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Guyanese Plantain Chips
Thin, crisp, lightly salted fried green plantain chips — an addictive homemade Guyanese snack that's far better than any from a bag. Just three ingredients and ready in minutes.
Homemade plantain chips beat the store-bought bag every time — thin, crisp, golden and perfectly salted. With just green plantains, oil and salt, this is one of the easiest Guyanese snacks to make, and one of the hardest to stop eating.
Ingredients
- 3 green (unripe) plantains
- Oil, for deep frying
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of garlic powder or pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the ends off each plantain and score the skin lengthwise. Peel off the skin (green plantains are firmer to peel than ripe ones).
- Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the plantains as thinly as possible — thin slices make crisp chips. Slicing into cold salted water helps prevent browning.
- Drain and pat the slices completely dry with a clean towel.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil to medium-high (about 350°F / 175°C).
- Fry the slices in batches, not overcrowding, until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Stir gently so they don't stick.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, sprinkle with salt (and garlic powder or pepper if you like). Cool completely so they crisp up fully.
Tips & Notes
- The thinner you slice, the crispier the chips — a mandoline is worth it here.
- Dry the slices well before frying so the oil doesn't splatter and the chips crisp evenly.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- For a sweeter chip, use slightly ripe (yellow) plantains, though they'll be softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get really crispy chips?
Slice the plantains as thinly as possible — a mandoline helps — and dry the slices well before frying.
Should I use green or ripe plantains?
Use green (unripe) plantains for crisp, savoury chips. Slightly ripe ones turn out softer and sweeter.
How do I keep them crunchy?
Let them cool completely after frying, then store them in an airtight container.
Nutrition is an approximate estimate per serving and will vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. See our disclaimer.
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