These crispy air fryer plantains are about to become your favorite snack! Incredibly crunchy and tasty, these delicious savory plantains are perfect for dipping in guacamole or hummus. Make a batch or two of this easy recipe for plantain chips that is totally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Jump to:
- Easy Air Fryer Snacks
- What Are Plantains?
- What’s the Difference between Plantains and Bananas?
- Are Plantains Gluten-Free?
- Which Type of Plantains Should I Use?
- Crispy Plantain Chips for a Healthy Snack
- Why This Recipe Works:
- Ingredients You’ll Need for Plantain Chips:
- Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
- How to Peel and Cut a Plantain:
- How to Cook Air Fryer Plantains (Step by Step):
- Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Recipe FAQs:
- Other Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Snack Recipes:
- Crispy Air Fryer Plantains (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
Easy Air Fryer Snacks
If you haven’t already experienced the miracle that is the air fryer, it’s time to do so (what are you waiting for)?
We love that the air fryer uses just a fraction of the oil that a deep fryer would require, but still results in a crispy, crunchy texture.
Ever since we bought our air fryer, we’ve been cooking with it at least once a week and some of our favorite air fryer snacks include the following: air fryer chicken wings, air fryer chicken tenders, and air fryer bacon.
Of course, not everything has to include meat, and our favorite air fryer vegetarian snacks include air fryer kale chips, air fryer chickpeas, air fryer French fries, and air fryer zucchini fries.
What Are Plantains?
Native to Southeast Asia, plantains are now grown in tropical areas all over the world.
Plantains are highly popular in African, Carribean and Latin American cuisine (particularly in countries such as Cuba, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic).
What’s the Difference between Plantains and Bananas?
At first glance, plantains look like the bigger versions of regular bananas, only with tougher and thicker skins. You might even mistake them to be extra-large bananas.
Flavor-wise however, they are very different!
Bananas are naturally sweet and can be eaten raw, while plantains are more savory in taste and have a higher starch content, except when extremely ripe, so it would be best to cook them instead of eating them raw.
Plantains are often known as “cooking bananas“, are often used in their green, unripe stage, and are popular for making savory foods and snacks.
Are Plantains Gluten-Free?
Plantains are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a great food for Celiacs or those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
Which Type of Plantains Should I Use?
The type of plantain you use will ultimately depend on the recipe you wish to make.
- For savory foods: If you want to cook something savory, I recommend green, unripe plantains, which will be harder and have a more neutral taste.
- For sweeter foods: If you plan to make a sweet recipe, I recommend using mature, yellow sweet plantains, which will be softer in texture and also sweeter in taste.
Crispy Plantain Chips for a Healthy Snack
It’s been on my mind to cook plantains in the air fryer for the longest time, and I finally got around to doing!
I wanted to create plantain chips (which are a very popular snack in Central America and Latin American countries) to go with dipping sauces such as our rainbow guacamole or creamy hummus, and these were a huge, huge hit!
These make a healthy alternative to normal potato chips and make a perfect snack for when you’re hungry. These are also a great side dish for any meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Ingredients: You only need 2 ingredients to make this air fryer plantain chips (nothing fancy required)!
- Ready in No Time: A batch of these air fryer plantains is ready from scratch in just 20 minutes, which means you can enjoy them very quickly!
- Little Oil Required and No Oil Splatters: As opposed to deep-frying, using the air fryer means a very little amount of oil is required to air-fry the sliced plantains. Also, you won’t experience any oil splatters as the plantain chips are cooked with the air fryer closed.
- Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that this air fryer plantain recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those who have Celiac disease, or gluten or lactose intolerances, or even those simply on a gluten-free or vegan diet, are able to enjoy these chips without any issues.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Plantain Chips:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this air fryer plantains recipe.
(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
- Use Green Plantains: Green plantains have a more neutral taste, as compared to ripe yellow plantains which are sweeter in flavor profile. Since we are going for a savory snack here, green unripened plantains would be the best.
- Sunflower Oil: I like using sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand. You may also use another type of vegetable oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
How to Peel and Cut a Plantain:
While plantains sure look a lot like their banana cousins, plantains actually have way thicker skins than bananas, so you won’t be able to peel them like you would a normal banana.
In my experience, here’s the best way to peel plantains. If it’s your first time with plantains, let’s show you how to do it!
1. Cut off Both Ends and Slit the Peel
Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of the plantains, before slitting the peel three times along the length of the plantain (make sure you only cut as deep as the thickness of the peel).
2. Peel off the slit skin a third at a time.
Peel off the green skin a third at a time. Note that the greener the plantain, the thicker and harder the skin, which will make the skin harder to peel, so don’t rush.
3. Slice the Plantain
Slice the plantain into even slices (approximately 1/4-inch thick). Note that the thinner the slice, the crispier the plantain chips will be once cooked.
How to Cook Air Fryer Plantains (Step by Step):
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
2. Coat Plantains with Oil
In a large bowl, toss the plantain slices with the oil until plantains are all coated.
3. Place Plantain Slices in Single Layer
Place the oiled plantain slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you may need to cook the plantains in a few batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
4. Cook on One Side
Cook for 7 minutes, before flipping over.
5. Cook on the Other Side
Continue to cook the plantain chips for another 5 to 7 minutes until crispy.
6. Repeat for All Plantain Slices
Repeat the process above until all the plantains are cooked.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Use Green Plantains: Green plantains have a more neutral taste, as compared to ripe plantains which are sweeter in flavor profile. Since we are going for a savory snack in this air fryer plantain chips recipe, green plantains would be the best.
- Place Slices in Single Layer: Make sure to place the plantain slices in a single layer so there is sufficient space for the hot air to circulate and the plantains can crisp up on all sides. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the sliced plantains in batches.
- Reheat Plantain Chips: If your air fryer basket is small and you need to cook the plantains in a few batches, simply reheat the plantain chips in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
- Add Seasonings: I usually only sprinkle salt over these air fryer plantains, but feel free to sprinkle other seasonings such as paprika, turmeric, black pepper, or whatever else you prefer!
Recipe FAQs:
No, I do NOT recommend using bananas instead of plantains as they have totally different flavor profiles.
These plantains will be crispiest right out of the air fryer. If not eating straightaway, place them in the air fryer at 400F for a few minutes to crisp them up before eating or serving for best results.
If you don’t own an air fryer but would like to make these cook these plantain chips anyway, you definitely can make baked plantains! Simply place the plantain slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silpat-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
Yes, plantains are naturally gluten-free, which means that even Celiacs and those with gluten intolerances or allergies can enjoy them without worries!
Other Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Air Fryer French Fries (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Air Fryer Kale Chips (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Air Fryer Chickpeas (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Air Fryer Diced Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Air Fryer Bacon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Gluten-Free Snack Recipes:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Plantains (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy air fryer plantains are about to become your favorite snack! Incredibly crunchy and tasty, these delicious savory plantains are perfect for dipping in guacamole or hummus. Make a batch or two of this easy recipe for plantain chips that is totally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too!
Ingredients
- 2 green plantains, peeled and sliced into thin 1/4″ thick slices.
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Salt, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Coat Plantains with Oil: Toss the plantain slices with the oil in a large bowl until plantains are all coated.
- Place Plantain Slices in Single Layer: Place the oiled plantain slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you may need to cook the plantains in a few batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Cook on One Side: Cook for 7 minutes, before flipping over.
- Cook on the Other Side: Continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until crispy.
- Repeat Until All Used Up: Repeat until all the plantains are cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle some salt over the air fryer plantains and serve the plantain chips with guacamole, hummus, or any other dip you enjoy!
Notes
Green Plantains: Green plantains have a more neutral taste, as compared to ripe yellow plantains which are sweeter in flavor profile. Since we are going for a savory snack here, green plantains would be the best.
Sunflower Oil: I like using sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand. You may also use another type of vegetable oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
How to Peel a Plantain: Plantains have thicker skins than bananas, so you won’t be able to peel them like you would a normal banana. To peel a plantain, use a sharp knife to cut off both ends, before slitting the peel three times along the length of the plantain (only cut as deep as the thickness of the peel). Peel off the skin a third at a time.
Reheat Plantain Chips: If your air fryer basket is small and you need to cook the plantains in a few batches, simply reheat the plantain chips in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Add Seasonings: I usually only sprinkle salt over these air fryer plantain chips, but feel free to sprinkle other seasonings such as paprika, turmeric, pepper, or whatever else you prefer!
This recipe was originally published in 2015, but has since been updated to include step-by-step photos, clearer instructions, better images, as well as recipes tips.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Carribean
Grace Lim says
Good morning Felicia!
I had mistaken the green unripe big bananas to be the green plantain and still work with this recipe and the chips came out great but not sweet. I enjoy consuming these crispy chips with a sweetened dip which makes it so yummy and satisfying with my hot beverage.
Great recipe for making crispy chips!
Have a blessed day!
Love you lots!
Mum
Felicia Lim says
Yay! Glad to know you enjoy these plantain chips mummy!
Desert Farms says
This looks so nourishing and satisfying!
Grace Lim says
Good morning Felicia,
It is very interesting to know that we can make great chips from unripened Plantains. Will try this out when I do get to buy some unripened plantains.
Have a blessed day!
Mum
Felicia Lim says
Hi mummy! Yes, these plantain chips are really good as a snack! Let me know if you do make these in the end 😉
Beverly says
These look really delicious. The first time I had plantains was in Costa Rica in black bean soup and I didn’t really care for them, but when I did start to like them I really enjoyed them. I still cook them in black bean soup, but I do like the idea of baking them. My question is can I use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil? I wouldn’t use coconut oil for anything else, so it doesn’t make sense to buy it. I can get plantains easily enough here in North Carolina, which would make these easy to make.
I do agree that sitting down to a meal and talking and enjoying the your meal with family and friends is such a great thing to do. I really miss not having my kids close, since we don’t live in the same state, so we could have meals together. I agree there should be no phones at the table just pleasant conversation.
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi Beverly! Thanks for dropping by 🙂 Definitely, you can use normal vegetable oil instead of coconut oil. The results will be exactly the same. I’ve never tried plantains in black bean soup…! If I ever do go to Costa Rica, I will make it a point to try it. I like tasting foods in different cultures – i think it tells so much about the culture!
I understand what you mean about not having your kids close (in my case I have no kids but I live in Argentina while my mum lives in Singapore, and we are 30 hours by plane apart). But at least when I visit, I really treasure the time I have with my family, I guess, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Have a wonderful weekend dear!
Justine @prettyinpistachio says
Love this! Makes such a great side/snack 🙂
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Thanks Justine!! It does, doesn’t it? Best of all, it’s so easy to make!
Faith says
I bake with plantains often and I like this new idea to make fries. I have used sweet fried plantains as a light dessert sprinkled with brown sugar and also made plantain chips..never fries though. I also liked how you spoke of the importance of dinner. My goal is to make the no phone rule something my family sticks to and I do believe a family dinner is more than good food, its a time of day to wind down and connect. Great article. Thanks for posting.
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi Faith! So nice to meet you 🙂 I’ve never tried sweet fried plantains..but they sure sound like a delicious dessert.
I like your no-phone rule – sometimes it’s really hard to implement it given the technologically-advanced age we live in (when 3 year olds already know how to play with the ipad), but its a good rule!!
Thanks for dropping by!
Nagi@RecipeTin Eats says
We don’t get Plantains in Australia!! It is so annoying because I see so many great looking plantain recipes around and I’m really curious to try them!! Grr!!! Great photos. Love that you show so many angles so I know exactly what I’m missing out on!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Thanks for your sweet compliment on the photos Nagi!! These plantain fries have so much curve and texture they were so fun to shoot! 🙂 Weird that there aren’t plantains in Australia….i suppose you could try with super green bananas!