What could be better than French fries? Plantain fries — especially when they’re baked and a bit healthier. These fries are slightly sweet, crisp on the outside and tender inside. Enjoy them simply with a sprinkle of salt or with your favorite French fries seasoning.
I love plantains. They’re a kitchen staple for me because they’re so versatile.
Plantains can be boiled, fried, grilled, used in one-pot meals, turned into snacks, or enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I already have many plantain recipes on the blog and I keep finding new ways to cook with them because they’re such a nourishing ingredient.
You’ll enjoy these plantain fries whether you’re already a fan of plantains or trying them for the first time.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Plantains
- Chef’s Tip
- How To Make Plantain Fries
- Serving
- Plantain Fries Video
- Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- More Plantain Recipes
- More Homemade Fries
- Healthy Baked Plantain Fries Recipe
Why You’ll Love Plantains
- Nutrient-rich: Plantains are a good source of potassium and magnesium, and they provide fiber and vitamins such as A, C and B6. They support immune health and brain function, making them a smart addition to a balanced diet.
- Extremely versatile: Plantains work in many dishes. They’re useful in recipes that need a binding starchy ingredient and can replace or complement flour-based elements in a variety of meals.
- Great with many sides: The slightly sweet, starchy flavor of plantain pairs well with savory sauces, proteins and vegetables, so you can serve these fries alongside many different dishes.
Chef’s Tip
For the best texture and flavor, use semi-ripe plantains. Fully ripe plantains will become too soft and mushy, while unripe (green) plantains can be hard and starchy. Semi-ripe plantains give you fries that are crisp outside and tender inside.
For the full list of ingredients with measurements, see the recipe card below.
How To Make Plantain Fries
- Peel and cut: Trim the ends, slice through the ridges of the skin, peel the plantain and cut into fry-shaped sticks.
- Toss with oil and salt: Combine the plantain sticks with a little neutral oil and salt so they’re evenly coated.
- Bake until done: Spread in a single layer on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven until golden and cooked through.
I prefer baking these fries for a lighter result, but you can deep-fry them if you want. Both methods yield delicious fries.
Serving
These plantain fries go well with many sides. Try them with:
- African pepper sauce
- Grilled chicken
- Guacamole
- Your favorite dipping sauce
- Sautéed vegetables
- Mayonnaise
- Baked dry-rub chicken wings
Enjoy these fries hot from the oven for the best texture.
Plantain Fries Video
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Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
No. Plantains have their own starchy flavor and as they ripen they become noticeably sweet, which differs from the neutral flavor of potatoes.
Yes. Fried plantains are delicious whether green, semi-ripe or fully ripe. Each stage gives a different texture and level of sweetness.
Green plantains should be cooked (boiled, fried or grilled). Ripe plantains can be eaten raw if they are fully soft and sweet, but they’re usually enjoyed cooked.
More Plantain Recipes
Sweet Fried Plantains
How To Make Plantain Chips
TOSTONES RECIPE – TWICE-FRIED PLANTAINS
HOW TO GRILL PLANTAINS
More Homemade Fries
Love these plantain fries? Try these other homemade fries recipes:
Crispy Yuca Fries (Cassava Fries)
Loaded French Fries
Fried Potatoes and Eggs Breakfast Recipe (+VIDEO)
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Healthy Baked Plantain Fries
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Ingredients
- 3 plantains – semi ripesee Note 1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Trim the stem and tip of each plantain. Score the skin along the ridges, peel it away and cut the plantains into fry-shaped sticks.
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Place the plantain sticks in a bowl, add the oil and salt, and toss to coat. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
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Serve warm with your favorite side or dipping sauce.
Notes
2. These fries are best eaten immediately after baking; they tend to firm up as they cool.
3. Store leftovers in a sealed bag in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.