Air Fryer Plantains
Ready in about 20 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Sweet, caramelised plantains with golden edges and a soft, custardy centre. The air fryer coaxes out their natural sugars with barely any oil, making a quick Caribbean-style side or snack that is hard to stop eating.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 0.25 tsp fine salt
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Method
- 1Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- 2Slice the plantains into 1.5 cm diagonal pieces.
- 3Toss with melted coconut oil and salt.
- 4Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- 5Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and caramelised.
- 6Dust with cinnamon if using and serve warm.
Tips for the best results
- Use plantains with heavily spotted, black skins for sweetness.
- Do not overlap the slices so they caramelise.
- For savoury tostones, use green plantains and smash before a second fry.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer plantains steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer plantains?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 10-14 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer plantains ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer plantains serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.