Go Back
Overhead shot of fried sweet plantains in a blue bowl.
Print Recipe

Fried Sweet Plantains

Golden, tender, and caramelized—fried sweet plantains are a beloved side dish across Latin America and the Caribbean. They’re incredibly easy to make and always bring comfort to the plate, especially when served with rice and beans.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Ecuadorian, Latin American
Keyword: fried ripe plantains, fried sweet plantains
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 238kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe yellow plantain
  • oil for frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point

Instructions

  • Peel the Plantain: Start by cutting off both ends of the ripe plantain. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit through the peel, running from top to bottom. Use your thumbs to gently pry the peel away from the plantain and remove it completely.
  • Slice the Plantain: Cut the peeled plantain into thin, diagonal slices, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Thinner slices will cook faster and get more caramelized edges, while thicker slices will stay a bit soft in the center.
  • Heat the Oil: Set a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add enough oil to the pan to coat the bottom in a shallow layer—just enough for shallow frying.
  • Fry the Plantains: Once the oil is hot (a slice should sizzle when added), carefully place the plantain pieces into the skillet in a single layer. Use tongs, as the slices can be slippery and hot oil may splatter.
  • Cook Until Golden: Fry for 4–5 minutes on the first side, or until the bottoms start to turn golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until evenly browned.
  • Serve: Place on a paper-towel lined plate and serve warm.

Notes

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Plantains:

  1. Peel the Plantain: Cut off both ends of the plantain. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit through the peel. Use your thumbs to gently peel it away and discard the skin.
  2. Slice the Plantain: Cut the plantain into diagonal slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Try to keep the slices even so they cook evenly.
  3. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if your model requires it. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or brush it with a bit of neutral oil to help prevent sticking.
  4. Air Fry: Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with oil if you'd like a more golden finish. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the plantains are soft and golden brown on both sides.
  5. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!