Name: 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe plantains (the darker the skin, the sweeter they will be); Oil with a high smoke point; To taste

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If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, perfectly golden, and ready in a flash, you’re about to fall in love with 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros). This dish captures the essence of tropical comfort with every bite—each slice caramelizes to crispy-edged perfection, revealing a soft, buttery center that’s bursting with natural sweetness. Whether you’re bringing nostalgic Latin flavors to your table or simply looking for a foolproof, last-minute treat, this recipe will be your new go-to. Let’s celebrate the magic of ripe plantains and the memories they create, one quick and delicious bite at a time!

15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros), but every single one plays a critical role. Ripe plantains bring all the flavor, while oil gives that signature sizzle, and a bit of salt makes everything pop. The simplicity is what makes this dish so magical.

Ripe plantains: The darker and more speckled the skin, the sweeter and softer they’ll fry up—choose plantains with deep yellow to black skins for best results.
Oil (high smoke point): Sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil ensures quick, even browning without burning—just enough to cover the bottom of your skillet!
Salt: A light sprinkle after frying balances the caramelized sweetness and deepens every flavor in these plantains.

How to Make 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)

Step 1: Peel the Plantains

Begin by cutting off both ends of the plantains with a sharp knife. Make a shallow slice lengthwise through the skin, then use your fingers to gently separate and peel it off. If your plantains are nice and ripe, the skin will easily slide away, revealing the soft, golden fruit inside.

Step 2: Slice Evenly

With your plantains peeled, use a sharp knife to slice them on the diagonal into pieces about 1/2-inch thick. Slicing them on a bias isn’t just for looks—it actually helps create that gorgeous caramelized edge and ensures the slices cook up evenly.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large nonstick skillet, pour in just enough oil to coat the bottom—no more than 1/2 cup, depending on the size of your pan. Let the oil heat over medium-high until shimmering. This will give your 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) their beautiful, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry each side for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until deeply golden brown with deliciously crisp edges. Plantains soak up oil quickly, so you might need to add a little more if cooking in batches.

Step 5: Drain and Season

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried plantains to a plate lined with paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with salt—this little touch elevates every sweet, gooey bite. Serve while they’re still warm and enjoy the pure delight of homemade 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)!

How to Serve 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)

Garnishes

For a dash of brightness, try sprinkling your plantains with a dusting of powdered sugar, or a squeeze of lime for a subtle zing. A few fresh mint leaves can add color and a refreshing herbal aroma that perfectly offsets their sweetness.

Side Dishes

15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) easily complement savory mains like rice and beans, roast chicken, or grilled pork. They’re also fantastic alongside eggs for breakfast or with a hearty stew—don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some flair by stacking the plantains in a tower, fanning them across a platter, or drizzling them with homemade chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon. For party-ready bites, use toothpicks to serve them tapas-style at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), simply let the plantains cool before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing too much of their delightful flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze your 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) after cooling. Just arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag. This method keeps them from sticking together—perfect for quick snacks later.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-fried magic, reheat plantains in a skillet over low-to-medium heat until warm and crisp. They can also be baked in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as they’ll lose their lovely crisp edges.

FAQs

Can I use plantains that aren’t fully black or super soft?

Absolutely! While fully ripe plantains (black or deeply speckled skin) are the sweetest, you can fry yellow plantains for a slightly firmer texture and a gentle, less intense sweetness. Just know they might not caramelize quite as deeply.

Is there a way to make 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) healthier?

If you want to lighten things up, try pan-frying with just a tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan or use an air fryer. The results won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get lovely golden plantains with less fat!

What’s the best oil for frying plantains?

A high smoke point oil like canola, sunflower, vegetable, or even avocado oil works best for this recipe. Avoid olive oil or butter, as they can burn before the plantains are perfectly fried.

Can I make 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry them a few hours in advance and warm them in the oven before serving. For the crispiest results, avoid storing them covered while still hot, as the steam can soften the edges.

Why did my plantains stick to the pan?

If your plantains are sticking, it could be that the oil isn’t hot enough or there isn’t enough oil in the pan. Make sure the pan is fully heated before adding the slices, and don’t overcrowd the skillet for the best golden crust.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re brand new to frying plantains or reliving a taste of home, 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) truly capture the best of sweet, simple cooking. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—once you see those golden slices come out of the skillet, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite I keep returning to. Enjoy every sweet, crispy bite!

15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 15-Minute Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings out the natural sweetness of ripe plantains. With a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, these fried plantains make a perfect side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Ripe Plantains:

2 large ripe plantains (the darker the skin, the sweeter they will be)

Oil:

Oil with a high smoke point

Salt:

To taste

Instructions

Prepare the Plantains: Start by cutting the ends off the plantains with a sharp knife. Peel the skin off and slice the plantains diagonally about 1/2-inch thick.
Pan-Fry the Plantains: Heat oil in a skillet and fry the plantains until golden brown and crispy on the edges, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Drain and Season: Transfer the fried plantains to a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot.