Name: Crispy Fried Plantains Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 plantains (not too ripe); ¾-1 cup avocado oil (divided); ½ teaspoon sea salt (for serving)

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Introduction

Fried plantains are a delicious and versatile snack or side dish, featuring tender, slightly sweet plantains transformed by a crispy golden crust. This simple recipe uses avocado oil for frying, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying treat that pairs well with a variety of sauces or dips.

The image shows several small appetizers arranged on a wooden board with a blue cloth on the side. Each appetizer has three layers: a golden-brown crispy base, topped with a smooth bright green guacamole layer, and finished with a dark grilled beef strip placed diagonally on top. There is also a small white cup filled with a chunky green sauce with herbs, and a spoon inside it near the appetizers. The shot is bright and focused from above, highlighting the textures and colors of each layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 plantains (not too ripe)
¾-1 cup avocado oil (divided)
½ teaspoon sea salt (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the ends off the plantains, then use a knife to score through the skin lengthwise from top to bottom, cutting only through the skin without slicing into the flesh.
Step 2: Pry open and peel off the tough outer skin with your fingers and discard it. Slice the peeled plantains into 1-inch chunks.
Step 3: Pour enough avocado oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about ½ inch. Heat over medium heat until warm but not smoking. Add a single layer of plantain chunks to the oil, working in batches.
Step 4: Fry the plantains, turning once, until they start to turn light brown—about 3 minutes per side. Remove the pieces and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all chunks are cooked once.
Step 5: Turn off the heat. On a cutting board, gently smash the partially cooked plantains using the bottom of a mason jar or similar object. Repeat for all plantains.
Step 6: Reheat the oil in the skillet over medium heat until it sizzles, adding a bit more oil if necessary.
Step 7: Fry the smashed plantains until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and season with sea salt.
Step 8: Serve warm with your favorite sauce or guacamole for a tasty accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

Choose plantains that are firm but starting to soften for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the smashed plantains in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle the finished plantains with a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika along with the sea salt.

Storage

Store leftover fried plantains in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pan-fry them briefly in a small amount of oil to restore crispiness or warm them in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows multiple small, round, crispy golden-brown patties as the base layer, each topped with a thick layer of bright green guacamole that has a smooth, creamy texture. On top of the guacamole, there is a strip of grilled steak with visible sear marks, adding a dark brown and slightly charred texture. Some of the steak strips are garnished with a spoonful of green chimichurri sauce, which looks fresh and finely chopped with herbs, red chili flakes, and oil. The patties and toppings are arranged on a wooden board. Next to them, there is a white cup filled with more chimichurri sauce with a small spoon inside it. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface with a blue-gray cloth partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ripe plantains for this recipe?

For this recipe, plantains that are not too ripe are ideal because they hold their shape better and fry crispier. Ripe plantains will be sweeter and softer, which changes the texture and may become mushy when fried.

What are some good sauces to serve with fried plantains?

Fried plantains pair wonderfully with guacamole, garlic aioli, spicy salsa, or a tangy yogurt-based dip. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips to complement their natural sweetness.