Bannann Peze – Haitian Fried Plantains Recipe

This recipe for air fryer plantains, or Haitian Fried Plantains (Haitian Bannann Peze) will show you how to get that crispy outer layer that you’ll normally find from deep-fried plantains, but in the air fryer.

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They are the easiest, healthiest, and most addictive homemade snack you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why does this Haitian Bannann Peze Recipe Work?

Air frying the plantains eliminate using a lot of oil to deep fry the plantains.

Calories are extremely low.

They serve well as healthy appetizers.

About Haitian Fried Plantains

Haitian fried plantains, or bannann peze are usually fried twice, so I have taken the liberty in following the same steps while providing a healthier way to fry these little babies.

Whether you are making fried plantains that are sweet or just learning how to make green fried plantains, the method is extremely easy, and you are minutes away from enjoying a healthy homemade snack.

Fried plantains are The NUMBER ONE irresistible fried food in the Caribbean and Latin America. Whether you call them Plantains or Tostones, or maduros, the ending result is always delicious! 

Growing up we ate plantains all the time; boiled and fried. We would most often boil the plantains to serve as a meal with fish or poultry.

If they are fried, then they are served as an appetizer with Haitian Pikliz, Haitian Griot (Fried Pork), tasso, and I’ve even served them with my chimichurri sauce.

There are studies that argue if plantains are classified as a fruit or as a vegetable. 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.

In Haitian cuisine, plantains are classified as a vegetable. Certain parts of the world serve both the yellow and green plantain as an appetizer. The yellow ones are a little more versatile as I have used them to make plantain bread.

These little addictive suckers can also be made as chips and serve with salsa. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to fry plantains twice?

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First, gather your ingredients – plantains; I used the ones that were partly green and partly yellow. By the time I started working on this recipe, they had already started to change color (Picture 1).  

You will need 2 cups lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and olive oil spray (all not photographed).

Next, cut the skin along the ridges straight down (picture 2). 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 (picture 3). 

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Once the skin is peeled, cut the plantains diagonally into desired size (Picture 4). 

Now, different countries and cultures cook plantains differently. But to make Haitian Plantains, or bannnan peze as we call it, add about 2 cups of water in a bowl, season with salt to taste (I used 1 tablespoon of kosher salt).

Allow the plantains to sit in the water for a couple of minutes, remove the plantains from the water, then start frying. 

We use the salt water method to help season the plantains during the first initial frying. Once the plantains are fried/cooked (fork through – picture 6-7), use a plantain wood press to flatten the plantains (Picture 8), then dip the plantains in the water again for about 5-10 seconds but no more than 1 minute depending on the quantity or batch.

This helps it become (slightly) crispy and add a little more season to the plantains.

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Plantains absorb flavors well. Be careful to not leave them in the water for too long as you do not want them to be salty (see notes below).

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To make the plantains in the air fryer, after the plantains are cut diagonal, 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 them to be crispy (Picture 9-10). 

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 (Picture 9).

Cooking 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 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 make them in the air fryer, simply follow the same method as described in the directions below.

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 hot oil that was used to fry them. 

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