Discover how to make crispy plantain chips at home with simple ingredients. Perfectly crunchy, savory, and ideal for snacks or small business ideas!
Plantain chips are an Indonesian traditional snack. Its savory taste, crunchy texture, and distinctive banana aroma make these chips a favorite of many people. Not only delicious, plantain chips are also suitable as a casual companion in the afternoon or even as a home business idea.
For those of you who want to try making your own at home, here is a complete guide on how to make crispy plantain chips, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients Needed for Plantain Chips
Before starting the making process, first prepare the following ingredients:
- 5 half-ripe plantains (choose the ones that are still a little hard)
- 1 teaspoon of lime (optional, for crispier results)
- 1 liter of clean water
- Cooking oil as needed
- Salt to taste
- Sprinkle seasonings to taste (balado, cheese, barbeque, etc. – optional)
Tools:
- Sharp knife or thin slicer (mandolin slicer)
- Large bowl
- Frying pan
- Strainer or drainer
- Paper towels or clean cloth
Steps on How to Make Crispy Plantain Chips
1. Prepare and Slice the Plantain
First, peel the plantain, then thinly slice them lengthwise or diagonally. Use a slicer so that the thickness is uniform, so that the fried results are crispier and evenly cooked.
2. Soak in Lime Solution
Prepare a solution of water and lime in a large container. Add the plantain slices and soak for 20-30 minutes. This process helps maintain the crispiness of the chips after frying. Once done, rinse the plantain thoroughly using running water to remove any excess lime residue.
3. Drain and Dry
Drain the plantain slices and wipe them using paper towels or a clean cloth until the surface is dry. This step is important to prevent oil splattering during frying and the chips do not absorb a lot of oil.
4. Fry Until Crispy
The next step is to fry them. Heat a large amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot enough, add the plantain slices little by little so that they do not stick together.
Fry while stirring slowly until the chips are golden brown and the texture is dry. Remove and drain.
5. Sprinkle Seasoning (Optional)
After the chips are completely cool, sprinkle them with a little salt for a natural savory taste. You can also add sprinkles such as balado, cheese, or barbeque according to taste.
Personally, I recommend enjoying them plain — they’re naturally crispier and healthier that way.
6. Store in an Airtight Container
To maintain its crispiness, store the plantain chips in a jar or airtight container. Avoid exposing them to open air for too long because this makes the chips feel damp and lose their crispiness.
To ensure your chips turn out perfect every time, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Important Tips for Perfect Plantain Chips
- Choose half-ripe plantains: Don’t use plantains that are too ripe because the results will be soft and easy to burn.
- Use stable hot oil: Oil that is too hot or not hot enough can make the chips oily or not crispy.
- The slices should be thin and uniform: The same thickness helps the plantain cook evenly when fried.
- Wait until the chips are completely cool before sprinkling with seasoning, so that the seasoning does not clump.
I often make these banana chips for family gatherings, and they always disappear quickly! Everyone loves how crispy and naturally sweet they turn out. It’s a simple recipe, but the results are always impressive.
Based on my experience, using half-ripe plantains as mentioned above always gives the best crunch without being too sweet or soggy.
For storage and shelf life, you can refer to our article here: How Long Do Plantain Chips Last? Storage Tips and Shelf Life Guide
Nutrition Facts for Plantain Chips (per 100g)
- Calories: 519–531 kcal
- Total Fat: 33.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 28.97 g
- Carbohydrates: 58.4 g
- Sugar: 35.34 g
- Fiber: 7.7 g
- Protein: 2.3 g
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Potassium: 536 mg
- Vitamin C: 6.3 mg
- Iron: 1.25 mg
Notes
- Banana chips are relatively high in calories and fat, especially saturated fat.
- They are low in sodium, making them a good option for those monitoring their salt intake.
- Their high fiber and potassium content supports digestive health and heart function.
Conclusion
Making your own crispy plantain chips at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and easy techniques, you can create a delicious snack perfect for family gatherings or even a small business venture.
If you tried this recipe, share your crispy plantain chip creations in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this guide with your friends so more people can enjoy making their own homemade plantain chips.
