How to Fry Sweet Plantains

Bowl of fried sweet plantains on a teal surface.

How to Fry Sweet Plantains

Fried sweet plantains are a simple Caribbean side that come together with just a few ingredients. Made with ripe plantains, they cook up golden on the outside with a soft, sweet center. Once you know how to fry them properly, they’re easy to make anytime.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Caribbean, Caribbean/Gluten Free, Guyanese

Keyword cooking fried plantains, fried plantain, fried plantains, fried sweet plantain, fried sweet plantains, fried sweet plantains recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings

Calories 173kcal

Equipment

cutting board
sharp knife
Skillet or frying pan
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper Towels
Parchment Paper

Ingredients

2 Ripe Plantains (yellow with black spots)
1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or salt to taste)
1 cup oil (neutral tasting, high smoke point oil suitable for frying)

Instructions

Peel the Plantains: Trim the ends, then make a lengthwise slit in the skin, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Then Insert your fingers under the skin, at the slit and gently pull away. See the section above for a step-by-step diagram on how to peel yellow (ripe) plantains.
Slice and Season the Plantains: Cut on a diagonal into 1/4 inch oval pieces, then sprinkle lightly with salt. As they fry the salt helps create a lightly crisp crust on the outside while the inside stays soft and sweet. It's a bit magical.
Cook the Plantains: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot add the oil. When the oil is hot add the plantains in a single layer, working in batches if need. Cook for about 3 minutes or until browned. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat so that they cook through without burning.
Drain the Plantains: Once the plantains reach your desired doneness (some people like their fried sweet plantains browner than others), transfer them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Then transfer them to parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Serve the Plantains: Just before serving, add a light sprinkle of coarse salt. The sweetness with the bit of salt makes for the perfect bite. Serve these fried sweet plantains as a side with your favorite Caribbean dishes.

Nutrition