Plantain chips step-by-step recipe with photos.
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About this recipe
Crispy and crunchy plantain chips are a healthy and delicious homemade snack that will be your new favorite. It is perfect when you crave something salty. Made with just 4 ingredients (including salt), they are ready in 15 minutes.
Made using plantains, these chips are suitable for paleo and Whole30 diets. They are also naturally gluten-free, vegan, refined oil-free, and sugar-free. They are so addictive and moreish, you just cannot stop eating them!
These chips originate from Kerala and are famously known as Kerala banana chips. Traditionally, these banana chips are made with 'nendran' bananas and are deep-fried in coconut oil. They are called 'nenthra-kaaya oopperi' in Malyalam.
It is perfect not just for your late-night cravings, but also for parties, picnics, or as a snack with masala chai. Traditionally, they are deep fried but in this recipe, I am making them in an air fryer. I am also including baking instructions to make it in the oven.
Read on for ingredients, instructions, and variations to make these yummy banana chips at home.
Ingredients
Plantains: Also called cooking bananas or raw bananas, this is the main ingredient.
Coconut oil: Use cold-pressed coconut oil to get authentic-tasting banana chips.
Turmeric powder and salt: These are the basic seasonings used in classic plantain chips. See below for variations.
Step-by-step instructions
Wash and peel the plantains. Soak them in turmeric water (step 1). Pat dry the soaked plantain slices using a paper towel (step 2).
Slice them thinly taking care the slices are even (step 3). Combine coconut oil, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and salt in a small bowl (step 4).
Rub the oil mixture into the plantain slices taking care all the slices are coated (step 5).
Air fry at 150℃ for 8-10 minutes, flipping at around 5 minutes (step 6).
Increase the temperature to 180℃ and air fry for another 2-3 minutes (steps 7,8).
Baking Instructions
To bake these plantain chips:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Wash and peel the plantains. Soak them in turmeric water.
- Pat dry the soaked plantain slices using a paper towel.
- Slice them thinly taking care the slices are even.
- Combine coconut oil, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Rub the oil mixture into the plantain slices taking care all the slices are coated.
- Line two baking trays with baking paper. Arrange the plantains in a single layer.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
Variations
The classic banana chips are seasoned with turmeric and salt. However, here are some variations you can try to add a delicious twist to these chips
Spicy - Make a spicy version of these chips by tossing the classic chips in some chili powder or pepper.
Chaat masala - Chaat masala is a salty-tangy spice blend that is used in most Indian street foods. Sprinkle a generous amount of chaat masala on these chips for a delicious twist.
Chili lime - This tangy-spicy version is my favorite. Add ½ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne along with turmeric before air frying/baking. Once the chips are done, drizzle lime juice just before serving.
Pepper - Toss some freshly cracked black pepper on the chips.
Useful tips
Use plantains that are hard and have dark green skin to make the best-tasting chips.
Do not skip soaking the plantains before slicing them. This will help get rid of excess starch from the plantain.
Slice the plantains evenly and as thin as possible.
Air fry at a low temperature first and then increase the temperature. This way, all the moisture content will be removed first making it more crispy when the temperature is increased.
Plantain chips stay fresh when stored in an air-tight container for up to two weeks. They can be stored at room temperature. Make sure the chips are completely cooled before placing them in the air-tight container.
More air fryer recipes:
1. Air fryer eggplants.
2. Sweet potato fries.
FAQs
Plantain chips stay fresh when stored in an air-tight container for up to two weeks. They can be stored at room temperature. Make sure the chips are completely cooled before placing them in the air-tight container.
No. Since plantains are high in starch, they are not suitable if you are following a keto diet. They are, however, suitable for paleo and Whole30 diets.
Bonus
These banana chips are:
- crispy and crunchy homemade snack,
- healthier as they are air fried or baked,
- vegan and naturally gluten-free,
- perfect with a cup of masala chai.
Recipe card
Plantain Chips / Banana Chips
Ingredients
- 2 plantains
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the plantains:
- Wash and peel the plantains.
- Take 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and cold water in a large bowl. Place the peeled plantain in the bowl and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Pat dry the soaked plantain slices using a paper towel.
- Slice them thinly taking care the slices are even.
- Combine coconut oil, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Rub the oil mixture to the plantain slices taking care all the slices are coated.
Air fryer instructions:
- Place on the air fryer rack.
- Air fry at 300 F (150 C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping at around 5 minutes.
- Increase the temperature to 350 F (180 C) and air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cool completely before storing.
Oven instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Line two baking trays and place the prepared plantains in a single layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until they are crispy and golden.
- Cool completely before storing.
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