Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros) are a total game changer if you’ve ever tried to pan-fry these babies and ended up with a sticky, soggy mess. I mean, one minute you’re dreaming of golden, caramelized bites, and the next, they’re stuck or burnt. Or they just seem… meh. Been there. So that’s why I started making them in my air fryer instead and trust me, it’s basically foolproof. Not only do you skip the gallon of oil, but clean-up is so much easier. If you’re craving crispy, sweet bites like you get at your favorite Caribbean spot, keep reading.
What Are Platanos Maduros?
Let’s clear up the confusion right off the bat. Platanos Maduros are just ripe plantains, sliced and cooked until they’re gorgeously sweet and a little crispy around the edges. They’re super popular in Latin American and Caribbean kitchens. Every family has their method (and there’s always an aunt who insists her way is the only “real” way).
Maduros get their magic because as plantains ripen, the starches turn into sugars. So, those black-spotted, extra-soft plantains at the back of the produce pile? They’re gold. Once cooked, the texture is soft and the taste is like… well, caramelized banana but so much better. Seriously, with a little salt, it’s kind of addictive.
You don’t need to be a master chef or anything—basically, if you can slice and set a timer, you can nail these. 
What is the difference between tostones and maduros?
Okay, here’s where a lot of folks get tripped up: maduros vs. tostones. Sound kind of similar, right? They’re not the same at all. Tostones are cut from green, unripe plantains. You slice ’em thick, smash ’em, and then fry them until crispy. They’re crunchy and salty—think savory snack vibes.
Maduros, on the other hand, use yellow-to-black, ripe plantains. You just slice and cook. The result is sweet, tender, and caramelized. Totally different personality. Think of tostones as plantain chips, and maduros as the dessert-ready version. If you mix these two up at a family dinner, you’re gonna hear about it for the rest of the night!
I always say: if you crave something starchy and salty, grab the firmer green plantain for tostones. But for your sweet tooth? All in on Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros). 
How Do I Buy Platanos Maduros?
Picking the right plantain is half the battle, and honestly, it’s easy to overthink. Ignore those too-bright-green plantains. You want ones that look like bananas past their prime—lots of black spots or even completely black. Don’t freak out! This means the sugars are really doing their thing.
If you’re in the mood suddenly and only have yellow ones? You can leave them on your countertop to ripen. Might take a few days. I once waited a week and finally got the soft, super-sweet plantain I wanted. If you want ’em ripening faster, stick them in a brown paper bag.
Never, ever refrigerate! They’ll get weird, like me at 7am. And always press gently—softer is sweeter. If they’re hard, they’re not ready. Cook something else or just wait it out.
Why Make Them In The Air Fryer?
Look, I love tradition as much as anyone. But the air fryer just wins for Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros). Here’s why:
- Hardly any oil needed (healthy and less greasy fingers, score!)
- No standing over hot oil and risking spatters (my arms are thankful)
- Super quick, even cooking—no babysitting required
- Clean-up is just a quick wipe, not a greasy nightmare
Air frying gives you those caramelized edges but without the work. If you haven’t tried it, now’s your chance.
“I swear, since I made maduros in my air fryer, I never went back to the stovetop! They’re so easy and every piece cooks perfectly. My family was all over them!” — Melissa H.
How Do I Keep The Platanos Maduros From Sticking?
Sticking plantains might sound minor, but trust me: it’s the worst. I’ve yanked off more than one perfect-looking piece of maduros only to leave half stuck to the basket. Here’s what finally worked for me.
First, make sure you slice your plantains evenly so everything cooks at the same pace. Second, either spray your air fryer basket with a little oil spray or rub it down quickly before placing the slices in. If you skip that? Prepare for a struggle. Also, give the slices a light oil spritz so they crisp but don’t glue themselves to the tray.
Don’t crowd them—room means crispness and no sticking. Flip about halfway for the most even color. Oh, and if a piece tries to hold on for dear life? Let it cool a second—usually, it comes free. It’s like plantain magic.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Make a batch, cool them, and toss them in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the magic.
Q: Do I peel plantains like bananas?
A: Not quite. They’re tougher! Cut off the ends, make a slice through the skin, and peel it away.
Q: Can I season them?
A: Yes! I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or even a little chili powder for a sweet-heat twist.
Q: What should I serve with maduros?
A: Anything! Rice, chicken, black beans. Or just eat them straight (hey, no judgment).
Q: Are Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros) gluten free?
A: Yup, naturally gluten free. No worries there.
Go Make ‘Em—You’ll Thank Yourself
So, in the end, Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros) are honestly the easiest way to turn ripe plantains into a five-star restaurant treat at home. Skip the oil baths, avoid the sticky pans, and get those caramelized, golden bites using just an air fryer. Plus, you can get creative with seasonings or just keep them old-school. If you want even more inspiration, you might check this Skinnytaste recipe for Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros), or see another method with Air Fryer Cuban Plantains. You’re just one step away from impressing everyone (or just yourself, which is valid). Trust me, just try it—you’ll see.
Air Fryer Sweet Plantains (Maduros)
Ingredients
Method
- Cut off the ends of the plantains and make a slice along the skin to peel them.
- Slice the plantains into even pieces, about 1 inch thick.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Place the sliced plantains in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Lightly spritz the tops of the plantains with oil spray.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
