Baked Plantain Chips

The best chip on the market.

Table of Contents

Plantains, the less sweet, starchier cousin of bananas, grow year-round throughout the world. Fried, boiled, baked, grilled, and mashed, plantains (also called “cooking bananas” or “green bananas”) are sometimes enjoyed raw when perfectly ripe, but are usually considered tastier if they are cooked. Plantain chips are thought to have originated in West Africa centuries ago, where thinly sliced plantains were laid out in the sun to dry, aiding in preservation and providing a tastier flavor. These days, fried plantain chips are popular in the Caribbean Islands and Central America, as well as West Africa, too.

Plantains are neutral in taste, similar to a potato, which also means they absorb flavor well. If unripe green plantains are used, they will be similar in flavor to a potato chip, whereas ripened versions will taste sweeter. This recipe is prized by savory salt hounds who love a good crunch.

Are Baked Plantain Chips Healthy?

As mentioned above, plantain chips are usually fried in oil. This recipe significantly reduces the most fattening element and replaces it with the wonders of baking, using the hot air of the oven to cook the plantains with only a minimal amount of fat. To use all the buzzwords, these plantain chips are paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and can be modified a zillion different ways. While opinions vary on the healthiest oil to use, the debate surrounding vegetable oils can be contentious, with some considered better than others. Be sure to do your research, though olive oil and avocado oil are generally regarded as the healthiest options for cooking.

Chip Battle: Plantains vs. Bananas

Plantains are savory, bananas are sweet. Both make delicious chips. What’s the difference? Plantain chips are usually seasoned with salt, whereas bananas have natural sugars that will result in a sweeter chip. Both are healthy in moderation, but plantain chips have a bit less sugar.

INGREDIENTS

2 large green plantains
1 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep
Preheat oven, peel and slice plantains, and toss with oil.
Arrange
Lay plantain slices on prepared baking tray.
Bake
Bake until crispy and golden at the edges.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

A golden plantain chip will be perfectly baked in about 15-20 minutes. The thinner the slice, the more dried out the chip will become and will stay fresher longer. Using a mandoline will ensure every slice is identical and will bake evenly. Store baked chips in an airtight container or bag, where they will keep for 2-3 days.

Seasonings

Plantains hold spice and flavor well. Season with chili pepper to turn up the heat, or sprinkle them with brown sugar for some sweetness. Paprika, dried chili flakes, turmeric, lime, garlic powder—all these seasonings will taste delicious.

Chips forever!

Plantain chips might inspire you to chip-ify other vegetables and fruits—butternut squash, kale, sweet potato, cassava, and malanga chips will make you very happy.

Serving Suggestions

Plantain chips are a great side for curries and salads. Try this Easy Vegetable Curry, this Coconut Chicken Curry for something hot and spicy, or this Watermelon Feta Salad to keep things light and refreshing. For your new plantain-filled life, check out these Caribbean Chicken Bowls and Caribbean Baked Salmon Plantain Noodle Bowls. A plantain chip will be a great vehicle for some tasty dips, and will be a unique hit at your parties. Try this Sour Cream Dip or this Harissa Aioli for some delicious appetizers.