How to Air Fry Plantains

The color of the peel determines what you will get. Green or yellow-green plantains are unripe and starchy — great for tostones (twice-fried) or chips. Fully yellow with black spots are ripe and sweet — these are what you want for caramelized sweet plantains (maduros). Very black plantains are overripe and intensely sweet.

For sweet maduros, cut into 1-inch diagonal slices. Brush lightly with oil or cooking spray. No additional sugar is needed for ripe plantains — the natural sugars do the work. For savory green plantains, cut thicker and season with garlic salt and cumin.

Cook at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark. Ripe plantains caramelize and turn golden-brown on the cut sides. Green plantains need the full 15 minutes and develop a starchier, firmer bite. Check at 10 minutes and add time as needed.

Sweet air-fried plantains are a classic side with rice and beans, chicken, or seafood in Latin cuisine. Savory plantains work as a side or snack with a dipping sauce. They are naturally gluten-free and a nice change from the usual potato-based sides.

How do you know when plantains are done in the air fryer?

Sweet ripe plantains are done when they're golden to dark-brown on the flat sides and caramelized — about 10–12 minutes at 380°F (195°C). Tostones (twice-fried green plantain slices) are done when golden and crispy, about 8–10 minutes for the second fry. Both should be fork-tender in the center.

What temperature for plantains in air fryer?

380°F (195°C) for 10–12 minutes for sweet (ripe) plantains, and 375°F (190°C) for tostones. For sweet plantains, brush slices with a little oil or melted butter and season with cinnamon. For tostones, fry green slices for 5 minutes, press flat, spray with oil, then air fry another 8 minutes until crispy.

Can you air fry frozen plantains?

Yes. Frozen ripe (sweet) plantain slices air fry directly from frozen at 380°F (195°C) for 12–15 minutes. Frozen tostones take 10–12 minutes at 400°F (205°C) — they're typically pre-fried so only need reheating and crisping. Add a light spray of oil before cooking either type from frozen.