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You are here: Home » Recipes » Appetizers

Fried Plantains

Published: Oct 8, 2014 · Updated: Aug 12, 2019 by Mely Martínez

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Fried plantains (platanos fritos/ maduros) are a delicious and popular dish everyone in Mexico enjoys. These starchy bananas are sliced and fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior. They make excellent side dishes alongside savory dishes, as a dessert, or enjoyed as an umami snack with queso fresco and Mexican crema. 

Plátanos Fritos

Whole fried banana in a platter, next to queso fresco and condensed milk

As many of you know, I worked as a teacher in some of the southern states of Mexico for many years. One of these jobs took me to the remote area, "La Chontalpa.” This beautiful area is green with vegetation year around with crops like cocoa beans and bananas. 

While living there, I noticed and learned several things, like everywhere you look, banana trees are present, with roads lined with them for several miles. I also learn that people used plantains in everyday meals. For example, many home cooks will serve their main meal at noon, along with rice and fried plantains.

Another thing that you need to learn is that there is a wide variety of plantains. For example, Mexico produces eight types: Dominico, Tabasco, Manzano, Enano, Gigante, Morado, Pera, and Macho. Macho bananas (Plantains). Also, plantains can be baked, grilled, fried, or just placed over hot coals like my Grandmother used to do to her Roasted Bananas Recipe. And lastly, ripened bananas are served as a dessert covered with cream and cheese or condensed milk. 

Frequently Asked Questions About this Recipe

Before I share my recipe for platanos fritos, I will answer the questions I usually get about this homemade recipe.

How to pick a plantain for frying:

I. To prepare plantains as a dessert, let your bananas ripen until they look black, like the ones in the picture below. The longer you wait for them to ripen, the sweeter they will be. I prefer to cook these types of bananas whole or slice them lengthwise into two pieces.

II. Now, if you want to fry the bananas in slices for a side dish, their skin has to have some brown spots, and they should not be tough when gently pressed. If they feel too soft or mushy to the touch, it’s better to use them for dessert. Their pulp will be too soft to slice, making it hard to fry.

Plantains in different stages of ripening

Are fried plantains Mexican? 

Yes and no. Plantains are widely consumed from West to East Africa, Latin America(Mexico), and the Caribbean. Even though Plantains are grown and prepared in Mexico with toppings like queso fresco and cream. Plantains are not exclusively from Mexico. 

Are fried plantains healthy?

Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamins C, A, and potassium. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthier alternative. However, after frying, they absorb some of the oil used for frying, which increases their calorie and fat content. Therefore, it's essential to be careful and consume them in moderation. 

How to store your fried plantains

First, allow the fried plantains to cool completely at room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the container or bag in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or frying pan until they are heated and crispy. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, making them soft and mushy. You can also freeze them for a couple of weeks.

How to make Fried Plantains

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this fried plantain recipe:

  • Ripe plantains (almost black)
  • Plantains with brown spots
  • Vegetable Oil

Choice of toppings:

  • Mexican Cream or Sour Cream 
  • Mexican Queso Fresco or Panela crumbled cheese
  • Condensed Milk 

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Ingredients like platanos maduros, oil, queso fresco, Mexican crema and condensed milk.

DIRECTIONS

  • First, cut the tips of the banana with a sharp knife, then make a slit alongside the plantain from top to bottom and remove the peel. This step is for whole-fried bananas or sliced. (Please check the ingredients list below)
Cutting board with a banana being peeled
  • Slice plantain diagonally to make the plantain chips. Choose the firmer plantain with brown spots that will hold better when sliced.
Sliced plantain on a cutting board
  • Heat oil in a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking, and add the bananas. 
  • Fry the small slices on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown in batches for an overall cook. Remove and place in a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess fat.
Frying bananas in oil
  • Whole-fried plantains will take longer to cook. Cook every side thoroughly; it will take about 12-15 minutes to cook.
  • Remove them and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to drain.
  • The plantains chips will take less time to cook than whole plantains, so remove them promptly. They will be extremely hot, so be careful and let them cool for some minutes before eating.
Slice fried plantains served in a plate next to queso fresco and Mexican crema
  • When cooking whole plantains or larger pieces, turn the heat to medium to avoid burning them.
  • You can cut a slit lengthwise in the center to serve the whole plantains.
Fried plantains served in a platter and topped with condensed milk and queso fresco.

¡Buen provecho!
Mely,

What To Serve With Fried Plantains

The popular pairing for fried plantains is rice and beans. However, fried plantains are a great accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. They can also be a dessert with condensed milk or as a savory snack with a sprinkle of salt. Finally, they can make a great side dish for a Mexican brunch, served alongside fried black beans, enchiladas, and entomatadas.

Other Recipes using Platains:

Plantain Patties

Mashed Plantains (Mogo Mogo)

Motul Style Eggs

Chiapas Bread Soup

More Authentic Mexican Recipes:

If you enjoyed this recipe for fried plantains, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

  • Yucatan fried beans
  • Enchiladas potosinas
  • Black beans and rice

For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. in español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina 

📖 Recipe

Fried plantains served in a platter and topped with condensed milk and queso fresco.

Fried Plantains

Mely Martínez
Mexican fried plantains, known as "plátanos fritos" in Spanish, are a tasty and sweet dish with perfect crispiness and tenderness. With a few simple ingredients, you can quickly create a delectable treat served as a sweet or savory accompaniment to a meal or enjoy it as a stand-alone snack. 
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
0 minutes mins
Total Time 24 minutes mins
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients
  

FRYING THE BANANAS:

  • 2 plantains ripened but firm
  • 2 plantains with brown spots
  • ⅓ Cup Vegetable Oil

CHOICE OF TOPPINGS:

  • 2 Tablespoons Mexican Cream or Sour Cream per each plantain
  • 2 Tablespoons of Mexican Queso Fresco or Panela crumbled (You can substitute with feta or other crumbled cheeses)
  • 1 Tablespoon of Condensed Milk per each plantain

Instructions
 

  • First, cut the tips of the banana with a sharp knife, then make a slit alongside the plantain from top to bottom and remove the peel. This step is for whole-fried bananas or sliced. 
  • Slice plantain diagonally to make the plantain chips. Choose the firmer plantain with brown spots that will hold better when sliced.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking, and add the bananas. 
  • Fry the small slices on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown in batches for an overall cook. Remove and place in a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess fat.
  • Whole-fried plantains will take longer to cook. Make sure that every side is cooked thoroughly; it will take about 12-15 minutes to cook. After they've been fried, remove them and place them on a plate covered with paper towels to drain.
  • When cooking whole plantains or larger pieces, turn the heat to medium to avoid burning them.
  • The plantains chips will take less time to cook than whole plantains, so remove them promptly. They will be extremely hot, so be careful and let them cool for some minutes before eating. They make a great side dish for a Mexican brunch, served alongside fried black beans, enchiladas, entomatadas, white rice, or also as a dessert.
  • You can cut a slit lengthwise in the center to serve the whole plantains. Garnish with your toppings of choice. 

Notes

Other topping choices are rompope (the Mexican eggnog) and dulce de leche.
Mexican fried plantains, known as "plátanos fritos" in Spanish, are a tasty and sweet dish with perfect crispiness and tenderness. With a few simple ingredients, you can quickly create a delectable treat served as a sweet or savory accompaniment to a meal or enjoy it as a stand-alone snack. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5plantainCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 461mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 1062IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  1. Maria

    April 17, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    I've ordered fried plantains when going out to have dinner in the past, but I've never made this myself so I made these for the 1st time today and so delicious, thank you!

    Reply
  2. Jill

    April 14, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    We make ours with cream and blackberry (or strawberry) preserves....yummy!

    Reply
  3. Don

    October 20, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    Thank you for this recipe. Here in central Florida I am used to a whole plantain simply cut in half and each end fried. This is the way I see in many restaurants. After looking at dozens of recipes you have given me the knowledge necessary to do that . I will try frying whole first as you show which seems like the better approach.

    Reply
  4. charles

    June 06, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    i like them on waffles

    Reply
  5. Prieta

    October 09, 2014 at 4:39 am

    Mely, I first ate this iin Tijuana when I was a kid. I didn't like it then but a couple of years ago I tried this in Nayarit and I loved it! Yours look delicious!

    Reply
  6. Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

    October 08, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Me muero! que antojo me dio!

    Reply
  7. Catherine

    October 08, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    What wonderful plantain recipes. Delicious!! ~ Catherine

    Reply
    • Mely

      October 10, 2014 at 1:17 am

      Hello Catherine,

      So kind of you always stopping by to leave a comment. I hope you try this recipe, is so delicious and easy to make.

      Kind regards,

      Mely

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 35 of the World's Most Delicious Desserts - Whimsy & Spice says:
    August 14, 2022 at 6:33 am

    […] 22. Mexico: Plátanos Fritos […]

    Reply

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About me

Hi, I'm Mely Martinez, a former Mexican school teacher, home cook, and food blogger. I moved to the United States about ten years ago, after living in Mexico my whole life. Now I love to share home-style recipes for authentic Mexican food.
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