Plantain Chips

Learn how to fry plantain chips with this quick and easy recipe. Thinly sliced green plantains are deep fried until golden and crispy, then lightly salted for a tasty Caribbean snack.

Fried Plantain Chips

Plantain chips are a simple treat and they are so easy to make. It’s another schoolyard favorite. I bought it many days during recess (break, as we called it) when I was in high school!

It pairs well with mango sour, for a salty sweet flavor combo. Looking for more plantain recipes? Try my Vegan Plantain Shepherd’s Pie, Seasoned Plantain Fries, and Sweet Plantain Home Fries next.

Why You’ll Love This Plantain Chips Recipe

• Better Than Storebought: If you’ve had Trader Joe’s plantain chips, these have a similar flavor but they’re thinner, crispier, and of course, fresher. (They’re cheaper too!)
• Shareable Snack: Fry up a batch and serve it at your next gathering. Add a delicious dipping sauce and they’ll be gone in a flash!
• Versatile: You can fry, bake, or air fry this crispy snack. Experiment with various seasonings and spices to create customized chips that suit your taste preferences.

Plantain Chips vs Potato Chips

Plantains are a tasty alternative to potatoes. They are part of the banana family but are larger with more starch. Plantains are commonly used in Caribbean, African, and South American cuisine because the fruit grows in tropical regions.

Although they look similar to bananas, plantains are more comparable to potatoes because they are both starchy. You can boil, fry, and mash both foods. While both are high in calories, plantain chips contain less sodium and preservatives than store-bought potato chips.

Ingredients for Plantain Chips

Make these chips with just 3 simple ingredients.

• Green plantain: You want unripe plantains (green) for savory flavor and a firm texture. Steer clear of yellow plantains unless you prefer sweet plantain chips.
• Canola oil: Use this or vegetable oil for frying.
• Salt: Add to taste.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Plantain Chips

How to Slice Plantains

Start by peeling the plantains. Cut off the tips. Then make four diagonal slits in the plantain. Insert a knife between one slit and under the plantain’s skin.

Peel downwards (similar to how you peel a banana). Repeat until all four pieces of skin have been removed and the plantain is completely peeled.

Slice plantains into thin circular pieces. The thinner the crispier!

Fry Plantains

In a frying pan heat 3 cups of canola oil to 350 F. Add plantain and cook for about 1 minute or until golden in color. Drain on a paper towel. Then add some salt. Finally, enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Seasoning: Want more than a salty taste? Try adding other spices like paprika, black pepper,
• Baked Plantain Chips: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice plantains thinly, toss with oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
• Air Fryer: Slice plantains thinly, toss with a bit of oil and salt, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Storage

Store the fried chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cool and fully cooked. Excess moisture will make them spoil faster.

Tips for the Best Plantain Chips

• Slice the plantain evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• The thinner you slice the plantains the crispier the chips will be. I am using a Kitchen Aid slicer that makes really thin chips but you can use a mandoline.
• It’s important to drain the chips. Use paper towels or a wire rack otherwise, it will become soggy.
• Let the chips cool down. This allows them to get even more crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions