• Using a sharp knife cut both ends off the plantain. This will make it easy to grab the skin of the plantains. Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain.
• Cut plantains in diagonal pieces or medium sized slices and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Test if oil is ready by carefully trying out a slice of plantain. Oil should bubble before proceeding with the rest. If not wait another minute or two. If oil is too hot turn off gas and wait for about 2 minutes before proceeding.
• Fry in batches, turning once, until plantains has reached desired color (brown) about 2 –3 minutes per side.
• Then continue cooking, turning plantains occasionally , until soft and deep golden brown, 5–7 minutes.
• Carefully remove plantains with slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or tray . 
•  Season with salt and/or cinnamon sugar, if desired. Serve hot.

Healthy Fried Plantains

• Coat a large frying pan with cooking oil spray. Spray the tops of the plantains with a generous layer of oil spray and sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper
• Let the plantains "fry" on medium heat, shaking the frying pan to redistribute them every few minutes
• As the plantains brown, continue to add more cooking oil spray, salt and pepper (if needed) until they have reached the desired color and texture.