Air Fryer Plantains (GF, P, W30, V)

So. Another morning, another breakfast and another chance to make these  Air Fryer Plantains. Like I need an excuse to make this treat that hits the right spot. Every. Single. Time.

The idea of having a healthier version of fried plantains is enough to get the whole family out of bed even on a freeeeeeeeezing cold day.

I’ve been thinking about making plantains in the air fryer ever since I bought my new kitchen gadget.

Freddy and the kids can’t get enough of the air fried food we’ve been eating lately making things like Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Green Beans and Air Fryer Whole Chicken, my waistline is thanking me for not using as much oil as I’d usually use to get such fried delicious food.

Why You’ll Love This

• They are made with 3 pantry staples.
• They are made with minimal prep and in 10 minutes 
• Healthier than regular fried plantains.
• Loved by the kiddoes and family alike.
  

Back to the Air Fryer Plantains. Once I start thinking of the food that reminds me of childhood, I can’t get it out of my mind. I have to have it. And with plantains, once I start I just can’t stop for a week.

Warm plantains for breakfast are my favourite Sierra Leonean treat, but I don’t stop there. The mini chefs and I will make plantain chips as an after-school snack and we’ll also use our plantains to soak up delicious bean stew for dinner.

Air Fryer Plantains Tools

Are you ready to make Air Fryer Plantains? Gather your ingredients and I’ll show you how to make plantains in the air fryer……

How to Make Air Fryer Plantains Step by Step

1. Preheat air fryer to 350F /180C
2. Peel the plantain and cut into slices and add to a bowl.
3. Gently mix in the oil and salt until plantains are coated on both sides.
4. Put half the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10 minutes turning half way through using your tongs.
6. Serve warm.

Air Fryer Plantains Tips

• Make sure the plantain slices are not touching. This is really important when cooking with the air fryer. This allows maximum air circulation inside the fryer, so your plantains will cook evenly and turn out crispy.
• Cook time will depend on the size of your plantains. Thicker slices of plantains will need a bit more time and thinner slices will need less. Always check on your food about half way through.

• Don’t overdo it with the oil in the air fryer. Less is more when it comes to oil in the air fryer. This recipe for plantains calls for just ¾ tsp of oil for 1 plantain but you definitely don’t want to use more than 2 tbsp MAX when using your air fryer.
• Change the oil to whatever works with your dietary restrictions.
• Serve warm! If making a big batch, place your cooked Air Fryer Plantains in a warm oven to keep temperature.

Seasoning Your Fried Plantains

Options are endless with seasonings. I like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Just a little bit of salt is one of my favourite ways to snack on Air Fryer Plantains.

What is a Plantain?

A plantain is a starchy fruit that’s part of the banana family but it isn’t quite like a banana. Typically, you wouldn’t eat it raw because the plantain is starchier and is not as sweet as a banana. You’ll find plantains on any Latin (called Tostones), Caribbean or African menu.

You’ll find 3 kinds of plantains at your local markets that you can choose from to make your Air Fryer Plantains.

• Green Plantains: These are unripe and prepared like a starchy vegetable. Fried green plantains are fried twice for crispiness but you won’t find any sweetness here.
• Yellow Plantains: Yellow plantains are my favourite and the ones I always look out for at Brixton market. Yellow plantains are firm and have just the right amount of sweetness without being too much. Look for Yellow plantains when making your Air Fryer Plantains.
• Ripe (Black) Plantains: When the plantain’s peel is black, that’s the ripest it will be. Using a black peeled plantain will result in very sweet fried plantains.

Fried Plantains

If you don’t have an air fryer you can also fry up your plantains the old-fashioned way. Check out my post “How to Make Fried Plantains” if you want to use your stove top and a pan of oil.

Baked Plantains

You can also make delicious baked plantains in your oven. This is a much healthier option than Fried Plantains on the stove top, but juuuuuuust about the same as Air Fryer Plantains. Just another reason why I loooooooooove my air fryer. Check out my Baked Plantains with Sierra Leonean Flavours.

Is Air Fried Food Healthy?

Using the air fryer is not only super easy, it is healthy too. Here is how it works. By circulating heat all around the food, air fryers allow you to ‘fry’ foods using the smallest amount of oil. We are talking anything from a tablespoon to just a light spray.

And since your food is not submerged in the stuff, much less oil gets absorbed during the cooking process, which means it contains less fat and less calories.

More Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

• Air Fried Bacon.
• Air Fryer Donuts.
• Air Fryer Bagels.
• Air Fryer Apple Fritters.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts.
• Air Fryer Chickpeas.

Serving Suggestions

In West Africa, fried plantains #ultimatecomfortfood are served as snacks or starters and as a side dish to foods.

Try them with

• Jollof Rice
• Blackened Salmon.
• Roast Chicken
• Grilled Fish. 

Weight Watchers Points 

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of Air Fryer Plantains.

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Plantains recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog.

Get the Air Fryer Plantains Recipe