In just 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have your own healthy, crunchy plantain chips snack! Make baked plantain chips with just two ingredients.
These plantain chips have become my go-to for satiating snack cravings without having my belt buckle afterwards. Hailing from Latin American kitchens, these chips are traditionally made by frying thin slices of green plantains, but this air fryer version cuts back on our and time. If I had to describe them, I'd say they taste like a cross between a kettle chip and a savory banana—earthy, crisp, and slightly sweet if you let them ripen just a bit.
With just two ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, this recipe is a staple for anyone looking to snack smarter, whether you're gluten-free, vegan, or simply want something craveable without the preservatives and excess salt. And if you're having a party, serve with my 7 layer dip or the iconic longhorn steakhouse parmesan spinach dip!
Are Air Fryer Plantain Chips a Healthy Snack?
Absolutely—especially when compared to potato chips or packaged snack mixes. Plantains are naturally rich in fiber, potassium, and resistant starch, making them great for digestion and even blood sugar regulation. And with the summer coming up, if you are trying to fit into some old jeans (like me), it is lower in fat than traditional chips and offer real satiety thanks to fiber and slow-burning starch.
While deep frying can add unwanted calories and fats, air frying creates the same crispy texture with a fraction of the oil. Compared to baking, air frying also yields a superior crunch in less time.
Curious how air frying measures up across the board? Check out this Essential Air Fryer Accessories Guide to upgrade your air fryer game, or try these Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips for another healthy chip option.
How to Get Perfectly Crunchy Plantain Chips!
Check early and flip: Not all air fryers are created equal. Peek at the 6-minute mark, and flip halfway for even browning.
Use green plantains, not ripe ones. Yellow or spotted plantains will yield softer, sweeter chips.
Mandoline magic: For perfectly even, ultra-crispy slices, a mandoline slicer beats a knife every time. Uniformity = consistency.
Don't overcrowd: Don’t be tempted to cook them all at once. Batch cooking is better than soggy chips. Give your chips space in the air fryer basket. Overlapping slices will steam, not crisp.
Want to save this?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week.
Ingredient Highlight: What Exactly Are Plantains?
Plantains look like bananas but don’t be fooled—they’re starchier, firmer, and typically used in savory dishes. While bananas are best raw, plantains shine when cooked, especially in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
If you're looking to explore further, try these traditional Plátanos Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains)or Baked Plantains with Guava and Cheese, that explore a baked version of the fruit.
Directions to Make Homemade Plantain Chips Recipe
- Cut off both ends of the plantains.
- Score the skin lengthwise and peel carefully—green plantains can be tricky!
- Slice diagonally into thick chips.
- Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil.
- Arrange plantain slices in a single layer—no overlaps!
- Air fry at 370°F for 6–8 minutes. Flip slices, then cook another 5 minutes. Total cook time is about 10–13 minutes.
- Remove, season (sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, spices of your choice), and let cool completely before eating.
Storage
Let your plantain chips cool fully before storing. Moisture is the enemy of crunch! Place them in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 3 days. If they soften, pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to re-crisp.
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
How to Make Crispy Plantain Chips in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer Liners
- Mandoline or sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 medium green plantains
- Oil Spray
- Salt and pepper optional
- Spices chili flakes, cumin, coriander (optional)
Instructions
- Cut off the ends of the plantain. To peel the plantain, score the skin lengthwise without damaging the flesh. Then peel the plantain.
- Cut plantain into diagonal slices of about ¼-inch in thickness, using a knife or a mandoline.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Lay the plantain chips in the basket in a single layer, without any overlap.
- Bake the chips in the air fryer at 370 F degrees for 6-8 minutes. Turn the slices over to the other side and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until crispy. Chips usually need 10-13 minutes in the air fryer in total.
- You can now sprinkle plátano chips with your choice of spices (I like cumin, coriander and chili flakes), or salt and pepper.
- Let them cool before eating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in room temperature for up to 3 days.
