Say hello to your new favorite crispy snack: Plantain Fries! These golden fries are made with just four ingredients and can be baked in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer. They're savory, slightly sweet, and completely addictive—especially when dipped in the iconic pink sauce!
If you know me, you know I’m totally obsessed with plantains. Fried, mashed, baked—you name it, I’m making it. These easy plantain fries are one of my favorite ways to enjoy them, especially when I’m craving something savory and snackable, but don't want French fries! You don't have to fry them in hot oil to get the perfect crispy plantain fries, either. These fries get perfectly cooked to golden brown by baking or air frying, making them a delicious yet healthier option.
Why You'll Love This Plantain Fries Recipe
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Just four ingredients season these plantain fries with bold flavor thanks to garlic salt and smoky paprika!
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan: These are a clean, allergen-friendly alternative to classic fries.
- Crispy edges, tender centers: When baked or air-fried, green plantains have a crispy exterior with a soft interior!
- Perfect for dipping: Especially in pink sauce, guacamole, or a my cilantro jalapeno sauce!
- Versatile snack or side: Pair them with anything from rice bowls to grilled meats.
- Customizable seasoning: You can spice them up or sweeten them depending on your mood.
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Ingredients
You just need a handful of ingredients to make this 4-ingredient plantain fries recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- Green Plantain: Green plantains are unripe plantains which are starchier and more savory than the yellow plantains, and will get crispier in the oven or air fryer! Sometimes it will take some time to find green cooking bananas in the store. I usually have success in Walmart but you can also find them in specialty stores like Whole Food's or Sprouts sometimes!
- Olive Oil: Helps the plantain crisp up and adds richness. Avocado oil works too.
- Garlic Salt: Adds a punch of umami flavor and simplifies seasoning! I used Lawry's garlic salt which also contains parsley. You can also use the Trader Joe's garlic salt if you have it on hand.
- Paprika: Lends a mild smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
Pro Tip! If you don't have a garlic salt blend that has parsley, you can use a combination of salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Bake Plantain Fries in the Oven
Step 1 - Prep the Plantain
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Peel the plantain and slice it into fry-shaped pieces. To properly peel a plantain, cut the ends off of the plantain. Then, use a sharp knife to slice into the peel and slide the knife down the length of the plantain. Use the tip of the knife to open up the peel slightly until you can get your thumb in it enough to peel it off fully.
Step 2 - Season the Fries
In a bowl, toss the plantain fries with olive oil, garlic salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 3 - Bake & Enjoy
Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy on the edges.
Serve hot and enjoy as a snack or side dish!
How to Make Air Fried Plantain Fries
If you don't want to turn on the oven, feel free to make them in the air fryer! Here's how to do it:
- Peel and slice the plantain into fry-shaped pieces.
- Toss the plantain fries with olive oil, garlic salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (if your model requires preheating).
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cut evenly for even cooking. Aim for fry-shaped sticks about ¼-inch thick so they cook and crisp at the same rate.
- Space out the fries. Whether baking or air frying, make sure they’re in a single layer with room in between for airflow. If you have small air fryer basket, you might need to cook them in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking. A light sprinkle of extra garlic salt or flaky sea salt after baking boosts flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Seasoning swaps: Try cumin and chili powder for a smoky-spicy twist, curry powder for something bold, or cayenne pepper for a bit of spice. You can use your seasoning of choice, and anything you use one potato fries will work here, too!
- Sweet plantain version: Use ripe yellow plantains and season with cinnamon and a pinch of salt—great for a sweet treat.
- Cheesy finish: Make some loaded plantain fries by tossing the hot fries with grated Parmesan or cotija cheese!
- Spicy dip pairing: Serve with chipotle mayo, sriracha ketchup, or cilantro jalapeno sauce if you love heat.
How to Serve Plantain Fries
- Dunk in pink sauce (mayoketchup): A classic and irresistible pairing.
- Side for rice and beans or cast iron chicken: Adds texture and flair to any Latin-inspired plate.
- Add to a snack board: Include them with dips, olives, and cheese for a Latin twist on charcuterie!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but they’ll be softer and sweeter! For crisp fries, green plantains are best. I personally like them with green plantains for a savory snack.
Absolutely—just be sure to work in batches if using an air fryer or arrange fries in a single layer on multiple baking sheets.
It’s usually just a mix of mayo and ketchup, although you can add a dash of garlic salt for added flavor! It is simple and perfect for dipping!
More Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Yuca Fries
- Fried Sweet Plantains
- Corn and Mango Salsa
- Patacones Recipe
- Colombian Empanadas
Easy 4-Ingredient Plantain Fries
Ingredients
- 1 green plantain
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt Use Lawry's Garlic Salt (with parsley) or Trader Joe's Garlic Salt. Otherwise, you can use garlic powder, salt and dried parsley.
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Peel the plantain and slice it into fry-shaped pieces. To properly peel a plantain, cut the ends off of the plantain. Then, use a sharp knife to slice into the peel and slide the knife down the length of the plantain. Use the tip of the knife to open up the peel slightly until you can get your thumb in it enough to peel it off fully.
- In a bowl, toss the plantain fries with olive oil, garlic salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Serve warm and enjoy as a snack or side dish!
Notes
- Peel and slice the plantain into fry-shaped pieces.
- Toss the plantain fries with olive oil, garlic salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (if your model requires preheating).
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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