Here’s a homemade plantain chips recipe — crispy, salty, and naturally gluten-free. Great for snacking, dipping, or serving as a side!
🥔 Homemade Plantain Chips Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
🍽️ Yield: About 3–4 servings
✅ Ingredients:
-
2–3 green plantains (firm, unripe ones – not yellow or spotted)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or coconut oil)
-
Salt, to taste
Optional seasoning ideas:
-
Paprika or smoked paprika
-
Garlic powder
-
Chili powder or cayenne
-
Black pepper
-
Lime zest
-
Curry powder
🔪 Equipment:
-
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
-
Peeler (optional)
-
Large frying pan or deep pot
-
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
-
Paper towels
-
Large bowl (for seasoning)
🔄 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Select & Prepare the Plantains
-
Choose green, unripe plantains – they’re starchy and will fry up crisp, unlike ripe yellow ones which are sweeter and softer.
-
Cut off both ends of the plantain.
-
Score the peel lengthwise in 2–3 spots with a knife.
-
Pry the peel off using your thumb or a spoon – it’s tougher than a banana peel.
2. Slice Thinly
-
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the plantain into thin rounds (about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick).
-
Uniform thickness = even cooking.
-
You can also slice diagonally for longer chips or use a crinkle cutter for ridges.
3. Heat the Oil
-
Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan to reach about 1.5 to 2 inches deep.
-
Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350–375°F (175–190°C).
-
Test: drop in a chip; it should sizzle immediately.
-
4. Fry the Chips
-
Fry in small batches to avoid crowding.
-
Stir gently to prevent sticking.
-
Fry for 2–4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
-
Remove with slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain.
5. Season
-
While still hot, toss the chips in a bowl with salt and any other seasonings you like.
6. Cool & Store
-
Let chips cool completely for max crispness.
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
🔄 Variations:
🥥 Baked Version (Healthier)
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Toss slices in 1–2 tsp oil, spread on a parchment-lined tray.
-
Bake 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Watch closely to avoid burning.
🌬️ Air Fryer Version
-
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
-
Lightly oil the slices and air-fry in batches for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
🧂 Flavoring Ideas:
Flavor | Add To Chips After Frying |
---|---|
Spicy | Cayenne, chili powder |
Savory | Garlic powder + onion powder |
Smoky BBQ | Smoked paprika + brown sugar |
Tropical | Lime zest + sea salt |
Sweet | Use ripe plantains + cinnamon sugar |