Plantain Chips
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Learn to make classic, crispy plantain chips. A simple and crunchy Afro-Caribbean appetizer or snack.
These plantain chips are a classic Caribbean snack, crisp, golden, and dangerously moreish. We slice them thin and fry or bake until they shatter with the right crunch. The snack that makes potato chips look like a compromise.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 4 green plantains (or more)
- 🫗 1 liter frying oil
- 🫗 1 bowl of water
- 🫗 1/2 tsp salt
- 🫗 1/2 lemon (optional)
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
**Prepare Water:** In a bowl, mix the water, salt, and optional lemon juice. This solution will be used to flavor the plantains and prevent browning.
**Peel:** Carefully peel the green plantains by making vertical slits along the skin and prying it off.
**Slice:** Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the plantains into very thin, uniform rounds.
**Fry:** Heat the frying oil to 175°C. Fry the slices in small batches to ensure they remain crisp and do not stick together.
**Season:** Once golden brown and crispy, remove the chips with a slotted spoon. Quickly dip them into the prepared water solution if desired, then drain on paper towels.
**Serve:** Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
🎥 Video Tutorial
Plantain Chips
Video credit: embedded from YouTube. All rights belong to the original creator, who allows sharing on other websites.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overcrowding: Frying too many slices at once will cool the oil rapidly, leading to greasy, soft chips.
- ✕
Slicing Thickness: If slices are too thick, the center will remain soft while the edges burn. Take care to keep them thin.
🔄 Variations
Seasoning: Sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, or lime zest for a more intense flavor profile.
Dips: Serve with avocado mayonnaise or a spicy garlic dip for a complete appetizer experience.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
These are best served fresh. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they will lose some of their crispness over time.
💡 Chef Tips
Consistency: Use a mandoline slicer for the best results; uniform, paper-thin slices ensure every chip is equally crispy.
Plantain Selection: Always use green, unripe plantains for chips to ensure they stay firm and crunchy rather than soft and sweet.
🔗 Related Recipes
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →