Spicy, Salted Banana Chips Recipe
Salted banana chips are one of my favorite snacks. The salty and crispy nature makes me love them even more. These sweet plantain chips are easy to make. You require only 3 ingredients to prepare them. I use cooking oil- vegetable or coconut oil, raw green plantains or bananas, and salt. You may season with spices such as paprika, chili, garlic or lime.
Banana plantain chips are gluten-free and a vegan snack. if you're a vegetarian like me, and you've run out of snack options, here is a simple and easy-to-make recipe. I used to hate bananas until my friend introduced me to plantain chips.
I also came to learn that there are several varieties of bananas. some are great for making mashed potatoes, and matoke, some are good for toddlers, and others for making chips and crisps.
It's a weekend, not in the mood for the regular popcorn, and am about to watch a new movie series in the next 30 minutes. So, grab your raw green plantains, cooking oil, and salty and get in the kitchen with me. You will thinly slice the bananas using a knife or a mandoline slicer. After slicing them dip them into hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil and season with salt.
These chips are often served as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or with dips like guacamole, salsa, or chimichurri. They provide a crunchy and savory alternative to traditional potato chips, and are appreciated for their unique flavor and texture.
These sweet plantain chips can be prepared in three main methods baking, air frying, and frying.
Homemade Salty Banana Chips Recipe
Banana chips are a delightful tropical twist on traditional potato chips. Made from thinly sliced unripe green bananas, they offer a unique blend of sweetness and starchiness. The natural sugars in bananas caramelize when they're cooked, resulting in a subtly sweet undertone. Add some spicy seasoning to that, and you have a snack that's out of this world.
- 4 green, unripe bananas
- Half liters cooking oil (coconut or vegetable oil)
- salt to taste (iodized)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level))
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- Slice the Bananas
Start by peeling the green bananas and slicing them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonders here, but a sharp knife will do the trick.
- Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175) The plantains should be fully submerged into the oil.
- Fry 'Em Up
Carefully slide a batch of banana slices into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan; you want them to have room to fry evenly. Fry until they're golden brown and crispy, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let excess oil drain.
- Season to Perfection
In a separate bowl, mix together your salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. While the banana chips are still hot, sprinkle this seasoning mix over them, tossing gently to coat evenly. The heat from the chips will help the spices stick.
- Cool and Enjoy:
Allow your spicy salty banana chips to cool down for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. Then dig in! The combination of the sweetness from the bananas and the kick from the spices will leave you craving more.
Serving Size: 27.8g Servings: 1
Servings: 1 Serving Calories: 150 kcal Total Fat: 8.9 g Saturated Fat: 3.9 g Sodium: 208.9 mg Potassium: 261.1 mg Total Carbohydrate: 16.7 g Dietary Fiber: 0.2 g Protein: 0.6 g Calcium: 288.9 mg Iron: 8.9 mg Vitamin D: 2.2 IU
- Use green, unripe bananas for making salty banana chips.
- For uniformity, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the banana slices into thin rounds. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
- When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Give the banana slices space to fry evenly by working in batches.
- Sprinkle salt over the hot banana chips immediately after removing them from the oil. The heat helps the salt adhere to the chips.
- To keep the chips crisp, store them in an airtight container. If stored properly, they can remain crunchy for several days. Adding a desiccant packet can help reduce moisture and prolong their shelf life.
- While salty banana chips can be a delicious snack, they are often fried, which can make them high in calories and saturated fats. Be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy them in moderation.
- Salted banana chips can be enjoyed on their own or used as a garnish for salads, desserts, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. They are also great for dipping in various sauces and dips.