Fried Plantains Recipe

There’s nothing like fried plantains with their golden brown, caramelized outside and soft, sweet, creamy centers. I love serving them alongside my favourite Jamaican dishes because they’re the perfect West Indian side dish.

Their sweetness complements rich, savoury meals, making them great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe is always a hit!

What are Plantains?

Plantains are a starchy fruit commonly used across the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Trinidad. They’re often called cooking bananas since they’re typically cooked before eating. Originally from Southeast Asia, plantains traveled to Africa through trade routes before becoming a staple in Caribbean cuisine.

Are banana and plantain the same?

Plantains and bananas come from the same family, but they aren’t the same. Unlike bananas, which can be eaten raw, plantains are starchy and need to be cooked first. Plantains are larger, with thicker skin, and their flavor is mild and less sweet, especially when green.

How ripe should plantains be for frying?

For the best fried plantains, choose ripe ones. The riper they are, the sweeter they get, and when fried, they develop a rich caramelized flavor.

Look for plantains with black or yellow skin with black patches. They peel easily, cook faster, and taste better.

Sweet Plantains vs Tostones

Plantains are ripe whereas tostones are unripe plantains fried, smashed, and refried to make green plantain chips. Tostones are thinner, crispier, and twice-fried.

Ingredients

Large Ripe Plantains: Peeled and cut into diagonal pieces.
Vegetable Oil: Use this or another neutral cooking oil.
Salt: This is an optional ingredient. Use as desired.

How to Make Fried Plantains

I start by peeling the ripe plantains. I’ve found that the easiest way to peel plantain is to slice off both ends and then run a sharp knife down the length of the skin to make it easier to peel.

Once peeled, I cut the plantains on a diagonal, about 1/2-inch thick—any thinner and they tend to get too crispy or burn. I set the sliced plantains aside until I’m ready to cook them.

Then I heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I gently add the plantain slices and sprinkle them with a little salt (optional, but it adds a nice touch).

I fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping them once, until they’re golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and let them cool a bit before serving.

Air Fryer Plantain Alternative

Place sliced plantains in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and sprinkle with salt. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Recipe Tips

For fried sweet plantains, use ripe plantains with a visibly black peel (or black spots). They peel easier and cook faster too.
Cut plantains diagonally so they will cook evenly.
Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. If you use too much, the plantains will be soggy.
Do not cook over high heat. Plantains cook quickly and can burn easily.

Storage

Fried plantains are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave, stovetop, or air fryer for the best results.

Serving Fried Plantains

I love serving plantain with my favourite Jamaican recipes. For a hearty meal, they pair perfectly with Jamaican Curry Goat or Oxtail, especially when served with white rice.

Plantains also make a great addition to breakfast alongside Ackee and Saltfish. And if you’re craving something spicy, try them with Jerk Chicken and Rice and Peas, or toss them into a Jamaican Poke Bowl for that delicious sweet and savoury combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to cook plantains?

Frying is the best way to cook ripe plantains. You can deep fry, pan fry or air fry.

Why are my plantains hard?

If your plantains are hard, they probably weren’t ripe enough.

Do I need to boil plantains before frying?

No. Simply slice them and fry.

Are raw plantains edible?

You can eat them raw but they taste best when cooked.

Are fried plantains healthy?

Plantains tend to have more vitamins and potassium than bananas. When fried, they are comparable to starchy veggies like potatoes. They are fine to eat in moderation, but frying in oil will definitely add calories. Air-fry them for a healthier option.

More Jamaican Side Dishes

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