Haitian Fried Plantain

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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)

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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