How to make fried plantains to perfection

In this post, you will learn how to fry plantains. Or, at least, I will show you how to make fried plantains my way. They were a staple in my home growing up and although they are less easily accessible to me now, we still have them fairly frequently.

Table of Contents

What are plantains?

Plantains quickly become a favourite for people who have never tried them before. They are eaten in much the same way that potatoes or sweet potatoes are eaten.

They look like large bananas. They contain more starch and so are better suited to being cooked than eaten raw.

They are green when unripe and yellow when ripe. Plantains can be eaten both ripe and unripe.

For this recipe, I only use ripe plantains.

how to make fried plantains — Pin for later!

Plantains in my home

My toddler loves her fried plantain. It was ingrained in her DNA really. She has two West African parents. She did not really have a choice in the matter. She will have it at any time of the day – for breakfast, lunch, supper or as a snack in between any of those meals. In fact, she will have nothing but fried plantain (and chocolate) all day long if she has her way.

They are, in my view, the ideal toddler snack. Fortunately, they work for the whole family too.

If you have never fried plantains before though, it might seem like a challenge. Indeed, there are many people who love fried plantains but find frying it to be a daunting task.

How ripe should plantains be for frying?

This really depends on your taste. My husband, for example, prefers it when they are not too ripe. For me, on the other hand, the riper the better because that means that when they are fried, the plantains will be extremely soft. Also, the riper plantains are, the sweeter they are. If you do not want your fried ripe plantains too sweet, you should fry them before they have over-ripened.

How do you cut plantains to fry?

Any way you like. If you are unsure, you can use thickness as a guide.

As an approximation, I like to cut my plantains so that they are about 2cm thick. Sometimes I’ll make them even slightly thinner. That way the edges become just a bit crispy when fried. I also slice them in medium to small diagonal shapes. My mum likes to cut them in longer diagonal shapes and thicker as well because this means less time spent frying.

They can also be cut lengthwise down the middle into two halves and each half sliced into two.

Remember that the thicker the slices are, the more time each will need to effectively cook.

Should you soak plantains before frying?

No. Not unless you want fried plantains that taste half done. Soaking plantain means that they become wet and possibly soggy, depending on how ripe the plantains are. If they are very ripe, the soaked plantain will fry quickly on the outside and is likely to burn if not watched closely.

Soaking the plantains before frying means that the oil will be splashing on you excessively as you fry.

What is the best oil to use for frying plantains?

I recommend vegetable oil because it has a high smoke point. That means it can withstand high temperatures without burning. It also has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the taste of the plantains.

Peanut oil is also preferred by others for frying plantains, as it has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish. I occasionally will choose to fry my plantains with peanut oil. However, if you or anyone you’re cooking for has peanut allergies, it certainly isn’t the option for you.

Healthier oil options like olive oil or avocado oil can also be used for frying plantains. While they may have lower smoke points than some other oils, they can still be suitable for shallow frying or pan-frying plantains over medium heat.

How to cook plantains

Once your plantains are sliced up, they are ready for cooking. Pre-toddler days, I made sure to always add a sprinkle of salt over my plantain pieces before frying them. However, with my toddler eating plantain with us, I do not add any salt. Interestingly, it tastes just as good without salt!

Some people also prefer to put salt in their oil instead of directly on the plantain. It makes no difference to the taste.

I know that others also like to salt their fried sweet plantains after frying them. I have never tried this before as I imagine this might interfere with the taste of the plantain. I imagine that the salt would overtake the taste of the plantain itself.

I use vegetable oil to not just line the base of my frying pan but to also fill the frying pan up just enough to cover the plantains once they are lying in the pan. Too little oil will most likely lead to the plantains burning quickly without the insides cooking thoroughly.

Put the oil on high heat until you are sure that it is hot. Lower it to medium heat and then put your plantain pieces in. Make sure that they are spread evenly on the base of the pan. There should not be any pieces on top of each other.

When they have started to brown, you might want to quickly flip them over and fry them on the other side. I wait a bit longer as I like them more brown than yellow. The first batch usually fries in about 8 minutes total – five minutes on one side and three on the other side.

Careful if you are frying several batches as after the first batch, the pieces will fry a lot faster. You have to keep a watchful eye on them because they will burn easily.

When they are as brown as you like, place them either on a tissue on a flat plate to drain or in a sieve lined with tissue. You need a thick, highly absorbent tissue for this so that it absorbs the oil and does not stick to your plantain. If you do not have any, simply drain it in an unlined sieve.

Let cool for about five minutes before serving.

Can I fry plantains without using oil?

Yes, you can fry plantains without using oil by using alternative cooking methods such as baking or grilling. Here are two options:

Baking: Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Slice the plantains into desired shapes, such as rounds or strips. Place the plantain pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and are cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into long pieces. Lightly coat the plantain slices with cooking spray or brush them with a little bit of oil alternative, such as avocado oil. Place the plantain slices on the grill grates and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop grill marks and are cooked through.

Disclaimer: At no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission for purchases made through links within this page.

What goes with fried plantains?

In my mind (and in my mouth), fried plantains go with any and every rice dish as well as every stew dish. My personal favourite way to eat fried plantains is with a beans stew, a sprinkle of gari over the beans and a spoonful of hot pepper (shito) on the side.

Generally though, fried plantains are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in various dishes or as accompaniments. Here are some popular options:

Tostones (Fried Plantain Rounds). Tostones are a classic dish made from sliced plantains that are fried, flattened, and fried again until crispy. They are typically served as a side dish or appetizer and can be paired with a dipping sauce like garlic sauce or spicy aioli.
Maduros (Sweet Fried Plantains). Maduros are ripe plantains that are sliced and fried until they become soft and caramelized. They offer a sweet and slightly savory flavor. Maduros can be served as a side dish, a topping for savory dishes like rice and beans, or even as a dessert with a drizzle of condensed milk.
Mofongo. Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that combines mashed fried plantains with garlic, pork cracklings (chicharrones), and sometimes other ingredients like herbs or spices. It is often served as a side dish alongside meat or seafood.
Plantain Bowls or Tacos. Fried plantains can be used as a base or shell for creating plantain bowls or tacos. Fill them with your choice of ingredients like beans, meat, vegetables, and sauces for a flavorful and unique twist.
Plantain Sandwiches. Use fried plantains as a substitute for bread or as a filling in sandwiches. They can add a sweet and savory element to your sandwich creations.

How many calories are there in fried plantain?

Fried ripe plantains contain 343.1 calories per plantain according to eatthismuch.com. 5 slices contain 120 calories but the slice sizes referred to here are uncertain.