The Best Crispy Garlic Plantain Chips
Crispy Plantain Chips with Garlic and Salt
by: Merritt Allen
When I was in college, Trader Joes plantain chips were a study staple for me. Being crispy, salty, and super cheap offered many a mouthful of comfort during study hours. I was always intimidated to try making my own, but found I loved both the freshness and versatility of making my own. These crispy plantain chips are a starchy hit that satisfies that craving for all things crunchy. Using an oven, these chips are ready in as little as 20 minutes and can be a real crowd pleaser to pair with simple dips like hummus or to top of a salad. I am always say that the brain loves crunch and I think these are a good way to appease that love.
Though I prefer a savory version, these are very easy to add a little cinnamon and sugar to so that you have an easy dessert that pairs with yogurt or a drizzle of honey. If you needed another reason to love these little chips, they are also great snacks on the go; enjoy them on your way to work, let your kids share them before a soccer game, or pull them out mid hike! I hope you love my crispy garlic plantain chips as much as I do!
This post will walk you through making crispy plantain chips at home!
Notes and Tips for Crispy Plantain Chips:
Plantain chips are a blank canvas as far as seasoning goes. Enjoy them with jerk seasoning, lemon pepper, or even cinnamon and sugar. My personal favorite is garlic and salt but let me know what you use in the comments below!
Green plantains are very starchy and are less sweet than fully ripe ones. I recommend using a green plantain that is just starting to turn yellow. To avoid bad spots on your plantain, buy a very green one and wait a couple of days for the plantain to begin ripening.
Plantains do not peel like bananas since the peel is tougher. Begin by cutting the ends off, then score vertically down the plantain until your knife just touches the plantain flesh. Pull back the peel slowly and work the plantain out.
How Do I Store These Plantain Chips?
These can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. If you find them to be less than crispy, throw them in a skillet for a few minutes to re-crisp them. Homemade chips do not contain preservatives that can be found in store bought ones, so do not be surprised if you need to re- crisp!
How To Bake The Plantain Chips:
I bake my chips on the convection function in my oven. If you have this function, I highly recommend using it. Like an air-fryer, convection circulates the air in your oven so that you get a crispier product. If you have an air-fryer that would work too!
The best method to flipping the plantain chips is to use tongs or just your hands. Since they have to be individually flipped, these methods are the most precise.
What Helps Make The Chips Crispy?
The tapioca flour or cornstarch is an optional ingredient but it does help increase the crispiness. It will not change the flavor of your chips at all, so I encourage you to add it in.
What pairs with Garlic Plantain Chips?
Plantain chips go really well as a crunchy and healthy side dish. Try them with some of my favorite pairings listed below!
The Best Kale Salad is a delicious kale salad recipe that you can add these plantain chips to as a crouton substitute or serve it beside.
Creamy Tuscan and White Bean Soup is a great cold weather soup that you can try dipping these chips in!
Creamy and Rich Potato Leek Soup is another winter soup that is hearty and made with potatoes and leeks. It is the perfect pairing to something crunchy and savory.
Let me know what you pair these with in the comments below!
Ingredients For Plantain Chips:
Recipe for Super Easy Plantain Chips
- 1 large green plantain You can use a more yellow plantain but the starchier the better so look for a green one!
- 3 Tbs olive oil You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil too.
- 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 Tbs Garlic powder The garlic powder will coat the plantains and get golden brown in the oven.
- 1 tsp black pepper optional but flavorful.
- 2 Tsp tapioca flour or cornstarch This will help the seasoning stay on the plantain chips and make them crispier when baking.
Directions to Make Plantain Chips:
Preheat your oven to 350 F convection
Cut the plantain into chips. The thinner the chips the greater the crispy potential. Take your time at this step, it really does help to get the chips as crispy as possible. Cutting the chips to about 1/4” delivers great results. This also leads to 1 plantain taking up a standard baking sheet.
Place the sliced plantain in a bowl and add the oil and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands so that none of the chips get mushed up.
Place the chips on a cooling rack, on top of a cookie sheet. This creates separation so that the chips get crispier more quickly. Be sure to spread them out without double stacking.
Place in the oven to bake. Check the chips every 10 minutes and pull out when they are at desire crispiness.
Flip your chips after about 15 minutes and let them continue to cook until they reach desired crispiness, about 30 minutes total when using convection.
Let the chips cool slightly for a few before serving.
Pair with any desired dips and enjoy!