How To Make Fried Plantain — An Irresistibly Golden, Powerful, And Joy-Filled Classic 🍌

9jakitchenblog
February 8, 2026

Learn how to make fried plantain that is perfectly golden, crispy outside, and tender inside. This easy Nigerian fried plantain recipe includes expert tips, variations, nutrition facts, and serving ideas for flawless results every time.

🥭 Introduction 🌞

Fried plantain is one of the most comforting, satisfying, and universally loved dishes across Nigeria and many parts of West Africa. Whether served as a quick snack, a hearty breakfast side, or a perfect companion to rice and stew, fried plantain never fails to deliver joy on a plate.

Learning how to make fried plantain properly is a kitchen skill everyone should master. From choosing the right level of ripeness to controlling oil temperature, small details make a huge difference. When done correctly, fried plantain turns out beautifully golden, lightly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.

In this detailed guide, you’ll discover how to make fried plantain step by step, along with professional tips, serving ideas, variations, nutrition facts, and answers to common questions—so your fried plantain always comes out perfect.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it is:

Quick and effortless, perfect for busy days
Budget-friendly, using simple pantry ingredients
Versatile, suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks
Beginner-friendly, even if you’re new to cooking
Authentically Nigerian, with traditional taste and texture
Reliable, delivering consistent results every time

Once you master how to make it, it becomes a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

🧺 Ingredients Needed 🥑

To make truly delicious Nigerian fried plantain, you only need a few carefully chosen ingredients:

Ripe Plantains
Choose plantains with yellow skins and black spots. This ripeness level gives the perfect balance of sweetness and structure for fried plantain.
Vegetable Oil
Neutral oils like sunflower, peanut, or vegetable oil work best for frying and allow the natural flavour of the plantain to shine.
Salt (Optional)
A light sprinkle enhances flavour, especially if you’re serving as a savoury side.

🍳 Equipment Needed 🔪

Having the right tools makes frying safer and more effective:

Sharp Knife for clean slicing
Cutting Board for stability
Frying Pan or Skillet with a wide surface
Slotted Spoon for easy turning and removal
Paper Towels to drain excess oil

👩🏽‍🍳 Step-By-Step Guide: How To Make Fried Plantain 🍌

🔥 Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Plantains

Wash the plantains thoroughly
Cut off both ends
Slice the peel lengthwise and remove gently
Cut into diagonal or round slices, depending on preference

Step 2: Heat The Oil

Place the frying pan on medium heat
Add enough oil to shallow-fry
Allow oil to heat properly before frying

Step 3: Fry The Plantains

Gently add the plantain slices in a single layer
Avoid overcrowding the pan
Fry until the underside turns golden brown

Step 4: Turn And Finish Frying

Flip the slices carefully
Fry the other side until evenly golden
Remove and drain on paper towels

Step 5: Season And Serve

Sprinkle lightly with salt if desired
Serve hot for the best texture and flavour

By following these steps, you’ll consistently achieve perfect fried plantain.

⭐ Tips For A Perfect Result

To truly master how to make fried plantain, keep these expert tips in mind:

Choose the right ripeness: Too green = bland; too black = overly soft
Maintain medium heat to prevent burning
Never overcrowd the pan for even frying
Use fresh oil for a clean flavour
Drain properly to avoid sogginess
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture

🍽️ Serving Suggestions 🥘

Fried plantain pairs beautifully with:

Rice and stew
Beans (Ewa Riro or Ewa Agoyin)
Fried eggs or scrambled eggs
Yam and pepper sauce
Grilled fish or chicken
As a standalone snack with pepper sauce

🌶️ Variations You Can Try

Switch things up with these delicious twists:

Spicy Fried Plantain – sprinkle with chilli powder
Sweet Fried Plantain – drizzle with honey or cinnamon sugar
Extra-Crispy Fried Plantain – slice thinner and fry slightly longer
Air-Fried Plantain – for a lighter option
Plantain Chips Style – slice very thin and fry until crisp

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	220 kcal	11%
Carbohydrates	31 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	8%
Fat	10 g	15%
Potassium	500 mg	11%
Vitamin A	1125 IU	22%

Source: USDA FoodData Central – Plantains

🌿 Health Benefits And Advice 💚

Fried plantain, when eaten in moderation, offers several benefits:

Supports digestion due to natural fibre content
Provides energy from complex carbohydrates
Contains potassium for heart health
Offers vitamin A for vision and immunity

Advice: Pair fried plantain with protein or vegetables to balance blood sugar levels and reduce excess oil intake.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I use unripe plantain?
👉 Yes, but the taste will be less sweet and the texture firmer.

Q2. Why is my fried plantain soggy?
👉 The oil may not have been hot enough or the pan was overcrowded.

Q3. Can I store leftovers?
👉 Yes, refrigerate and reheat in an air fryer or pan for best results.

Q4. What oil is best for frying plantain?
👉 Neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best.

✨ Final Thought 🌟

Now that you know how to make fried plantain, you have unlocked one of the most joyful and versatile dishes in Nigerian cooking. With the right plantain, proper heat control, and simple techniques, fried plantain becomes more than food—it becomes comfort, culture, and satisfaction on a plate.

Make it often, serve it proudly, and enjoy every golden bite.

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