Plantain Chips: a healthy, baked snack you can enjoy anytime
Plantain chips are a delicious, healthy snack that is super fast and easy to make. These tasty, fiber-rich fruits are packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals and are ideal for anyone on a paleo, whole30, or gluten-free diet.
These tasty plantain chips are salty with a satisfying crunch and only call for three ingredients. In fact, you just need to peel, slice and season green plantains with olive oil and salt, then bake them until crispy, golden brown. The best part is you can customize your plantain chips however you like – add your favorite spices and seasonings to jazz them up.
What are Plantain Chips?
As the name suggests, plantain chips are made from plantains, a starchy fruit similar to bananas. Plantain chips are more savory than banana chips, which are notably sweet. They're a versatile food that is a staple in many different cuisines including West African, Central American, and the Caribbean.
The exact recipe for plantain chips will vary slightly depending on the country of origin, but all the variations are delicious and worth trying!
What Are the Best Type of Plantains for Making Chips?
Plantains come in a range of colors from green to yellow. The yellow versions are sweeter and softer. Pick up a light green plantain to make plantain chips. They are firm and easy to cut, making them ideal for chips.
However, if you want to make sweet plantain chips, you can use yellow plantains instead.
How to Make Plantain Chips
You won't believe how fast and easy it is to make these tasty plantain chips at home.
How to Cut Plantain Chips
To cut your plantains into chips, you'll need a sharp knife. Thinner slices make for better chips, about 1/8-inch will do the trick. You can also use a mandolin instead of a knife – this will help you get more evenly cut pieces.
Baking Plantain Chips
Once you've sliced the plantain, place the slices in a bowl, and add the oil of your choice. Toss the plantains well so they're well-coated. Place the plantains on a parchment paper-lined baking tray, then season them with salt (or any other herbs or spices you'd like to add). Bake the chips for 15 minutes at 350F or until golden brown.
Tips for making the Best Plantain Chips
To make sure your plantains crisp up well, you can put them on a wire rack once you take them out of the oven.
While it's tempting to dig right in, make sure you let the chips cool before you eat them.
There are a ton of fantastic ways you can season your plantain chips. Add spices like chili powder, cayenne powder, paprika, curry powder, garam masala, or your favorite seasoning mix like taco seasoning, Tajin, or make sweet versions by adding a little sugar.
Serve your plantain chips with your favorite dip such as guacamole, hummus, beet hummus and aioli.
Can You Make Baked Plantain Chips Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make plantain chips a day or 2 in advance.
Can you fry Plantain Chips?
You can also fry your plantain chips in oil for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to work in batches. You can even make them in the Airfryer if you want to try a tasty, light recipe.
How to Store Baked Plantain Chips
Keep your baked plantains in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll last between 2 to 3 days.
To keep them crispy, keep the plantain chips between paper towels.
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Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Using a small knife with a smooth blade, cut through the skin of the plantain without touching the pulp.
Using a small knife with a smooth blade, cut through the skin of the plantain without touching the pulp.
Peel them.
Peel them.
Slice the plantains into thin discs, better if using with a mandoline. Make sure you cut your plantains so the slices are more or less the same size as this will ensure they cook evenly.
Slice the plantains into thin discs, better if using with a mandoline. Make sure you cut your plantains so the slices are more or less the same size as this will ensure they cook evenly.
Transfer the plantains to a bowl, then pour the oil over the plantains.
Transfer the plantains to a bowl, then pour the oil over the plantains.
Season with salt.
Season with salt.
Toss to coat.
Toss to coat.
Arrange the plantains in a single layer on the baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown around the edges.
Arrange the plantains in a single layer on the baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown around the edges.
Remove the plantains from the oven and allow them to cool completely before enjoying. If your chips are too oily, you can dab them with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Remove the plantains from the oven and allow them to cool completely before enjoying. If your chips are too oily, you can dab them with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use any oil you prefer. Avocado oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil are all ideal for baking plantains too.
