How to Make Plantain Chips: A Step-by-Step Guide

Omoniyi Taiwo Last Updated: July 7, 2024

0 5 minutes read

If you love munching on snacks and want to try something new, plantain chips are a great choice! Many people all over the world enjoy these crispy treats. Plus, you can make them just the way you like. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can make some scrumptious plantain chips right at your home.

Crunchy and full of flavor, plantain chips are a perfect snack to have at any time. They are a much healthier option compared to regular potato chips. And guess what? You can easily whip up a batch in your kitchen. We’ll guide you through each step, from picking the best plantains to keeping them nice and crispy once they’re made.

Ingredients

Before diving into making plantain chips, let’s round up what you need:

Ripe plantains, which are the main star
A pinch of salt to add some flavor
Oil for frying, to get that perfect crunch

Your favorite spices or seasonings for extra zing (optional)

Special Equipment

When getting ready to make your chips, make sure you have:

A sharp knife for neatly cutting the plantains, a deep pot or fryer for the actual cooking, and a slotted spoon to scoop out your chips once they’re golden and crispy.

Your All-In-One Guide to Homemade Plantain Chips

Step 1 – Pick the Perfect Plantains

Choosing the right plantains is super important. You’ll want to look for ripe ones with yellow or black skins. The darker they are, the sweeter they’ll taste. Stay away from green ones, as they’re too tough and won’t be as tasty when turned into chips.

Step 2 – Get the Plantains Ready

Now that you’ve got your ripe plantains, it’s time to prepare them. First up, give them a good wash under running water. Then, pat them dry with a clean cloth.

Step 3 – Slice the Plantains

Grab that sharp knife and start slicing. You can cut the plantains into round chips or long strips, whatever you like. Make sure they’re all the same thickness so they cook evenly and become equally crispy.

Step 4 – Soak the Slices

Soaking helps the plantains lose some starch, which is a trick to make them extra crispy when fried. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a bowl of water and soak the slices for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5 – Dry the Plantains

After their bath, drain the plantains and dry them once more with a towel. Spread them out on another towel and let them air dry for half an hour to get rid of any moisture.

Step 6 – Fry ‘Em Up

It’s time to fry! Heat your oil in a deep pot or fryer until it hits 350°F. Drop in the dried plantain pieces, but don’t overload the pot – you don’t want your chips to come out soggy. Fry them until they change to a lovely golden brown and look perfectly crispy.

Step 7 – Drain and Season

Use your slotted spoon to take the chips out of the oil and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the oil. Then, while they’re still warm, hit them with a little more salt and any other seasonings you’d like – maybe some spice or garlic flavor.

Step 8 – Time to Munch

Your plantain chips are ready! Enjoy them while they’re fresh and warm. They’re wonderful by themselves or with dip or salsa on the side.

Step 9 – Keeping Them Fresh

If you have any leftovers (which might be a surprise because they’re so yummy), keep them in a sealed container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for a week. If you want them to last up to two weeks, pop them in the fridge.

And that’s it! Making plantain chips is pretty simple and a lot of fun. Just follow these steps carefully, and pay special attention to how you slice and fry the plantains. Do it right, and you’ll have a tasty treat that’s ready anytime you want a snack.

FAQs

How do you keep chips fresh?

For fresh and crunchy plantain chips, put them in a container that doesn’t let air in, and keep it somewhere that’s not hot or wet. This stops them from getting soft or stale. If you won’t eat them within a few days, you can freeze them in a bag that seals well. When you want to eat them, warm them up in the oven or microwave until they’re hot and crisp again.

Do plantain chips taste like banana?

Plantains are related to bananas, but they’re different. They’re not sweet like the bananas you eat for dessert. When plantains are ripe, they taste a little sweet and feel more like a potato. This makes plantain chips crunchy and tasty, giving them a special flavor that people really like as a snack.

Are plantain chips considered junk food?

Plantain chips might be a better choice for a snack than regular potato chips. They usually have less fat and fewer calories. But remember, they’re still a snack and should only be a small part of what you eat every day to keep your diet healthy and balanced.

Is eating plantain chips every day okay?

It’s not a good idea to eat plantain chips every single day because they’re just a snack. Even if they might be better for you than regular chips, they still have calories. Have them once in a while as a treat, and make sure you eat lots of different foods for a healthy diet.

Can you eat plantain chips on a keto diet?

If you’re following a keto diet, plantain chips aren’t the best choice because they have a lot of carbs. But it’s okay to have a small amount once in a while, as long as you’re eating a variety of foods and keeping your diet balanced.

Are plantain chips a healthy snack?

Compared to regular potato chips, plantain chips might be a bit healthier because they usually have less fat and calories. Still, they’re not meant to be the main part of your diet. Enjoy them from time to time, and keep the rest of your food choices healthy.

What good things do plantain chips do for your body?

Plantain chips can give you some fiber, vitamins, and minerals, depending on what kind they are and how they’re cooked. They can be a better snack option than normal chips because they often have less fat and calories. But don’t forget to only have them now and then, as part of a diet that has many different types of food.

Do plantain chips make your blood sugar go up?

Like other foods with carbs, plantain chips can make your blood sugar rise. How much it goes up can change based on the kind of plantain and how you cook it. It’s best to have them just occasionally and focus on eating a mix of things for a well-rounded diet.

Conclusion

Making your own plantain chips at home is an easy and enjoyable way to create a tasty and somewhat healthier snack. These 10 simple steps allow you to turn ripe plantains into delicious chips that are crispy, full of flavor, and perfect for munching on any time. Whether you’re looking for a unique snack to share with friends or just want a homemade treat, these homemade plantain chips are a great choice.