This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Air fryer plantains, or Maduros, are a delicious and healthy appetizer, side dish, or snack. They are incredibly easy to make with almost zero prep time!
This healthy snack has a subtle but fresh flavor, with natural sugars from the plantain. They can be seasoned with your favorite spices, and require almost no prep time.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Air-fried plantains will easily be one of your favorite plantain recipes. They have a natural sweetness, along with the sprinkle of salt, for just the right amount of flavor when you are craving a fun snack.
If you are looking for quick and salty snacks, try air fryer banana chips, air fryer potato chips, air fryer French fries, or air fryer falafel.
WHAT ARE PLANTAINS
Plantains are often confused with regular bananas. They are actually in the banana family, and look similar, but they don’t taste the same. Plantains are a little bigger than bananas, and have a thicker skin. And with a riper plantain, the sweeter it should be.
Plantains are best when cooked in some way, which is why air frying them is a great way to prepare your plantains. And the best time to cook them is when they are yellow to black.
Just like green bananas, unripe plantains are green in color. Yellow plantain are just slightly ripe, and black are peak ripeness. Green plantains are more starchy like a potato, and are still used in a popular side dish called tostones. These are sliced and fried while they are still green, and are very crispy.
INGREDIENTS
- fresh plantains– yellow to black
- olive oil– coconut oil and avocado oil can also be used
- kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
STEP 2
Rinse the outer peel and then pat dry with a paper towel. Remove the peel from plantains. Then, place the plantains on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut into diagonal slices, about ½ an inch in thickness.
STEP 3
Put the sliced plantains in a medium bowl and gently toss them in the olive oil and salt. Mix until evenly coated.
STEP 4
Place the slices in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Do not overfill the air fryer and avoid stacking or overlapping.
STEP 5
Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F, until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Remove them from the air fryer and place on a wire rack until plantains cool. Season with salt as desired.
I make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer. Because different brands of air fryers have varying sizes and wattages, cooking times may need to be adjusted 1-2 mins.
VARIATIONS
- This recipe makes plantains that are delicious on their own, but they can also be served using your favorite toppings or sauces.
- Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon and sugar or honey, for a sweeter snack.
- Dip plantains in chocolate sauce or top with whipping cream, making it a perfect snack.
- To make air fryer plantain chips, slice a little thinner and air fry. Once they cool, they will be crispy.
- For a spicier plantain, top with savory spices, like garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
EXPERT TIPS
- Even though this recipe calls for tossing plantains in oil, to help prevent sticking, I still give the basket a light spritz of nonstick cooking spray.
- Use a paring knife, or mandolin slicer for even slices.
Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more.
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
These plantains are best served immediately after making in the air fryer. However, if you do have leftover plantains, place them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you want to reheat them, return them to the air fryer and air fry at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
FAQS
Ripe plantains are similar to bananas, but they don’t taste like a banana. They are sweet, and the more ripe they get, the sweeter. Plantains are much less sweet than bananas, overall.
Air fryer plantains are a great side dish or delicious snack, but they also have a lot of health benefits. They are a great source of fiber, and are full of vitamins and nutrients. They are also high in magnesium and potassium. For calories and other full nutritional information, check below under the recipe card.
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER SIDE DISHES
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Appetizers
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Snap Peas
Once you cook plantains, they will become a delicious side dish you make on a regular basis.
We Would Love to Hear From YOU!
Let Us Know What You Think!
Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. It lets us know how we are doing and lets others know they should try it!
Looking for a hardcover book of recipes? Check out the retailers where you can order our Air Frying Cookbook, Air Fryer All Day!
Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with over a million Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your photos! We love to see your creations.
Like to watch TikTok? Follow along with our recipes on TikTok @airfryingfoodie.
Are you on Instagram? Follow along and TAG US @airfryingfoodie.
Have a Question or General Feedback?
Jump down to the COMMENT section and let us know! We would love to help and also love feedback on all of our posts.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Air Fryer Plantains
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 plantains
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, coconut oil and avocado oil can also be used
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the outer peel and then pat dry with a paper towel. Remove the peel from plantains. Then, place the plantains on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut into diagonal slices, about ½ an inch in thickness.
- Put the sliced plantains in a medium bowl and gently toss them in the olive oil and salt. Mix until evenly coated.
- Place the slices in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Do not overfill the air fryer and avoid stacking or overlapping.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F, until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack until plantains cool. Season with salt as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
