Description
With caramelized crisp edges and a sweet, tender interior, These Air-Fried Sweet Plantains, also known as Platanos Maduros, are the mess-free, speedy way to get this beloved dish on the table fast. Buy yellow plantains and let them ripen at home until they are black or nearly black. The darker and softer the plantain, the more moist and sweet they will be.
Ingredients
- 3 extra-ripe (nearly black) sweet plantains
- Avocado oil spray (or similar air fryer-safe oil for coating the basket)
- Coarse salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 425ºF.
- Slice off both hard ends of each plantain. Carefully make a shallow slit along the length of each plantain, cutting through the peel but not into the flesh. Pull off the peel and discard. Slice the peeled plantains on an angle (a bias cut), about 3/4-inch thick.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil (I use a non-aerosol avocado oil spray), then place the plantains in it, spaced evenly apart. Lightly spray the tops of the plantains with the avocado spray.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the plantains for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the plantains are caramelized on the edges and soft in the middle.
- Serve the sweet plantains immediately with a generous sprinkle of coarse salt.
Notes
Plantains undergo a tremendous transformation from green to super-ripe, just like bananas. They can be consumed at different stages of ripeness. When green, they are very starchy and not sweet. As they ripen, they become sweeter and softer and can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. For this dish, you are meant to use very ripe plantains that should be nearly all black. The level of sweetness in the finished dish will depend entirely on the stage of ripeness with the plantains.
Slice the plantains on a bias, which means on an angle. This type of cut will yield more surface area for the plantains to achieve a crispy, caramelized texture on the outside.
Air fryers vary widely in terms of capabilities, capacities, and basket styles. It's important to acknowledge this variation when it comes to any recipe for the air fryer. You might need to adjust the cooking times based on your air fryer. Additionally, if you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. Remember to avoid overcrowding the basket, allowing ample space between the plantains to promote proper air circulation and achieve crispy perfection.
Sweet plantains are best served immediately; while they won't retain their crispness upon storage, they're still delicious and reheated within 2-3 days in an oven or toaster oven.