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.
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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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!
Perfect One-Ingredient Plantains (OIL FREE)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe plantain
Instructions
- Select a ripe plantain.
- 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 into chunks.
- Arrange the pieces in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- (Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange sliced plantains on a parchment- or silicone mat-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown).
Notes
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Air fryer (if cooking in the oven, you'll need a baking sheet and parchment paper or silicone baking mat)
Sharyn says
Thank you are very thoughtful with your recipe instructions. I appreciate you all for that. Can’t wait to purchase and air fry my plantains.🤗
Gigi & Sersie says
Thank you, Sharyn. We recently posted a banana chips recipe using green bananas you might be interested in. Of course, you can substitute green plantains, but green bananas are usually easier to peel and available in most grocery stores. 🙂
Pauline says
This is a true calorie saver with the same great taste as fried in oil. The essential thing is to select a very ripe plantain.
Gigi & Sersie says
Pauline - I'm so glad you shared this. We've often only had plantains fried in oil, but with the air fryer (or oven), you don't need it. The true taste of this beautiful fruit shines through. Thank you so much for your feedback. We appreciate you.