How long do fried plantains last in the fridge?
Are you wondering how long fried plantains last in the fridge? Well, wonder no more! We’ve got the answer to this question and all of the details right here on this blog post.
Fried plantain lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. And if you are planning to freeze them, they will last in the freezer for up to two months.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping your fried plantain chips fresh for as long as possible.
Read More: Can you put raw onions in the slow cooker?
What are plantains?
Plantains are confused with bananas often. But they are very different. Plantains are firmer, longer, and starchy – almost potato-like in texture. They also look more like a vegetable than typical bananas because of their size and color.
While bananas are sweet, plantains are savory, which means they taste great when fried or sauteed with butter or oil.
Where do I find plantains?
Plantains can be found in your local grocery store, often next to the bananas. You should be able to purchase green or yellow plantains.
Plantains grow in regions near the equator including Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Fried plantains are eaten in many countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They can be served with any meal of the day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Plantain chips make a great snack any time of day.
This magical fruit has many benefits. Plantains lots of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They are also low in fat and sodium.
Steps to fry plantains
This may seem a bit weird, but people do fry plantains.
Here are the steps you should follow:
– You can fry plantains in vegetable oil or butter. Heat the oil/butter to about 375 degrees F.
– The next step is to cut the plantains into pieces 1/2-inch thick and 1 1/4 inch wide. In case you are wondering, “1/2-inch” is just a fancy term for half an inch.
– The next step is to fry the cut-up pieces of plantain in hot oil or butter until they turn golden brown. You should turn the pieces over occasionally.
– After frying, remove the plantain pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Keep reading for more tips about how long fried plantains last in the fridge.
Read More: Can you cook in a cast iron skillet with rust?
7 tips to keep plantains in the fridge for long
1. Refrigerate as soon as possible
It is always best to keep food that isn’t ripe (like plantains) in the fridge until you are ready to eat or cook with them. Don’t keep plantains outside the fried, especially in hot weather conditions.
2. Never wash before refrigerating
Do not wash plantain chips before storing them in the fridge. Store-bought plantain chips are often coated with flavorings or oils that will help preserve the nutrients in the fruit.
3. Store whole or sliced plantains
Whole or sliced plantains can be stored well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once you cut them, it is best to eat them right away because they won’t stay fresh for long.
4. Keep in an airtight container
You should cover the container with a lid and keep the plantain pieces in it while they are still warm. This will help lock in their moisture and flavor, which will keep them from drying out or getting freezer burn.
5. Do not keep in the crisper drawer
Do not store plantains in your fridge crisper basket. This is a place where people store cut fruit and vegetables that they want to stay fresh for a long time. Since plantain pieces are not cut, they will go bad quickly if you store them there.
6. Store ripe plantains separately
If you want to store ripe plantains for a short time, you should place them in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper and then place the wrapped fruit in the fridge. This will help absorb moisture; which will help prevent mold from growing on your bananas.
7. Never freeze ripe plantains
Never freezer ripe plantains because of extreme temperature changes. Freezing will make them mushy when you thaw them.
If you are not able to fry or heat your plantains right away, plan ahead and keep them in the freezer. If you place them in the fridge overnight, they will thaw out by the time you’re ready to use them. Fried plantain chips can be stored in sealed containers or resealable plastic bags for about 3 days.
Can fried plantains be reheated?
So you fried the plantains and they turned out great. You stored them in the fridge, but now you are ready to eat them. Is it safe to reheat these fried plantains?
Yes, you can reheat fried plantains.
Here are the steps and tricks that will help you reheat the fried plantains:
Using oven
If you are using the oven, keep an eye on the timer. They should be heated in the oven at 375 degrees F until they are hot and crispy again.
Using a microwave
If you use the microwave, just place your plantains on a plate and zap them for about 30 seconds at 50 percent power. This method is great if you are in a hurry or just want to reheat one or two pieces of plantain chips.
Leave frozen plantains at room temperature
Always leave plantains at room temperature after bringing them out of the refrigerator.
What can I do with leftover fried plantains?
Here’s is what you can make from the leftover fried plantains
Sweet plantain empanadas
This is a delicious recipe. you can make sweet plantain empanadas from the leftovers just by making dough and adding sugar and cinnamon to it. You can even sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a sweet crunch.
Sweet plantain oatmeal
This is an alternative to your regular bowl of oatmeal. Use the leftover fried plantains in your oatmeal by adding a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon to it. You can also add nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture.
Crumble fried plantains over ice cream
This is a simple method that you can use to change up your favorite dessert. Just crumble the leftover fried plantain chips over a scoopful of vanilla ice cream.
Parmesan fried plantains
You already know that parmesan cheese is delicious on top of spaghetti or pizza, but it also provides a nice nutty taste when sprinkled over your leftover fried plantains.
Can I keep plantains in the refrigerator?
So you bought a stock of plantains, and now you don’t whether you can store them in a refrigerator or not. The answer is yes, you can!
Plantains are a great addition to your freezer because they can last for up to 2 months.
Just follow these tips:
– You can keep plantains in the fridge for about 5 days if you store them in brown paper bags or newspaper.
– If you want to lengthen their life, don’t put too many of them in one bag because this will make them rot faster.
– You can also keep them in the fridge without any special treatment, but don’t expect them to last more than 3 days. Make sure you eat them right away when they start to get ripe because they won’t stay fresh for long once they’ve ripened.
– If you want to store them in the deep freezer, make sure they are peeled and cut.
In short, it’s pretty simple to store and refrigerate plantains. When it comes to eating cold plantains, you’ll have many options. Just make sure to store them properly and eat them when they start to get ripe, and you can enjoy them for a long time.
Conclusion
In summary, fried plantains if stored in an air-tight container last for 4 days in a refrigerator and up to 2 months in a deep freezer. Fried plantains are delicious. If you’re looking for new ways to use them, don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes. They go great with all types of meals, including breakfast.
So enjoy eating your favorite fried plantains and store them following the above-mentioned tips.
Happy frying!
Read More: Does sauteing jalapenos make them hotter?
