Sweet Plantains (4 Different Ways)

Name: Sweet Plantains (4 Different Ways)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ripe plantain (with mostly blackened skin; peeled and sliced); vegetable oil (coconut oil, avocado oil, or canola oil); salt (optional); 1 ripe plantain (peeled and sliced); oil spray (optional); 1 ripe plantain (peeled, leave whole; mostly dark skin); 1 ripe plantain (peeled and sliced); 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter (alternatively, use oil spray); 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; pinch nutmeg; pinch salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 4 reviews

Whether you prefer a traditional fried plantain, a health-conscious air-fried or baked plantain, or the swift microwaved version, there's a sweet plantain recipe to suit every palate and occasion. Here are recipes for four different methods to enjoy sweet plantains.

Jump to:

What is a Sweet Plantain
Why You'll Love These Plantain Recipes
Picking the Best Sweet Plantains
How to peel plantains
Four Ways to Make Sweet Plantains
What to Serve with Plantains
Tip tips
Storing leftovers
FAQS
More Delicious Vegan Appetizers
Recipe
Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
Comments

Plantains are popular in the Caribbean, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Pacific Island nations, and some parts of Africa.

Growing up, Cuban fried plantains were a constant presence in our meals. They accompanied a wide array of dishes and were a delicious side with a blend of flavors—oily, crispy, sweet, and wonderfully savory. Still, I frequently take a healthier approach to savoring this tasty fruit. With an air-fryer, oven, or microwave, I can have a healthy and delicious side dish and the same delightful taste without the added fat.

two sweet plantains on a wooden white table

What is a Sweet Plantain

Sweet plantains, "platanos maduros" in Spanish, are a delicious variety of plantains that stand out for their naturally sweet flavor.

They are riper, sweeter, softer, and far more flavorful fruit than their less ripe counterparts, green plantains, usually served as tostones. They are simply green plantains allowed to ripen until they turn yellow with spots of black.

Plantains and bananas are related, but they're not the same thing.

Plantains are part of the banana family but are usually larger, have thicker skin, and contain more starch. While bananas are primarily eaten raw and are sweet when ripe, plantains are cooked, whether green and starchy or ripe and sweet.

Why You'll Love These Plantain Recipes

Each recipe offers reasons you'll love them.

The frying process of classic sweet fried plantains enhances the natural sweetness, combining caramelized sugars and a touch of savory goodness.
They can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or a unique topping.
By air frying, baking, or microwaving, you can achieve the same satisfying sweet taste as traditional frying but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative with little saturated fat.
Air-frying and microwaving plantains are quick to make.
Baking, air frying, or microwaving plantains is a simple process that doesn't require constant monitoring like frying.
All the methods are great for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
There is minimal preparation and equipment for all these recipes.
Plantains can be paired with various toppings, from a drizzle of honey to a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Picking the Best Sweet Plantains

4 plantains showing different stages of ripeness from green to black

There are a few things to remember so you get the tastiest ones. Here's what to look for when you're at the store looking for a ripe plantain:

Color is Important: Look for yellow plantains with black spots. This means they're ripe and sweet. Don't pick green ones because they're not sweet yet.
A Little Softness: When you press the plantain gently with your fingers, it should be fairly soft. If it's too hard, it's not ready. If it's too soft or mushy, it might be too ripe.
Ripen at Home: If they aren't quite ripe with enough black marks, let them sit in a warm place or a brown paper bag. They'll get sweeter and softer over a few days.
Use Them Soon: They don't stay ripe for long. Once they're at the right ripeness, use them within a couple of days for the best taste. If you need to slow down ripening, place the plantain in the fridge until you're ready to use.
Think About Your Plans: Decide when you cook them. Pick the ones that will be ready.

How to peel plantains

Peeling plantains differ slightly from peeling regular bananas due to their thicker skin.

Select ripe plantains with yellow and black skin. They should be slightly soft to the touch, indicating optimal ripeness for peeling and cooking.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you peel them with ease:

Step 1 - Trim the ends: Use a knife to cut off the stem and the tip at the opposite end.

Step 2 - Skin lengthwise: Run your knife along the length of the plantain, making a shallow cut through the skin along the ridges. You only need to cut through the skin, not the flesh.

Step 3 - Peel the Skin: Lift the edge of the skin and peel it off. Use your fingers to carefully grip the edge and pull the skin down the length of the plantain.

Step 4 - Slice: I recommend angling your knife and cutting the plantain about ¼ to ½ inch wide for the recipes included here. An angled cut gives an appealing visual texture and a larger surface area, leading to greater browning and caramelization.

Four Ways to Make Sweet Plantains

Classic Fried Plantains Recipe

Step 1: Peel and cut plantains diagonally into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices.

Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. The oil should bubble around the plantains. Flip the plantains when you see a little browning around the edges.

close up of Cuban fried sweet plantain on a spatula

Step 3: Fry the pieces on each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan when golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. For the best taste, serve immediately.

Air-Fried Plantains

hand placing raw sweet plantains in air fryer basket

Step 1: Place in the basket without overlapping. Spray with a little oil if desired.

Step 2: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Oven-Baked Plantains

This method meets in the middle between the goodness of fried plantains with the healthier twist of air-frying. Although there's a touch more fat from using melted butter or oil, it's baked to perfection, providing a lighter alternative to the traditional pan-fried method.

This gives you a delightful taste that's just a tad indulgent without going overboard. The cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg take it over the top with goodness. Tip: Use an oil spray for a little less fat.

Step 1: Peel and cut the plantain into even slices, either round or diagonal.

spraying baked sweet plantains on a baking tray with avocado oil

Step 2: Coat the plantains with a little melted butter or coconut oil. You can also spray them with oil spray.

seasonings for baked plantains in a bowl top view

Step 3: Combine the spices in another bowl.

plantains with seasonings on top; top view

Step 4: Mix the coated plantains and spices until evenly coated

plantains on a baking tray being flipped; top view

Step 5: Place the plantain slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping the plantains halfway through.

Step 6: Remove from oven when they are golden brown and caramelized.

Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them as they are or add a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream if you feel indulgent. Trust me, the combination of the warm, sweet plantains and the ice cream is heavenly.

Quick Fix: Microwaved Plantains Recipe

For overly ripe, mostly black bananas, I like to microwave them for a no-oil, fast, healthy, sweet side dish.

Step 1: Peel a plantain and wrap it in a moist paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Step 2: It's ready when it is soft and cooked through.

What to Serve with Plantains

When serving fried, air-fried, or microwaved plantains, choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and create a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Here are some pairings to consider:

vegan picadillo and rice with sweet plantains on the side

Vegan Picadillo
Tacos like Jackfruit Tacos or Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Romesco Sauce
Grilled Tofu or Smoked Tofu
Rice and Black Beans
Salads: Use air-fried sweet plantains as a topping for salads. They provide a satisfying sweetness to balance the greens.
Bowls: Add them to grain or Buddha bowls like Vegan Taco Bowl and your favorite sauce for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal like High-Protein Vegan Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats with a microwaved ripe sweet plantain for added sweetness, texture, and a tropical twist.
Breakfast Parfaits: Layer air-fried sweet plantains with granola and your choice of yogurt for a delightful breakfast parfait.
Vegan Greek Yogurt: Enjoy a dollop of vegan Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast to plantain's sweetness.

Tip tips

Choose plantains with black or very dark brown skin for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
When frying sweet plantains, using medium heat is crucial. Too high, and the outside may burn before the inside is cooked; too low may become too greasy without that delightful caramelization.
If you crowd the pan, the plantains may steam rather than fry, making a mushy texture rather than the desired crispy and caramelized exterior. Cooking them in batches, if necessary, and ensuring they're not touching each other in the pan will give you the optimal result.

Storing leftovers

Before storing leftover plantains, let them cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to moisture and spoilage. If you use the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep out air and moisture.

Freezing will affect their texture, so I don't recommend freezing them.

FAQS

Which plantains are sweet?

As plantains ripen from green to yellow and black or very dark brown, they become sweeter, with the starch converting into sugar, making them soft and sweet.

What is the difference between plantains and sweet plantains?

Plantains are the general term for the fruit, while sweet plantains are the sweet, tender yellow, and black ones.

Can I use green plantains for these recipes?

These recipes are tailored for fully ripe sweet plantains. Green plantains are starchy and less sweet, better suited for fried green plantains, also known as tostones.

Can I use olive oil for frying sweet plantains?

You'll want to use oils with a higher smoke point, like avocado or vegetable oil. They are preferred due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures.

Are these recipes suitable for a health-conscious diet?

Air-frying and microwaving use less oil, making them healthier alternatives. Moderation is key, and pairing sweet plantains with balanced ingredients enhances their health benefits.

Can I use overripe plantains for these recipes?

Overripe plantains with black skin might be overly sweet and mushy for some people. They are a great choice for the microwave method. Aim for plantains with yellow but more blackened skin for the best results.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

While freshly prepared sweet plantains offer the best taste and texture, you can partially cook or air-fry them and reheat them before serving. Microwaving can also be done quickly when needed.

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What did you think?

Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate these Sweet plantain recipes. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.