Craving a healthy and delicious snack? This Easy Air Fryer Plantain Chips recipe is perfect for you! These crispy chips are a fantastic alternative to traditional potato chips, made with simple ingredients and minimal oil. Also, homemade plantain chips make a healthy snack with lots of fiber.
Jump to RecipePlantains are a staple in my kitchen, and using the air fryer has greatly reduced the amount of oil and allows for variations.
Why Plantain Chips in the Air Fryer?
Cooking plantain chips in the air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. The hot air circulation ensures the chips are crispy with less oil, making them a guilt-free snack. Plus, air frying is quicker and cleaner than using a deep fryer.
PRO TIPS for the Best Air Fryer Plantain Chips
- Use a mandolin slicer: For uniformly thin slices that cook evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer: This ensures it is even cooking from the start.
- Arrange in a single layer: Prevents the chips from sticking together and promotes even crisping.
- Choose the right ripeness: Use green or slightly yellow plantains for the best texture.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Plantain Chips Recipe
- 2 green or slightly yellow plantains: For the best texture and crispiness. You can substitute with ripe yellow plantains.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil: To lightly coat the plantain slices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning (optional)
- Favorite spices (optional): Garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
How to cook Air Fryer Plantain Chips
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Prepare the Plantains: Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends of the plantain and slicing through the thick skin. Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut the plantains into thin slices (about 1/8 inch thickness); you can go for straight or diagonal slices.
Season the Slices: In a large bowl, toss the plantain slices with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and your favorite spices (such as garlic powder or paprika).
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Air Fry the Chips: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy. Add a few more minutes if the chips are not crispy.
Cool and Serve: Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover plantain chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can lose their crispiness over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Cooking Methods Apart from the Air Fryer
- Oven Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the plantain slices on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Deep Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. The air fryer is a better option as it uses less oil and is healthier.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with your favorite salsa or guacamole for a tasty dip.
- Pair with air fryer chicken wings for a satisfying meal.
- Sprinkle with some garlic powder or your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside a simple sauce made from equal parts mayo and hot sauce.
Variations and Additions to Plantain Chips
- Sweet Plantain Chips:
- Ripe Plantains: Use ripe, yellow plantains for a sweeter flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar before air frying.
- Honey Drizzle: Drizzle with honey after air frying for extra sweetness.
- Spicy Plantain Chips:
- Chili Powder: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
- Garlic Plantain Chips:
- Garlic Powder: Sprinkle with garlic powder before air frying.
- Minced Garlic: Toss the plantain slices with minced garlic and oil.
- Herbed Plantain Chips:
- Rosemary: Add dried rosemary to the seasoning mix.
- Thyme: Sprinkle with dried thyme for a herby flavor.
- Cheesy Plantain Chips:
- Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the plantains before air frying.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free cheesy flavor, use nutritional yeast.
Easy Air Fryer Plantain Chips Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 green or slightly yellow plantains: You can substitute with ripe yellow plantains.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Favorite spices optional: Garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends of the plantain and slicing through the thick skin. Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut the plantains into thin slices (about 1/8 inch thickness); you can go for straight or diagonal slices.
- Season the Slices: In a large bowl, toss the plantain slices with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and your favorite spices (such as garlic powder or paprika).
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air Fry the Chips: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
FAQ’s
- Can I use ripe plantains?
- Yes, but they will be sweeter and may cook faster. Use green or slightly yellow plantains for crispy chips.
- Do I need to soak the plantain slices?
- No, soaking is not necessary. Slice, season, and air fry.
- How do I ensure the chips are crispy?
- Make sure to slice the plantains thinly and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Can I use other oils?
- Yes, you can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.
- Origin of plantains.Plantains, often referred to as cooking bananas, originated in Southeast Asia and spread to tropical regions of Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Over time, plantains have become a staple in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Latin American, Caribbean, African, and Southeast Asian countries. These regions have integrated plantains into various traditional dishes, highlighting their versatility and nutritional benefits.
Enjoy this Easy Air Fryer Plantain Chips recipe and savor a healthy, crispy snack any time of the day!
Have a look at the collection of air-fryer recipes on the blog.
Air-fried whole Chicken
Air fryer Doughnut recipe
Air fryer Salmon steak and bites
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
