You’ll love making these Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros) as the perfect side dish or meat substitute. This easy recipe is made with less fat and calories.
Try my other meatless air fryer recipes for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Chips.
Jump to:
- What Are Plantains?
- Differences Between Green Plantains and Yellow Plantains
- Why You'll Love Recipe
- How To Peel A Plantain
- Ingredients You Need
- Step By Step Photos
- How To Make Platanos Maduros
- Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Maduros
- More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)
- #respond
Air fryer plantain recipes make deliciously crisp plantain with minimal oil that tastes just as great!
These sweet "fried" plantains are the best way to enjoy very ripe plantains. They're found at the grocery store near the regular bananas.
What Are Plantains?
Plantains are described as cooking bananas that have tougher skin, and are starchy and not very sweet. Although plantains are classified as a fruit, like a typical banana, they are commonly used as a vegetable. Plantains can be prepared in many ways, including steamed, boiled, grilled, fried or baked.
Differences Between Green Plantains and Yellow Plantains
Green plantains have a green or yellow-green skin and a firm, starchy texture with a mild, non-sweet flavor. Commonly used in savory dishes due to their high starch content.
On the other hand, yellow plantains, with a yellow to yellow-brown skin, are softer and creamier when ripe. Giving a sweeter taste as their starches convert to sugars. Yellow plantains are versatile, for both sweet and savory recipes. Commonly used in desserts, fried, baked, or grilled.
Why You'll Love Recipe
Air fryer plantains are absolutely delicious. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sweet and savory flavor that's hard to resist. This recipe is very easy to make, and you only need a few simple ingredients.
These air fryer sweet plantains (plátanos maduros) are ready with just a few simple steps. They take 8-10 minutes to cook. Making it a great option for a quick snack or delicious side dish.
How To Peel A Plantain
Start by cutting off both ends of the plantains using a sharp knife. Then, make a shallow slit along the length of the plantain, being careful not to cut too deep. Use your fingers or a knife to lift and peel off the skin of the plantain. You can also use the edge of the knife to help lift the skin.
Ingredients You Need
- Ripe raw plantains: The ripeness of the plantain is best with black spots and has a bit of yellow skin left.
- Avocado oil: Tasteless and has a high smoke point which stands up well in the air fryer.
- Salt: Helps bring out the natural flavor and sweetness in the plantain.
Step By Step Photos
Peel plantains and slice into ½ inch thick pieces.
Add oil and salt.
Add plantain to the air fryer basket.
Cook!
How To Make Platanos Maduros
Step 1. Peel and slice plantains: Peel 2 medium ripe plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick pieces.
Step 2. Coat with oil and salt: Place the plantain pieces in a medium-sized bowl. Add avocado oil and salt. Mix well.
Step 3. Prep air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F.
Step 4. Air fry plantains: Add the coated plantain pieces to the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Cook the plantains for 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
Step 5. Plate and serve: Carefully remove the golden brown plantain from the air fryer basket and set them on a plate. Optionally, sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Tips
- It’s important that the plantains cook in a single layer in the air fryer to make sure they don’t steam and become mushy. This may mean you’ll have to cook the plantains in smaller batches.
- Make sure all the plantain pieces are cut roughly the same size.
- Sweet plantain slices are best when they're served hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Maduros
A medium sized plantain has 218 calories.
Yes, you can store leftover air-fried sweet plantains. Place the cooled plantains in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.
Yes, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place completely cooled plantains in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy
Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe plantains
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel plantains. Then slice into ½-inch 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°F. 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
- It’s important that the plantains cook in a single layer in the air fryer to make sure they don’t steam and become mushy. This may mean you’ll have to cook the plantains in smaller batches.
- Make sure all the plantain pieces are cut roughly the same size.
- The sweet plantain slices taste best when served hot.
- Storing: Allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Be sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Rita
Thank, I really enjoyed these.
Tim
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.
simplylowcal
Thanks so much for your feedback, Tim. I'm glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
Priya Lakshminarayan
we love plantains at home..we make a simple stir fry with it..this looks awesome too..will try it.
estelle
yum these look great! can you use normal bananas instead? I have tons!
simplylowcal
Hi Estelle, I don't think normal bananas would work quite as well for this. Plantains are a bit more starchy.
Carrie Robinson
This looks like such a tasty snack! 🙂
Katie
Looks super good! Can't wait to try it.
Cindy
Another air fryer recipe for the win! My family really enjoyed these sweet plantains! My kids are already asking to make it again today!
Jessica
I live in Ecuador and make Plátanos alllll the time! I highly recommend this recipe!
stephanie
These were one of my favorite foods as a child! Love the air fryer recipe.
Andrea Metlika
Oh my gosh, I love these. Genius use of the air fryer and perfect for snacking for me.