Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Pick 4 very ripe plantains with mostly black skins — green or firm yellow ones won't caramelize the same way. Trim both ends, score the peel lengthwise without cutting deep into the fruit, and peel.

2. 2

   Slice diagonally into ½-inch pieces. Toss gently with 1 teaspoon neutral oil (or a light spray), optional ¼ teaspoon fine salt, and a pinch of cinnamon if you want a maduros vibe.

3. 3

   Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the slices in one layer with space around them — overlapping plantains steam and stay pale. Batch if needed.

4. 4

   Air fry 8–12 minutes, flipping after about 5 minutes, until the edges are deeply golden and the centers are soft and sticky-sweet when you poke them. Extra-ripe fruit finishes closer to 8; thicker slices need nearer 12.

5. 5

   Serve hot as a side with lime wedges if you like. You want caramelized sweet plantain slices with browned sticky edges — not pale firm pieces or bitter blackened chips.