’m going to have to make these for sure!
Yay! Let me know how you like them! 🙂
My kids love sweet plaintains and making them in the air fryer seems so easy. I have to get an air fryer.
Thanks, Sonila. I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Have tried shallow frying them, it was very tasty. And this is in an air fryer which does not use oil at all and this makes this dish more tasty. Brilliant Recipe !
Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
We love fried plantains and this sweet one really wins my attention as it is air fried.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy them! 🙂
How clever to make these in an air fryer! Same great flavor, without the mess! Thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy. 🙂
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…
I hope you are able to get your hands on some soon! 🙂
Plantains are so good and I would definitely recommend anyone to try them! Love that you made these in the air fryer!
Thanks, Suzy!
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.
You’re welcome. I hope you are able to find some plantains soon. 🙂
I love plantains! Thank you for reminding me to get an air fryer – this looks amazing.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Just got my air fryer and looking for more recipes, so good!!!
That’s awesome! The air fryer is so great.
This is really amazing! Such a delicious appetizer! My kids loved it.
That’s great to hear, Toni. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love these. Genius use of the air fryer and perfect for snacking for me.
Thanks, Andrea. 🙂
These were one of my favorite foods as a child! Love the air fryer recipe.
Thanks, Stephanie. 🙂
I live in Ecuador and make Plátanos alllll the time! I highly recommend this recipe!
That’s awesome, Jessica. That’s where my family is from. 🙂
Another air fryer recipe for the win! My family really enjoyed these sweet plantains! My kids are already asking to make it again today!
That’s great, Cindy. 🙂
Looks super good! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks, Katie. I hope you enjoy. 🙂
This looks like such a tasty snack! 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
yum these look great! can you use normal bananas instead? I have tons!
Hi Estelle, I don’t think normal bananas would work quite as well for this. Plantains are a bit more starchy.
we love plantains at home..we make a simple stir fry with it..this looks awesome too..will try it.
Thanks, Priya! 🙂
I have searched for the perfect air fryer recipe for months and found this one tonight. Had some yellow/black plantains and wow, perfection!!! I don’t need to look any further as your recipe is spot on.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Tim. I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂