Air Fryer Plantains

Plantains are often confused with bananas but they are different and often cooked raw to make savory dishes. Plantain fries are a great snack or a side dish and can be made in the air fryer in a matter of a few minutes.

These air fryer plantains are vegan, gluten-free, and best served fresh and hot with some tomato ketchup. They require only a few basic spices

Plantains vs bananas

Plantains look like bananas however there are some differences between the two. Banana is a fruit eaten when ripe whereas plantains are usually eaten cooked, baked, or fried.

Plantains have more starch compared to bananas and are not very sweet when green. When ripe, they are sweeter and become more so when cooked. For more details on the differences check out this post on the differences between plantains and bananas. (reference healthline.com)

Ingredients for air fried plantains

Air fryer plantains are very easy to make and require very few basic spices and oil. Plantains are available in different colors depending on how ripe they are.

I have used raw plantains which are green in color. However, even the semi-ripe or ripe ones can be used to make air fryer plantain fries. Plantains are first peeled and then cut into wedges.

A little oil is coated to ensure that they cook evenly and do not end up being dry. Salt and red chili powder add flavor and you can adjust the amount of chili powder depending on how spicy you want them to be.

How to peel plantains?

To peel plantains, cut both the ends and then slide a knife across the ridges of the skin. It is now easy to pull the skin off with your fingers. If you find it difficult then you can always use a vegetable peeler to remove the peels.

For making fries, slit the plantain vertically from the center and then make wedges of about 1-centimeter thickness and 3 inches in length.

How to cook green plantains in air fryer?

Once the plantains have been cut into the shape of fries, mix them with some oil, salt, and red chili powder in a mixing bowl. Coat the plantains well with the mixture. This will ensure that they are well cooked and do not end up becoming dry.

Depending on your air fryer, preheat it to 390 °F. I have used the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer. After turning it on and selecting the time and temperature, it will ask to add the food once it has been preheated.

Add the plantain fries to the air fryer basket and allow it to cook for about 12 minutes. After a few minutes, the air fryer will prompt you to turn the food. At this point shake the basket to ensure the fries are getting cooked evenly.

To check that the plantains have been cooked, check them by inserting a fork. The top of the fries will be crispy and soft inside. If needed, you can air fry them for a few more minutes to ensure they have cooked perfectly to your liking.

What temperature to air fry plantains?

Green plantains are air-fried at a temperature of 390 °F for about 12 minutes. While air frying, shake the basket after a few minutes to ensure they are cooked evenly.

What to serve with plantain fries?

Green plantain fries are savory in taste and go well with ketchup. If you like them spicy, you can serve them with some sriracha sauce or a mixture of ketchup and sriracha.

How to store air fryer plantains?

Air-fried plantains are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Ensure that they are completely cooled down before storing.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat them in the microwave or in the air fryer for a minute at 390 °F. You can sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to regain some moisture as they become dry.

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