Air Fryer Plantains

Learn how to make these semi-sweet Air Fryer Plantains with this simple recipe. A delicious, crispy, and low-oil option for a healthy treat or side dish!

There has never been a day of the week when I have turned down fried plantains! But on days when I’m trying to cut back on oil, this handy air fryer recipe for perfectly “fried” plantains really comes in clutch.

Plantains are a staple food in many cultures across the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. As a versatile and nutritious fruit, they can be fried, grilled, boiled, mashed, or even baked.

You will find a plantain recipe in almost every corner of the globe, and the plantain possibilities are endless!

Are Air Fryer Plantains Healthy?

Plantains share some similarities in nutritional value to potatoes, particularly in terms of being starchy, energy-dense foods. However, plantains generally contain more carbohydrates and calories than potatoes, and their micronutrient profiles differ somewhat.

Both plantains and potatoes are good sources of dietary fiber, though plantains tend to have slightly more fiber than white potatoes, especially when they are less ripe. They are a great starchy fruit to add to your diet when you want some variety from potatoes, and are very versatile thanks to their simple flavor profile.

What do you cook with plantains?

I first had plantains at my favorite local Salvadoran restaurant in London, called Quinta. After a hearty burrito and a few pupusas (stuffed tortillas), they would bring out a plate of plátano frito (fried plantains) with plenty of condensed milk poured over.

I then had a very similar dish on a boat in Mombasa, Kenya. Called ndizi tamu, plantains were cooked with coconut milk, cardamom, and sugar to make the most delicious and warming dessert after nyama choma (grilled meat skewers) and kachumbari (a tomato and onion salad).

But they’re not just served sweet! You’ll often find plantains sliced and fried, and served the way you would see fries or roast potatoes served, with a protein and some extra veggies. My favorite way to enjoy plantains is in kelewele, a Ghanaian dish involving fried plantains that are seasoned with dried spices like ginger, garlic, and chili powder. My Ghanaian-American friend always serves them with grilled chicken thighs and a Ghanaian coleslaw, along with plenty of shito, a crunchy chili sauce. Out of this world!

Serving Suggestions 

These plantains are delicious no matter how you choose to enjoy them! Eat them on their own as a snack, or dipped into condensed milk for a sweet treat.

I love to serve these plantains as the starch component in my dinner, alongside a protein like this Indian Chicken Kebab or this Shish Tawook.

For a salad, I love to make this Tomato Basil Salad – it reminds me of Kenyan kachumbari, and I just swap the basil for cilantro, and the vinegar for lemon juice. You can also never, ever go wrong with a Greek Cucumber Salad with literally anything!

Recipe