Green Banana Fries
Looking for a tasty and unique snack with a Caribbean twist? These crispy, golden air fryer green banana fries are a delicious treat straight from the heart of Saint Lucia! Green bananas are a staple in Caribbean cuisine, and when air-fried, they transform into perfectly crunchy fries with a soft, starchy center. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to regular fries—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and packed with flavor!
We have plenty of green banana plants in our garden so have been enjoying these tasty air fryer fries as a quick and easy snack. Best of all, there’s no trip to the supermarket, just a short stroll in the garden to harvest these! We have experimented with different seasonings as well as enjoying them plain.
What Are Green Bananas?
Green bananas are simply bananas that are harvested before they ripen. Unlike the sweet, soft yellow bananas you might be used to, green bananas are firm and starchy. They are often used in cooking rather than eaten raw due to their lack of sweetness and their more neutral flavor. Green bananas are a common ingredient in many Caribbean and Latin American dishes, where they are boiled, fried or mashed. Also known as green figs, they have a texture similar to potatoes when cooked and can be used in a variety of savory recipes, like the air fryer fries in this recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a fun, flavorful twist on traditional fries with a Caribbean flair! Green bananas are naturally starchy, making them the perfect base for crispy, golden fries. The air fryer method ensures they come out crunchy without all the extra oil, making them a healthier choice. Plus, the seasoning is simple but adds the perfect amount of flavor to elevate the dish. Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean cuisine or just looking for a new snack, these air fryer green banana fries will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Grab a bunch of green bananas and season to your own taste.
- Green Bananas: The star of the dish! Green bananas are unripe bananas that are firm and starchy, making them perfect for savory dishes like fries. They have a mild, neutral flavor and absorb seasonings beautifully, giving them a satisfying, potato-like texture when cooked.
- Olive Oil: This healthy fat adds a touch of richness to the fries, helping them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Olive oil also brings a light, fruity flavor that complements the green bananas perfectly. You can also use coconut oil for an extra tropical twist!
- Salt: A key seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the green bananas. Salt helps balance the starchiness of the bananas and enhances the overall taste of the fries.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish, giving the fries a slight kick. Black pepper pairs beautifully with the other seasonings and rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Peel a Green Banana
Peeling green bananas can be a bit tricky because they don’t have the soft skin of ripe bananas. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Cut off both ends of the banana with a knife.
- Make a slit along the peel lengthwise (from top to bottom) using the knife. Be gentle, as you don’t want to slice into the flesh of the banana.
- Use your fingers to gently peel back the skin, starting from the slit you made. It may take a little patience, but once you get the hang of it, the peel will come off easily!
How to Make Air Fryer Green Banana Fries
Slice top and bottom of green banana
Make a slice in the skin, then peel.
Slice lengthways into fries.
Place into air fryer and cook.
Recipe Tips
- Use green bananas that are firm and unripe, as they are starchy and will hold their shape better when fried. Ripe bananas are too soft and sweet for this recipe.
- If you don’t have an air fryer you can make these green banana fries by baking or deep frying. To deep fry, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. To bake, spread fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
- Green banana fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot while they’re still crispy.
- Serve green banana fries with your favorite dips like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, hot pepper sauce or even a tangy tamarind chutney for a Caribbean-inspired touch.
more Green Banana Recipes
Enjoy green bananas in these other Caribbean recipes:
Green Banana Fries
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Ingredients
- 2 green bananas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- After peeling the green bananas, cut them into long, thin fries. The size can vary depending on your preference, but aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices for crispy fries.
- Place the banana fries in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the banana fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Once done, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (a tangy Caribbean hot sauce pairs wonderfully!) or enjoy them on their own as a savory snack.
