Air Fryer Plantain Chips (Crispy)

My recipe for air fryer banana chips is made with only 5 ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use raw Kerala banana (but you can use green plantain) and flavour them simply with salt and black pepper. So much better than shop-bought and you get perfectly crispy results without deep-frying.

Put your hands up if you think crunchy snacks are the best!

I love using the air fryer for this recipe because it gives you that deep-fried crispiness with just a tiny amount of oil. It’s quicker, less messy, and perfect for making small batches of crunchy snacks at home.

If you enjoy crispy snacks like my air fryer beet chips or orange and thyme flavoured baked sweet potato crisps, you’ll love these plantain chips too - they’re just as crunchy but with an irresistible tropical flavour.

And unlike shop-bought versions, you don't have to worry about chipping a tooth!!!

Let's Talk Ingredients

Plantains  – you can use any green plantain for this recipe. My personal favourite is raw Nendran banana (a Kerala cooking banana, sometimes loosely called plantain). It has similar properties to plantain and because it is starchy, you get crisp and crunchy chips.

I have previously experimented with matoke (raw banana from Uganda) which unfortunately did not make good chips.

I recommend preparing this recipe as soon as possible after purchase as you don't want the plantain to ripen.

Oil – I have used coconut oil which works really well, particularly with green plantain, to give a crisp texture. It is high in fats and very stable when heated. This helps give a clean, crisp finish (especially important in the air fryer), reduces sogginess and promotes even browning. And don't worry, the overall flavour will not be overly coconut-ty.

Turmeric powder – lends colour and a little flavour to the chips.

Salt & Black Pepper - I prefer freshly ground black pepper because it releases so much flavour.

Step by Step Method with Important Tips

I’ve made these plantain chips more times than I can count, and these little tips really help you get the best crunchy results at home.

Here are helpful recipe screen shots and I've gone into more detail with tips below.

1. Use green, unripe bananas or plantains for the crispiest chips. Avoid ripe bananas, as they will caramelise and soften rather than crisp.

2. Mix turmeric powder and salt in a bowl of water. Peel the bananas with a sharp knife and place them in the turmeric water for 10–15 minutes.

• Salt lightly seasons the banana from the inside.
• Turmeric helps prevent oxidation (so the slices don’t turn brown).
• It also gives that traditional golden colour found in Kerala banana chips.

Remove the bananas from the water and pat them dry thoroughly using clean kitchen tissue or a tea towel.

Tip
Any moisture left on the surface will create steam in the air fryer, which can make the chips soft instead of crisp.

3. Use a mandolin slicer to cut thin, even slices, or a very sharp knife if you don’t have one.

• Thin slices crisp up better.
• Even thickness ensures they cook at the same rate and don’t burn unevenly.

If you like extra crunchy chips, aim for 1–2 mm thickness.

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

Starting with a hot air fryer immediately removes surface moisture, helping the chips crisp rather than steam.

4. Add the banana slices to a bowl and lightly coat them with coconut oil, making sure each slice is evenly coated.

5. Place the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Expert tip
Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key. Cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.

6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times in between. Cooking time can vary depending on thickness and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

Once done, remove the chips and sprinkle with black pepper while still hot.
Let them cool completely - they will crisp up further as they cool.

Storage

Make a big batch and store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

If they lose crispiness, pop them back into the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to refresh.

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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