Sweet plantains develop tender centers and golden, caramelized edges in the air fryer. For this easy side, preheat the air fryer to 385°F (196°C), then cook the slices for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use ripe plantains with mostly dark skins: their natural sweetness does the work, so there’s no need to add sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains, mostly black or heavily spotted
- 1½ teaspoons neutral oil, such as avocado or canola oil
- Small pinch of salt, optional
Choose plantains that yield slightly when pressed but are still firm enough to slice. Green plantains are starchier and won’t give you the same soft, sweet result. If the peel is difficult to remove, make a shallow slit along its length, then lift it away with your fingers.
How To Make It
- Preheat the empty air fryer to 385°F (196°C) for about 3 minutes. Peel the plantains and cut them on a diagonal into slices about 1 inch thick. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Gently toss the slices with the oil. Arrange them in a single layer directly on the air-fryer basket grid, leaving a little space between pieces for airflow. Cook in batches if your basket is small; you don’t need a pan or liner.
- Air fry for 9–11 minutes, turning each slice carefully after about 5 minutes. Begin checking near the end of the cooking time. Remove the plantains when both sides have deep golden edges and the centers are tender. Add a small pinch of salt if you like, and serve warm.
Tips
Give them room. Crowding traps moisture and makes browning less even. The slices may be soft, so a thin spatula or tongs can help you turn them without breaking them.
Watch the color, not just the timer. Air fryers vary, and very ripe fruit can darken quickly. Keep the fryer at 385°F (196°C) for this cooking schedule; a lower setting may need more time and may not produce the same golden edges.
Skip loose paper. Cooking directly on the basket grid keeps airflow open. If you choose a liner instead, check your appliance instructions, use a suitable perforated liner, and add it only with food after preheating—never put loose parchment in an empty preheating air fryer.
Serve these sweet, golden slices alongside rice and beans or enjoy them as a warm snack.
