Plantain fries make a delicious, healthier alternative to potato fries. Unripe plantains (sometimes called green bananas) are high in fiber and have a texture similar to potatoes but with less starch, making them ideal for savory fries.
This air fryer version takes under 20 minutes and needs only a little oil and seasoning. They’re simple to prepare and work well as a snack or a vegetable side dish.
You may also enjoy air fryer plantain chips, air fryer sweet potato fries, air fryer French fries, or air fryer eggplant fries. Baked sweet potatoes made in the air fryer are great too.
Ingredients
Plantain: 2 green or unripe plantains (also called green bananas).
Olive oil: 2 teaspoons to help the spices stick and to promote crisping.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric and garlic powder was used here; adjust amounts to taste or swap for your favorite spice blend.
Instructions
These fries are quick and straightforward to make. Start with two green plantains.
Peel the plantains and cut them into ½” (about 1 cm) thick sticks using a sharp knife.
Place the cut fries in a shallow bowl. Add the olive oil and seasonings and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Arrange the seasoned plantain sticks in a single layer in the basket to allow hot air to circulate.
Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, or until the fries are golden and slightly crispy on the outside and cooked through. If you prefer a deeper color or extra crispness, air fry 1–2 minutes longer, checking frequently.
Remove the fries from the basket and serve hot. They’re great on their own as a filling snack or alongside a main dish.
Serve with ketchup, your favorite dip, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.
Expert Tips
1. Use unripe (green) plantains for savory, crispy fries; ripe plantains will be sweeter and softer.
2. Cut the fries to a similar size so they cook evenly. Shake the air fryer basket once or twice during cooking to promote uniform browning.
3. You can swap or add seasonings—cajun, chili powder, cumin or prepared spice blends all work well.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 3–4 minutes until heated through and crisp.
Air fryer Plantain Fries
Rachna Parmar
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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1 Air fryer
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1 Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 2 plantains
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. turmeric
- 2 tsp. olive oil
Instructions
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Peel the plantains and cut them into ½” thick fries. Place in a shallow bowl and toss with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
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Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, then arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket.
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Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until the fries are golden and slightly crispy. Add an extra 1–2 minutes if you prefer them crispier.
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Remove and serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dip. They also make a tasty side to mains.
Video
Notes
2. Cut fries evenly for uniform cooking and shake the basket once or twice during air frying.
3. Any dry seasoning or premixed spice blend can be used.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.