Plantain Chips
Plantain chips are thin slices of plantain, a starchy relative of the banana, fried or baked until crisp. Made from green (unripe) plantains they taste closer to a savory potato chip with a faint sweetness underneath; made from ripe yellow plantains they turn dark, sticky-edged, and distinctly sweet. They're a staple snack across the Caribbean, West Africa, and Latin America, sold both plain and seasoned with salt, garlic, or chili.
Varieties
Chips made from green, unripe plantains are firm, pale yellow, and savory, closer to a potato chip. Chips made from ripe, yellow-to-black plantains are darker, slightly caramelized, and noticeably sweet, sometimes labeled 'maduros' chips. The two are not interchangeable in a recipe expecting one flavor profile over the other.
Buying tips
Check the ingredient list for just plantains, oil, and salt; some brands add excess sugar or preservatives, especially sweet varieties. Bags should feel full of air with minimal broken pieces at the bottom, a sign the chips are fresh and haven't been crushed in transit.
Substitutes
Tostones (twice-fried green plantain rounds) — 1:1 by weight
Made from the same green plantains but sliced thicker and smashed flat before the second fry; use when a recipe wants a chunkier, more substantial chip or side.
Yuca (cassava) chips — 1:1 by weight
Similar starchy crunch and neutral base for dips, but denser and slightly nuttier; fry or bake the same way.
Taro chips — 1:1 by weight
Purple-tinged and slightly earthier than plantain, works well anywhere plantain chips are used as a dipping chip.
Thick-cut potato chips or kettle chips — 1:1 by weight
Easiest supermarket swap for scooping or snacking, though the flavor is closer to a russet potato than a plantain's mild sweetness.
Sweet potato chips — 1:1 by weight
Best match when substituting for ripe (sweet) plantain chips, since both fry up with caramelized, slightly sweet edges.
Storage
Keep store-bought or homemade plantain chips in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature, away from humidity. They stay crisp for about 1 to 2 weeks unopened, or 3 to 5 days once the bag is opened. Refrigeration actually softens them faster because of trapped moisture, so skip the fridge.
How to use
Eat plain as a snack, crush and use as a crunchy topping for soups, ceviche, or grain bowls, or serve alongside guacamole, black bean dip, or mango salsa in place of tortilla chips. Green plantain chips also work crushed into a coating for fried chicken or fish.
What it pairs with
Pairs well with garlicky aioli, cilantro-lime crema, hot sauce, and citrus-heavy ceviche. Sweet plantain chips go nicely with soft cheeses or a drizzle of honey.
Nutrition
A typical 1-ounce serving of fried plantain chips runs about 150 calories and 8 to 9 grams of fat, similar to regular potato chips, though plantains contribute more potassium and resistant starch than white potatoes. Baked versions cut fat significantly but are less common commercially.
FAQ
Are plantain chips the same as banana chips?
No. Banana chips are usually made from sweet dessert bananas and are often dried or fried with added sugar, giving a candy-like crunch, while plantain chips use starchy plantains and taste more savory, even in their sweet ripe form.
Are plantain chips gluten-free?
Plain plantain chips made from just plantains, oil, and salt are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label since some seasoned or flavored varieties are processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Can you make plantain chips without frying?
Yes. Toss thin slices in a small amount of oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, though baked chips turn out slightly less crisp and more chewy than fried.
Why are some plantain chips green and others yellow or brown?
The color depends on the ripeness of the plantain used before frying: green plantains yield pale, sturdy, savory chips, while riper yellow or black plantains fry up darker and sweeter due to their higher sugar content.
Have plantain chips on hand? Find recipes with our Recipe Generator →