Learn how to make these ridiculously good Haitian fried Plantains. Our easy-to-follow method will result in a crispy outer layer.
Plantains are often served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack when they are fried in a Haitian home. When they are fried correctly, plantains acquire a crisp surface while maintaining a modest degree of tenderness with regard to the interior.
Haitian Fried Plantains
Haitian fried plantains, or bannann peze are usually fried twice. This is the same method that’s used for sweet plantains as well.
Whether you are making sweet fried plantains or just learning how to make green fried plantains, the method is straightforward, and you are minutes away from enjoying a healthy homemade snack.
Fried plantains are the most irresistible fried food in the Caribbean and Latin America. Whether you call them Plantains, Tostones, or maduros, the ending result is always delicious!
Plantains 101
Some studies argue that plantains are classified as fruits or vegetables. They are very starchy when green.
When they are yellow with black dots, they are compared more to a banana because of the sweet flavor, and because it also resembles a banana.
When it comes to Haitian cuisine, plantains are considered to be a type of vegetable. The yellow and green plantain are both served as appetizers in some regions of the world.
In my experience, the yellow ones are a little more versatile as they can be used for baking.
When it comes to preparing Haitian fried plantains, the first step is to choose the right plantain. Haitian culture but both the yellow and the green plantains. However, 90 percent of the time, green plantains will be best used for frying. It’s easy to par-cook, smash, then refry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Naturally, plantains are gluten-free as they do not contain any wheat or grain.
Yup, you bet! Fried plantains are sugar-free, and it is vegan. So, you are set to eat comfortably. Worry-free.
Cut the skin along the ridges straight down. Be careful to not go in too deep. About ½ inch or so. Just enough to lift the skin. Lift the skin and start peeling. It’s best to use a knife to assist you.
Yes, it is loaded with fiber. It has more vitamins A and C compared to bananas, and they make a great substitute for potatoes.
How To Make Green Plantains (Deep Fry)?
If the plantains are too hard to peel, allow them to soak in water for about 30 minutes. This will help to soften the green skin.
The preparation of plantains varies greatly from country to country and culture to culture. For Haitian Plantains, also known as bannnan peze, however, you will need to add around two cups of water to a bowl and then season it with salt to taste (I used one tablespoon of kosher salt).
I used 2 cups of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Set it aside.
Prepare the plantains: Cut the skin along the ridges straight down the plantains. I recommend doing in multiple places as it makes it easier to peel. Especially if this is your first time. Be careful to not go in too deep. About ½ inch or so. Just enough to lift the skin.
Cut the plantains into the desired size diagonally after peeling, then carefully transfer the plantain pieces to lukewarm water.
Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. When the oil reaches temperature, use a spider spoon to carefully add the plantains to the oil in batches. Fry the plantains on all sides until golden.
Remove the plantains from the deep fryer and place on a paper toweled plate to drain. Add the next batch. While the next batch is frying and the other plantains are still warm, use a plantain smasher to smash the plantains.
Repeat the process as necessary.
Fried Twice: For the second frying method, take about 2-3 of the smashed plantains add them to the water for about 30 seconds then refry them for about 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process as necessary with the remaining batch.
Transfer the cooked/fried plantains onto a paper-toweled plate. Best serve with Pikliz.
Fried Plantains Notes
We use the salted water method to help season the plantains during the first initial frying. Once the plantains are fried/cooked, use a plantain wooden press to flatten the plantains, then dip the plantains in the water again for about 5-10 seconds but no more than 30 seconds depending on the quantity or batch.
This helps the plantains become (slightly) crispy and add a little more seasoning to the plantains.
How To Prepare Green Plantains In The Air Fryer?
To prepare the plantains in the air fryer, after the plantains are cut diagonally, soak them in the saltwater, place the plantains in the air fryer basket, and spray them with olive oil. Cook them at 400 degrees for 15 minutes; shaking or turning halfway.
When the 15 minutes are up, press the plantains, and dip them in the water again for about 5 seconds. Spray them again with olive oil, then cook again for an additional 2 minutes or until desired crispiness (See notes below).
This method also allows the plantains to be slightly crispy. I found that the plantains can become dry while cooking in the air fryer.
I recommend spraying them as needed to help them cook better and end with a yellow/golden color when finished.
How To Prepare Yellow Plantains In The Air Fryer?
Luckily, yellow plantains, or maduros, are easier to handle than green plantains because they are softer. No need to soak them in the salted water, although some do soak them for extra flavor. No need to dip them in water after the first fry (some do as well).
To air-fry sweet plantains, cut the plantains into desired size after peeling. Transfer the sweet plantains to the air fryer basket, and spray the plantains with olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees per side or until tender.
Although it takes longer to fry plantains in the air fryer. The benefits are worth it. Less greasy. Healthier. You will enjoy the true taste of the plantains instead of the hot oil that was used to fry them.
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Bannann Peze – Haitian Fried Plantains Recipe
Equipment
- Deep fryer
- Plantain Press
Ingredients
- 2 plantains green or slightly yellow
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 cups water
- Juice from 1 lemon; Optional
Instructions
- Deep Fry Version: Cut the skin along the ridges straight down the plantains. I recommend doing it in multiple places as it makes it easier to peel. Especially if this is your first time. Be careful to not go in too deep. About ½ inch or so. Just enough to lift the skin.Cut the plantains into the desired size diagonally after peeling, then carefully transfer the plantain pieces to lukewarm water. Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. When the oil reaches temperature, use a spider spoon to carefully add the plantains to the oil in batches. Fry the plantains on all sides until golden. Remove the plantains from the deep fryer and place on a paper toweled plate to drain. Add the next batch. While the next batch is frying and the other plantains are still warm, use a plantain smasher to smash the plantains. Repeat the process as necessary. Fried Twice: For the second frying method, take about 2-3 of the smashed plantains add them to the water for about 30 seconds then refry them for about 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process as necessary with the remaining batch. Transfer the cooked/fried plantains onto a paper-toweled plate. Best serve with Pikliz.
- Air Fryer Green Plantains: To prepare the plantains in the air fryer, after the plantains are cut diagonally, soak them in the saltwater, place the plantains in the air fryer basket and spray them with olive oil. Cook them on 400 degrees for 15 minutes; shaking or turning halfway. When the 15 minutes are up, press the plantains, dip them in the water again for about 5 seconds. Spray them again with olive oil, then cook again for an additional 2 minutes or until desired crispiness (See notes below). This method also allows the plantains to be slightly crispy. I found that the plantains can become dry while cooking in the air fryer. I recommend spraying them as needed to help them cook better and end with a yellow/golden color when finished. Luckily, yellow plantains or maduros, are easier to handle than green plantains because they are softer. No need to soak them in the salted water, although some do soak them for extra flavor. No need to dip them in water after the first fry (some do as well). Yellow Plantains In The Air Fryer: To air-fry sweet plantains, cut the plantains into the desired size after peeling. Transfer the sweet plantains to the air fryer basket, and spray the plantains with olive oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees per side or until tender
Deb Needles says
I am so excited to try this! My daughter’s boyfriend’s parents (future inlaws I am sure and I hope! He is a great guy) are from a Haiti and I am so happy to find this website. I love banon but with the language barrier I couldn’t get the whole recipe and in the air fryer to boot! Side note, I am trying to learn Creole, do you have any website recommendations?
Mirlene says
Thank you very much. I truly appreciate it. I’m sorry, I don’t know any websites that teach Creole. I definitely recommend conducting a search online.
Bina says
Duolingo (app) offers Haitian Creole for free!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Bina.
Lee says
Duolingo!!
M C says
Loved these , so easy and delicious and more healthy than deep fried for sure. Great intro for my family to plantains! I made a quick sauce of may, cilantro and garlic pastes, lemon juice and salt. not authentic but hit the spot. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much!
Stephanie Simmons says
Mmm these sure do look yummy – you’re tempting me to get an air fryer!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Stephanie. I use my air fryer often. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.
Lathiya says
Oh wow, this looks like my kind of recipe. Easy yet yummy. I loved the idea of air frying the plantains.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Lathiya!
Jacqueline Debono says
I don’t have an air fryer (yet) and have never eaten fried plantains but they look and sound delicious. When frying them in a frying pan, what oil do you use?
Mirlene says
When frying in the pan, I have often used vegetable oil.
Sophie says
I had fried plantain at a local food truck a while ago and this reminds me of that yum flavor. Thanks for the recipe.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
My mom used to LOVe plantains but I hated them as a kid. But as I grew up, I started liking them more. This looks so good!!
Linda says
I love plantains and it’s something I look forward to each time I eat out. Thanks for sharing the recipe. This looks so easy to make and something that needs to happen soon.
Karyl Henry says
I love plantains but I’ve never tried them smashed like this. I recently got an air fryer and I’m obsessed with trying everything possible in it…plantains are definitely going on the list! Thanks for this recipe
Mirlene says
Try smashing them next time. It does make a little difference. Plus it provides a new fun way to eat the plantains.
Vidya Narayan says
This looks amazing plus made in Air Fryer! My native town is Kerala, India and we make a similar preparation with ripe plantains that are dipped in a batter and fried. They are called Pazham Pori. Your post just took me back to Kerala. However, your version is quite low in calories. Would definitely give this a try!
Mirlene says
I love my air fryer and I cannot get enough of my air fryer. I love learning new names for ingredients. Thanks for sharing.
Erika says
Plantains are one of my favorite things to eat. My family made these all the time growing up and I’ve always loved them. These look delicious!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Erika.
Jere Cassidy says
I love your in-depth tutorial on how to make the plantains. I have never eaten plantains and would love to give these a try.
Mirlene says
Thanks, Jere! I hope you get a chance to try and enjoy them.
dee says
We are such fans of Plantains dishes, I always feels like I will do it wrong but I think I will give it a try now! thank you for the elaborate post, very helpful.
Kacie Morgan says
I love fried plantain but I wouldn’t have a clue how to make it myself at home, so I’m very grateful to have stumbled across your blog post.
Amanda says
I love that these plantains use the air fryer! It makes it so low key and easy to put together. Such a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Stine Mari says
Mmm this sounds delicious! I love fried plantain. However, they are not so easy to get a hold of here, could I use regular bananas?
Ramona says
I definitely don’t cook with plantains enough – I love the looks and sound of this recipe and I cannot wait to make it. My family would love this.
Kelly Anthony says
I’m so glad you included a picture of how to cut a plantain because I struggled my first time. I was expecting it to peel like a banana but I soon figured out that was not the case. This recipe is a great healthy snack or appetizer that will be loved by all.
Mirlene says
hahahhaha I love that and I can understand why you would do it. That’s perfectly fine – a knife is always needed. I am glad the photos helped.