Plantains are great! They’re a staple in many kitchens, but the easiest way to get them done is definitely with an Air Fryer Plantains. Air-fried Plantains. Unlike traditional frying, air-fried plantains use very little oil and can be a lighter choice with lots of flavour. This way, the plantains stay soft on the inside and deliciously golden crisp without being too brown.
It also leads to a more consistent and user-friendly cooking process, which is great for beginners. Forget trying to keep an eye on the oil temperature or ease your way toward alerting the fire brigade, air fryer plantains require no babysitting! Whether the plantains are sweet and ripe or firm and less sweet, you can count on the air fryer to bring out their flavour.
Another benefit is its speed. And in only a couple of minutes, you can have it as an appetiser, side dish or addition to breakfast. Since the air fryer allows me to make these more quickly and without any loss of texture or flavour, it is a great choice for an easy weeknight dinner option when you want something that’s familiar but healthy.
Origins of Plantains & Their Culinary Use
Plantain come from Southeast Asia, especially the area around Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. From there, they circulated through ancient trade routes to India, East Africa and ultimately West Africa, where they became a popular food staple. Since plantains thrive in tropical environments, they took on great importance in West African culinary culture and appeared in such savoury dishes as fried plantains, tostones and boiled plantains.
Once again, plantains made their way through the Atlantic trade routes — this time to the Caribbean and Latin America, where they became vital to such countries as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Colombia or countless others. Every region created its own styles, like sweet maduros or twice-fried tostones.
The modern version below is made in the air fryer. And while the traditional frying method is well established, the air fryer technique is nothing more than a modern, lower-oil variation on an age-old cultural staple.
Air Fryer Plantains From OohDish!
Air Fryer Plantains
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains yellow with black spots
- 1 –2 teaspoons oil
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Peel the plantains and slice them into even rounds or diagonal pieces.
- Toss the slices with a small amount of oil to help them brown.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if your model requires it.
- Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and lightly crisp on the edges.
- Sprinkle with a little salt if you like, then serve warm.
Notes
- Riper plantains (mostly black) will be sweeter and softer; less ripe ones will be firmer.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to help them cook evenly.
- You can add cinnamon, chili powder, or a light drizzle of honey depending on the flavor you want.
Share Your Twist!
Everybody has their own method for making plantains, and small variations can make a complete difference in taste. Perhaps you like to add a hint of spice, enjoy them extra caramelised or serve with a dipping sauce. If you’ve tinkered with my different seasonings, shapes of slices or air-fryer temps, what you ended up with could be the inspiration someone needs. Let me know how you make your version and what puts it over the top!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are air fryer plantains?
Air fryer plantains are sliced plantains cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil, resulting in tender pieces with lightly crisp edges.
Do I need very ripe plantains?
Ripe plantains work best if you want a sweeter, softer result, but slightly yellow or semi-ripe plantains cook well too—they’ll just be firmer.
How long do air fryer plantains take to cook?
They usually take 8–12 minutes depending on thickness, ripeness, and air fryer model.
Can I make air fryer plantains without oil?
Yes, you can air-fry them without oil, though a small amount helps them brown more evenly and improves texture.
How do I store leftover plantains?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore texture.
