Perfect One-Ingredient Plantains

Name: Perfect One-Ingredient Plantains (OIL FREE)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ripe plantain

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This Perfect One-Ingredient Plantains recipe is oil-free and will become your go-to favorite to enhance your Buddha bowl (like the Best Blessed Black Bean Beauty Bowl), Easy Cuban Black Beans, Veggie Chili, as a snack, or even dessert. These air fried plantains take only 20 minutes to prepare.

top view of a plate of oil free plantains cooked in an air fryer sitting on a light green plate against a wood surface. A perfectly ripe plantain positioned above the plate of cooked plantain.

I love plantains!! Growing up in a Caribbean home, plantains were always a staple in our household. It was the sidekick to almost every dish. As a little girl, my siblings and I would always get excited when plantains were on the menu.

Looking back at how we prepared them, I see that frying them in oil wasn’t a healthy choice. This is why I am so excited about these air fried plantains! Simple and fast these air-fried plantains keep their crispy exterior especially around the edges while remaining soft and sweet on the inside.

Air-fried plantains make the perfect side dish for almost any meal. The great thing is you only need a few pieces to elevate your dish by adding a splash of sweetness. Frankly, they are also enjoyable on their own.

As the title so clearly states, this recipe has just one ingredient: plantain. More specifically, a ripe plantain.

How to Prepare

First and foremost, select a ripe plantain. There are different levels of ripeness: the more black spots, the riper and sweeter the plantain. Select the one that works for what you want to cook.
Carefully cut both ends of the plantain.
Take a sharp knife and cut a slit from one end of the plantain to the other. Be sure to keep your fingers away from the blade.
Peel and slice the plantain.
Arrange the pieces in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

top view close up of three ripe plantains stacked on top of each other against a gray background — Select the right plantain for what you want to cook. This plantain is very ripe and sweet.

a ripe plantain being trimmed with a knife on a wooden cutting board — Trim both ends of the plantain.

a ripe plantain being held in one hand and a knife in the other cutting a slit for peeling — Carefully cut a slit from one end to the other.

a ripe plantain being peeled — Peel the plantain.

a plantain that has been cut at an angle into slices — Slice the plantain.

the ripe uncooked plantain slices that have been arranged in an air fryer basket — Arrange the plantain in the air fryer basket or parchment lined baking sheet (for oven-baking).

cooked plantain slices in the air fryer basket — Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Ways to Eat Plantains

Plantains can be eaten in a variety of ways and at every stage of its ripeness. The flavor will vary but the deliciousness remains the same.

Green Plantains are not sweet and have a neutral flavor and dryer texture. You can grate green plantains and make a creamy porridge or pound flat to make tasty tostones.

Ripe plantains can also be eaten boiled, this is a great substitute side dish instead of rice or potatoes.

Baking is another way to prepare plantains. The results will leave you with plantains that are juicy and golden brown without the crispiness.

Season them with your favorite seasonings.

Slice them thinly and air fry them to make the perfect plantain chip. Dip with Garlic Hummus for the win. I hope you add a slice or two to your next dish you won’t regret it.

top view close up of a plate of cooked plantain slices on a light green plate with a fork on the side — air fried plantains can also be enjoyed as a snack!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plantains and bananas the same thing?

Plantains are related to the banana family and look very similar at a glance; for this reason, plantains are often mistaken for bananas. However, the two are very different. Plantains have a tougher skin and are much harder to peel. The texture of the plantain is denser than a banana and is usually much thicker and larger than your average banana. Plantains also have a longer ripening process than a banana. Even though plantains are fruit, they are enjoyed as a starchy vegetable and have a similar taste to yams or potatoes than a banana. Unlike bananas, plantains are almost always eaten cooked. Plantains are very popular in the Caribbean, Latin America, and African cuisine.

Are plantains healthy?

Yes! Not only are plantains delicious, but they are also a great source of fiber, Vitamins A, C, and B-6, and are sources of magnesium and potassium. The key to keeping plantains in their most healthy state is to avoid frying them in oil. Air frying your plantains allows you to have the best of both worlds, both taste and nutritional value.

How do you choose a ripe plantain?

The key to choosing a ripe plantain is to focus on the color. When the plantain is predominantly dark yellow with streaks of black, you most likely have the perfect ripe plantain. Many consider this the sweet spot. The darker the plantain, the sweeter and softer the texture. This soft and sweet texture is best used in dessert dishes. The photo below shows three plantains with varying degrees of ripeness.

We hope you love this oil-free air fryer plantains recipe. Please rate and leave a comment below. Be sure to share a picture on Instagram and tag us @danielsplaterecipes so we can see our creation!