Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Plantain Chips are incredibly easy to make and are a great way to enjoy a crunchy, savory snack. By using the air fryer, you get the crispy texture you crave without all the extra oil, making them a much healthier choice than traditional deep-fried chips. With the right balance of salt and the natural sweetness of plantains, these chips are addictive and versatile, perfect for snacking or as a side dish with any meal. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 Green Plantain
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 pinch Salt
- 2 cups Cold Filtered Water
Directions
Step 1 – Peel the Plantain
- Score the plantain lengthwise after submerging it in hot water. Cut off the ends of the plantain and remove the thick skin.
- Tip: If you’re having difficulty peeling the plantain, submerge it in hot water for at least 5 minutes. This will loosen the starch and make peeling easier.
Step 2 – Slice the Plantains
- Use a mandoline slicer to cut the plantain into even, thin slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a grater with a slicing blade, but make sure the slices are thin to ensure crispiness.
Step 3 – Tip for Crispy Chips
- Add the sliced plantains to a bowl filled with cold water and salt. Let them soak for 10 minutes, then rinse them well.
- Drain and pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
- Tip: This step removes excess starch, which helps the chips crisp up instead of becoming soggy.
Step 4 – Coat the Plantains
- Drizzle the avocado oil over the plantain slices and use a pastry brush to evenly coat each slice.
- Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Step 5 – Cooking Time
- Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t clump together.
- Cook at 450°F (230°C) for 6-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure both sides are golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the chips, checking every 2-3 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 6 – Enjoy!
- Once crispy and golden brown, remove the chips from the air fryer and serve immediately. Add a little extra salt if desired and enjoy your homemade plantain chips!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 people
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Plantain Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the plantains before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Chips: Try sprinkling a little garlic powder, paprika, or dried thyme for a flavor boost.
- Sweet Plantain Chips: For a sweet version, drizzle a little honey over the cooked chips or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These chips are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To restore their crispiness, place the leftover chips in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ripe plantains for this recipe?
Ripe (yellow) plantains are sweeter and softer, so they may not crisp up as well as green plantains. It’s best to use green plantains for this recipe to achieve the crispy texture.
Do I need to use avocado oil?
You can use other oils such as olive oil or coconut oil, but avocado oil is a great choice because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Can I make these plantain chips in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the chips at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How thick should I slice the plantains?
Aim for about 1/16 inch thick slices. Too thin and they might burn, too thick and they won’t be as crispy.
Can I make these chips without a mandoline slicer?
Yes, if you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife to slice the plantains thinly. Just make sure the slices are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Can I add other seasonings to the chips?
Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese are all great options.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the chips from crisping properly. You may need to cook the chips in batches.
Can I use plantain chips as a dip?
Yes! These crispy chips are perfect for dipping. Try them with guacamole, salsa, or a spicy dip for a tasty snack.
How can I tell when the plantain chips are done?
The plantain chips are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent burning.
Are these chips gluten-free?
Yes, these air fryer plantain chips are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those on a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Plantain Chips are a crispy, satisfying snack that’s quick and easy to make. By using the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crunch without the extra oil, making them a healthier option than traditional fried chips. These chips are versatile, customizable, and perfect for pairing with dips or enjoying on their own. Whether you’re looking for a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these plantain chips are sure to hit the spot!
Air Fryer Plantain Chips
Air Fryer Plantain Chips are a healthy, crispy snack made with just a few ingredients. They’re gluten-free and perfect for satisfying cravings without the guilt, delivering that perfect crunch without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 Green Plantain
1 tbsp Avocado Oil
1 pinch Salt
2 cups Cold Filtered Water
Instructions
- Score the plantain lengthwise after submerging it in hot water. Cut off the ends of the plantain and remove the thick skin. For easier peeling, soak the plantain in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
- Use a mandoline slicer to cut the plantain into thin, even slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a grater with a slicing blade, ensuring the slices are thin to ensure crispiness.
- Soak the sliced plantains in a bowl of cold water and salt for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain them well, then pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess starch.
- Drizzle avocado oil over the plantain slices and coat each slice evenly using a pastry brush. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 450°F (230°C) for 6-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the chips, checking every 2-3 minutes to avoid burning.
- Once crispy and golden brown, remove the chips from the air fryer and serve immediately. Add more salt if desired and enjoy your homemade plantain chips!
Notes
If you prefer spicy chips, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder on the plantains before cooking.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or dried thyme to the chips.
For a sweet variation, drizzle honey or sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the cooked chips.
Store leftover chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To restore crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
