Crispy, golden, and naturally sweet, these baked plantain fries are a wholesome alternative to traditional potato fries.
Packed with fiber and plant-based nutrients, they offer a satisfying crunch with minimal oil.
Quick to prepare and low in saturated fat, this recipe makes for a perfect snack, side dish, or meal-prep addition that’s both healthy and indulgent.
30-Minute Quick Baked Plantain Fries
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 green or raw plantains peeled and cut into sticks
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable stock for fat-free version
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to Perfection: Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prep the plantains. A hot oven is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. If your oven has a convection setting, you can use it to promote even browning.
- Prepare Plantains Carefully: Take 2 green or unripe plantains and place them on a clean cutting board. Cut off both ends using a sharp paring knife. Slice each plantain into three equal sections. Make a shallow lengthwise cut along each section, just deep enough to pierce the skin but not the flesh. Peel off the skin gently using your fingers. Once peeled, cut the plantains into uniform sticks, roughly the size of classic French fries, to ensure even baking.
- Season the Plantain Sticks: Transfer the plantain sticks to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt over the fries. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil for golden, flavorful fries. For a lighter version, replace the oil with 2 tablespoons vegetable stock — this still keeps the fries moist and tasty, though slightly less golden. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the plantains gently but thoroughly until every stick is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread the seasoned plantain sticks in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Overcrowding the pan will cause the fries to steam rather than bake, preventing that perfect crispiness.
- Bake for Crispy Texture: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the plantain fries for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time with a spatula. This step ensures that all sides become evenly crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on the fries in the final 5 minutes to prevent burning, as oven temperatures may vary.
- Serve Hot and Delicious: Once baked, remove the fries from the oven carefully. Transfer them to a serving plate and allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes to firm up slightly.For added flavor, you can sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves or serve them alongside a vegan cheese sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip. These fries are best enjoyed hot and crispy for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use green or slightly unripe plantains for the best texture; overly ripe plantains become too soft and sweet.
- Cut fries uniformly to ensure even cooking and golden crispiness.
- Toss fries gently with oil or vegetable stock to avoid breaking them.
- For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Experiment with seasonings: smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or cumin all pair wonderfully.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture; reheated fries can become slightly softer.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Fries
To achieve perfectly crisp and flavorful baked plantain fries, attention to detail is key.
Always preheat your oven fully before baking — this ensures the fries crisp rather than steam.
Choosing green plantains is essential; their firmer texture holds up better in the oven.
When seasoning, a light hand with spices like turmeric and black pepper lets the natural sweetness of the plantains shine.
For a golden finish without adding much fat, lightly brushing or tossing with vegetable stock instead of oil is a clever trick that still delivers moisture and flavor.
Finally, turning the fries halfway through baking promotes even browning, giving each stick a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Baked plantain fries are versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of accompaniments.
They make a great snack with a creamy vegan cheese dip or classic ketchup.
For a more substantial side, serve them alongside a hearty grain bowl, roasted vegetables, or grilled tofu.
Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
These fries also work well as a party appetizer, served with multiple dipping sauces such as guacamole, tahini, or spicy salsa for variety.
They are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, for maximum crispiness.
Storage Tips to Keep Fries Fresh
If you need to store baked plantain fries, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though reheating in the oven or an air fryer is recommended to restore their crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the fries soft and slightly soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze pre-baked fries in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for 10–15 minutes to enjoy them nearly as fresh as when first baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ripe plantains instead?
Yes, ripe yellow plantains can be used, but they will be sweeter and softer. Baking time may need slight adjustment, and fries may not be as crisp.
2. Can I make these fries oil-free?
Absolutely! Substitute oil with vegetable stock for a low-fat version. The fries will still taste delicious, though slightly less golden.
3. What spices pair well with plantains?
Turmeric, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, or even cinnamon for a sweet-savory twist all work beautifully.
4. Can I air fry plantain fries instead?
Yes! Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, for crispy fries with minimal oil.
5. How do I keep fries crispy after baking?
Serve immediately or store in a warm oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes before serving. Avoid stacking fries on top of each other, as moisture causes sogginess.
