Ingredients
2 very ripe (blackened) plantains, halved lengthwise, peeled, then thinly sliced ¾"-thick on a bias
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Preparation
Step 1In a small bowl, toss plantains with oil. In an air-fryer basket, arrange plantains in a single layer. Cook at 370°, tossing halfway through, until golden and very tender, 12 to 14 minutes; season with salt.
Plantains don’t need long in the air fryer to transform from the just slightly sweet to deeply caramelized and nearly pudding-like, just 12 to 14 minutes will do. For this recipe, you want to use super-ripe, almost blackened plantains (don’t fear the dark bruised-looking peel). They’re naturally extra sweet and “fry” beautifully in the air fryer. If your plantains aren’t quite ripe yet, try this Air Fryer Tostones Recipe. It’s a more savory preparation that uses green plantains, instead. Raw plantains don’t taste like bananas, despite their similar shape. Though also sweet when ripe, plantains have a unique flavor that’s more savory than the banana commonly sold in US grocery stores. If you don’t have an air fryer at home, that’s not a problem. You can just as easily make maduros on the stovetop and tostones in the oven.
