Bored of the same old sides? Get ready to fall in love with plantains all over again! We’ve gathered 29 mouthwatering air fryer recipes that transform this versatile fruit into crispy, golden perfection—from savory snacks to sweet treats. Whether you’re craving quick weeknight dinners or impressive party appetizers, these easy ideas will make your air fryer your new favorite kitchen tool. Let’s get cooking!
Crispy Air Fried Plantain Chips
Aren’t you tired of greasy snacks that leave you feeling sluggish? These crispy air fried plantain chips are the perfect guilt-free alternative. You’ll love how simple they are to make with just a few ingredients.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Green plantains – 2
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. Peel the green plantains using a knife to score the skin lengthwise and remove it.
3. Slice the plantains into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick, using a mandoline for even thickness.
4. In a bowl, toss the plantain slices with 2 tbsp of olive oil until lightly coated.
5. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, then flip the chips with tongs.
7. Continue air frying for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Immediately transfer the chips to a bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp of salt while hot.
9. Let the chips cool for 5 minutes to crisp up further before serving.
Tip: Use green plantains for the crispiest texture, as ripe ones can become soggy. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping. Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Unexpectedly crunchy and lightly salted, these chips have a satisfying snap with a subtle sweetness from the plantains. Try serving them with a spicy mango salsa or dipping them in guacamole for a fun twist—they’re addictive straight from the bowl too!
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Plantains
Just when you think you’ve tried every air fryer snack, these spicy Cajun plantains come along. They’re crispy, sweet, and have the perfect kick—ideal for game day or a fun appetizer.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and salt over the plantains, then toss again to distribute the spices evenly.
5. Arrange the seasoned plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip each slice using tongs.
7. Continue air frying for another 6–7 minutes, until the plantains are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
8. Transfer the cooked plantains to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
9. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to allow the texture to set.
Let these plantains cool slightly for that ideal crisp-tender bite. The natural sweetness balances the smoky Cajun heat, making them addictive. Try dipping them in a cool cilantro-lime yogurt or crumbling them over a salad for a crunchy twist.
Sweet Honey Air Fryer Plantains
Tired of the same old snacks? These sweet honey air fryer plantains are about to become your new favorite treat. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Honey – 2 tbsp
– Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp
– Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the 2 ripe plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. Lightly coat the plantain slices with cooking spray on both sides using a spray bottle for even coverage.
4. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through at the 4-minute mark.
6. While the plantains cook, mix 2 tbsp of honey with ½ tsp of ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Remove the plantains from the air fryer when they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
8. Immediately drizzle the honey-cinnamon mixture over the warm plantains, tossing gently to coat evenly.
9. Let the plantains rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the honey to set slightly.
Enjoy these warm plantains with their caramelized edges and gooey honey coating. They’re perfect as a dessert with vanilla ice cream or as a sweet side for breakfast—the crispy texture holds up beautifully even after a few minutes.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Plantains
Fancy a sweet, crispy treat that’s ready in minutes? You’re going to love these air fryer cinnamon sugar plantains. They’re like little caramelized bites of heaven, and they’re so easy to make.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp
– Granulated sugar – ¼ cup
– Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the 2 ripe plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. Melt the 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 20 seconds.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon until fully combined.
5. Brush both sides of each plantain round with the melted butter using a pastry brush.
6. Dredge each buttered plantain round in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly.
7. Arrange the coated plantain rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping the rounds halfway through at the 4-minute mark.
9. Check for doneness: the plantains should be golden brown and slightly caramelized on the edges.
10. Carefully remove the plantain rounds from the air fryer using tongs and let them cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving.
Very crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet interior, these plantains are a delightful snack. They’re perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a topping for morning oatmeal.
Savory Garlic Herb Air Fryer Plantains
You know those days when you want something crispy, savory, and a little different? Yeah, savory garlic herb air fryer plantains are your answer. They’re super easy to make and come out perfectly golden every time.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
– Plantains – 2 large
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Dried oregano – ½ tsp
– Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt over the plantains, then toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes.
7. Flip each plantain slice using tongs to ensure both sides get crispy.
8. Air fry for another 6 minutes at 400°F until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
9. Transfer the plantains to a plate and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Mmm, these plantains turn out crispy on the outside with a tender, slightly sweet interior. The garlic and oregano add a savory punch that’s totally addictive. Try serving them as a snack with a squeeze of lime or alongside grilled chicken for a fun twist.
Air Fryer Coconut Plantain Bites
Okay, so you know those days when you want something crispy, sweet, and tropical without a huge mess? Our air fryer coconut plantain bites are your answer. They’re a fun, healthier twist on a classic snack that comes together in a flash.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Unsweetened shredded coconut – ½ cup
– Egg – 1
– Salt – ¼ tsp
– Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the ripe plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg until smooth.
4. In a separate shallow dish, combine the unsweetened shredded coconut and salt.
5. Dip each plantain round into the beaten egg, coating it completely.
6. Immediately press the egg-coated plantain round into the coconut mixture, ensuring both sides are covered. Tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things tidy.
7. Place the coated plantain bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each.
8. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
9. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
10. Carefully flip each plantain bite using tongs. Tip: Check for a golden-brown color on the bottom before flipping.
11. Lightly spray the flipped sides with cooking spray.
12. Air fry for another 4–5 minutes at 375°F until the coconut is crispy and golden brown. Tip: The plantains should be tender when pierced with a fork.
13. Transfer the bites to a plate to cool slightly.
Perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet center, these bites have a lovely tropical flavor from the coconut. Try serving them warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful snack or dessert.
Sticky Honey Glazed Air Fryer Plantains
Grab your air fryer and get ready for a sweet, sticky treat that’s way easier than you’d think. You’ll love how these plantains caramelize into the perfect snack or dessert. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for your air fryer routine.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2 large
– Honey – ¼ cup
– Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp
– Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the 2 ripe plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. (Tip: Look for plantains with black spots on the peel for maximum sweetness.)
3. Place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry the plantains at 375°F for 8 minutes.
5. While the plantains cook, combine the ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon in a small microwave-safe bowl.
6. Microwave the honey mixture on high for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. (Tip: This creates a thin, pourable glaze that coats evenly.)
7. After 8 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket and brush half of the honey glaze over the plantain slices.
8. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 4 more minutes.
9. Remove the basket again and brush the plantains with the remaining honey glaze.
10. Air fry for a final 3 minutes at 375°F, or until the glaze is bubbling and the edges are deeply caramelized. (Tip: Watch closely at the end to prevent burning—the timing can vary by air fryer model.)
11. Transfer the glazed plantains to a serving plate and let them cool for 2 minutes.
Buttery, cinnamon-spiced honey soaks into every warm bite, giving them an almost candied texture. Serve them over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert, or enjoy them straight from the plate while they’re still delightfully sticky.
Air Fryer Jerk Seasoned Plantains
Packed with Caribbean flair and crispy edges, these air fryer jerk seasoned plantains are the perfect sweet-savory snack. You’ll love how quickly they come together with minimal effort, delivering a bold, spicy kick that’s totally addictive. Let’s get cooking!
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Jerk seasoning – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds on a cutting board.
3. Place the plantain slices in a medium bowl and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
4. Sprinkle 1 tsp of jerk seasoning evenly over the plantains.
5. Toss the plantains gently with your hands or a spoon until they are fully coated in oil and seasoning.
6. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip each slice with tongs.
8. Air fry for another 5 minutes at 400°F until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
9. Transfer the plantains to a serving plate using tongs, letting them cool for 2 minutes before eating.
Just out of the air fryer, these plantains are delightfully crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet interior that balances the spicy jerk seasoning perfectly. Try serving them alongside grilled chicken or as a topping for rice bowls to add a Caribbean twist to your meal—they’re so versatile and always a hit!
Caramelized Brown Sugar Air Fryer Plantains
Ever find yourself craving something sweet and satisfying but short on time? These caramelized brown sugar air fryer plantains are your new best friend. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and come together with minimal effort.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- Ripe plantains – 2
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a medium bowl, toss the plantain slices with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together thoroughly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the buttered plantain slices and toss again to coat completely.
- Arrange the coated plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and carefully flip each plantain slice using tongs. (Tip: Flipping ensures both sides caramelize evenly and get crispy.)
- Air fry for an additional 5 minutes at 375°F, or until the slices are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized.
- Remove the plantains from the air fryer and let them cool on a plate for 2-3 minutes. (Tip: Letting them cool slightly helps the caramelized sugar set, preventing burns and improving texture.)
- Serve warm. (Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle with a little honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving.)
Here’s the best part: you get this incredible contrast of a crisp, sugary shell giving way to a soft, almost custardy center. They’re fantastic on their own, but try them over vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream for a next-level dessert.
Air Fryer Plantain Tostones
Unexpectedly craving something crispy and satisfying? You’ve probably seen plantains at the grocery store and wondered what to do with them. Let’s turn them into the perfect, crunchy snack with your air fryer.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Green plantains – 2
– Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Peel the 2 green plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow lengthwise cut through the skin.
2. Slice each peeled plantain into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
4. Place the plantain rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry the rounds at 375°F for 6 minutes.
6. Remove the basket and let the rounds cool for 2 minutes until you can handle them.
7. Use the bottom of a glass or a tostonera to flatten each round into a ¼-inch thick disk. (Tip: Lightly oil the glass to prevent sticking.)
8. Brush both sides of each flattened disk with the 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
9. Sprinkle the ½ tsp of salt evenly over all the disks.
10. Return the disks to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
11. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
12. Flip each tostone over. (Tip: Use tongs for easy flipping.)
13. Air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes at 375°F until golden brown and crispy.
14. Remove the tostones from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes. (Tip: The rack keeps them extra crispy.)
You’ll love the contrast of the crispy, salty exterior with the soft, starchy center inside. They’re fantastic dipped in a garlic mojo sauce or simply enjoyed on their own as a guilt-free treat.
Smoky BBQ Air Fryer Plantains
Veggie lovers, get ready for a game-changing snack! You won’t believe how easy it is to transform simple plantains into crispy, smoky bites. This air fryer method cuts the oil and time while delivering that irresistible BBQ flavor you crave.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
– Plantains – 2 large
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
– Garlic powder – ½ tsp
– Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and salt.
4. Add the plantain slices to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
5. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes.
7. Flip each plantain slice using tongs.
8. Air fry for another 6 minutes at 400°F until golden brown and crispy.
9. Transfer the plantains to a plate and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Unbelievably crispy on the outside with a tender, sweet interior, these plantains deliver a perfect smoky-sweet balance. Try them as a standalone snack, or get creative by topping them with a dollop of cool sour cream or crumbling them over a fresh salad for added texture.
Sweet and Spicy Chili Lime Air Fryer Plantains
Diving into a snack that’s both sweet and spicy is the perfect way to shake up your routine. These Sweet and Spicy Chili Lime Air Fryer Plantains come together in minutes and deliver a crave-worthy crunch with a zesty kick. You’ll love how simple they are to make for a quick appetizer or snack.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Plantains – 2 large, ripe (yellow with black spots)
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Chili powder – 1 tsp
– Lime – 1, juiced
– Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
6. While the plantains cook, mix the chili powder, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl to create the seasoning sauce.
7. Transfer the cooked plantains to a clean bowl immediately after air frying.
8. Drizzle the chili-lime sauce over the warm plantains and toss gently to coat evenly.
9. Serve right away for the best texture.
Just out of the air fryer, these plantains have a crispy exterior with a tender, sweet interior that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and spicy chili. They’re fantastic on their own or served alongside grilled meats or as a topping for tacos to add a burst of flavor.
Air Fryer Baked Plantain Fritters
Tired of the same old snacks? These air fryer baked plantain fritters are your new crispy, sweet-and-savory best friend. They’re super easy to whip up and way healthier than deep-fried versions.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2 medium
– All-purpose flour – ½ cup
– Baking powder – 1 tsp
– Salt – ¼ tsp
– Egg – 1 large
– Milk – 2 tbsp
– Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the ripe plantains and mash them thoroughly in a medium bowl until smooth.
3. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the mashed plantains.
4. Crack the egg into the bowl and pour in the milk and vegetable oil.
5. Mix all ingredients together until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the fritters tender.
6. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a bit of extra oil to prevent sticking.
7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the basket, spacing them 1 inch apart.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, then flip each fritter carefully with tongs.
9. Air fry for another 6 minutes at 375°F until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
10. Transfer the fritters to a wire rack to cool slightly, which helps them stay crispy.
A warm, golden batch of these fritters offers a delightful contrast: crispy edges with a soft, sweet center from the ripe plantains. Serve them immediately with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist—they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Plantains
Brace yourself for a snack that’s crispy, garlicky, and totally addictive—these air fryer plantains are about to become your new go-to. They’re a breeze to make, and you’ll love how the parmesan gets all golden and melty. Perfect for when you need something savory and satisfying in a flash.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Ripe plantains – 2
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Grated parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the plantain slices with the olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and salt over the plantains, then toss again to coat all pieces thoroughly.
5. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
7. Remove the plantains from the air fryer and let them cool on a plate for 2 minutes to crisp up further.
8. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Out of the air fryer, these plantains are delightfully crunchy on the outside with a soft, sweet center that pairs perfectly with the savory garlic and parmesan. Try dipping them in a spicy aioli or serving them alongside a fresh salad for a light meal—they’re so versatile, you might just make a double batch!
Conclusion
Kickstart your plantain journey with these 29 air fryer gems! From sweet to savory, they prove healthy eating can be deliciously easy. I hope you find a new favorite—give a recipe a try, then drop a comment below to tell me which one you loved. If this roundup inspired you, please share it on Pinterest to help other home cooks discover these tasty ideas. Happy cooking!
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
