How to Make Roasted Plantain (Boli) at the Comfort of Your Home
If you’ve ever taken a walk through the bustling streets of Nigeria, smelled the smoky sweetness of plantains roasting in Cameroon, or enjoyed the tropical street food culture of Jamaica, you know nothing comes close to roasted plantain—Boli.
The good news? You don’t have to be in Lagos, Kingston, or Yaoundé to enjoy roasted plantain. With the right plantains from Aso Rock Market and a few common kitchen utensils, you can make boli right in your kitchen.
Why Boli Is Loved
Boli is more than a snack—it’s comfort food, a proper street food, and a reminder of home. In Nigeria, it’s often served with either spicy pepper sauce, grilled fish, or roasted groundnuts (peanuts). In Cameroon, it is best enjoyed with grilled fish. And in Jamaica, roasted plantains are preferred with jerk chicken or seafood.
And here’s the exciting part: in the USA, you can recreate these flavors at home with oven roasting, air frying, grill pans, outdoor BBQs, or even a regular skillet.
And the good news is, you can recreate these meals from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world using your oven, air fryer, grill pans, outdoor grill, or even a regular skillet.
What You’ll Need
- Ripe or semi-ripe plantains (from Aso Rock Market)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Palm oil or vegetable oil (optional, for authentic flavor)
- Your choice of cooking utensils (see below)
5 Easy Ways to Make Roasted Plantain (Boli) at Home
1. Oven-Roasted Boli
Using the oven is one of the easiest ways to get even roasting without an outdoor grill or charcoal.
How:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel plantains and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 20–30 minutes, turning halfway.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or place a small heat-safe dish with wood chips in the oven for a subtle smoky aroma.
2. Air Fryer Boli
Using the air fryer to roast your boli is one of the fastest, easiest and efficient.
How:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Slightly coat the plantains with palm oil.
- Air fry for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: This method makes the boli crispy outside and soft and sweet inside—a better and healthier recipe compared to plantain chips.
3. Grill Pan Boli
If you want that Yaoundé smoky boli with grill marks, the best style is a grill pan.
Here is how to make it:
- Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat.
- Put the peeled plantains directly on the ridges.
- Turn every 4–5 minutes until slightly burnt with dark grill lines and tender.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with palm oil for richer color and more traditional flavor.
4. Outdoor Gas or Charcoal BBQ Boli
If you want to recreate that Lagos smoky roadside boli, the outdoor grill style is the closest to authentic street-side roasting.
How:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Put the plantains directly on the grill rack.
- Roast for 15–25 minutes, while you flip it often.
Pro Tip: Charcoal brings that unmatched street-Boli flavor, but from the comfort of your home, you can recreate it with a gas grill and a smoker box for extra depth.
5. Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan Boli
If you don’t have an oven or a grill, your regular frying pan can also serve as an alternative.
How:
- Heat a cast iron skillet on medium-low heat.
- Put the plantains in the dry pan.
- Turn every few minutes until it turns golden and soft.
Pro Tip: Cover halfway through cooking to trap steam and soften the inside.
Where to Shop Fresh Plantains in the USA
Cooking has never been easier in recent times. With a few simple kitchen utensils and fresh ingredients from Aso Rock Market, you can enjoy the taste of home without leaving your kitchen.
At Aso Rock Market, we bring the flavors of home to you—location is not a barrier; regardless of where you live in the United States, we’ll deliver fresh plantains and other African and Caribbean groceries straight to your doorstep.
You can also check out this Taste of Home: 10 African Snacks to Brighten Your Day at Aso Rock Market for more delicious African snacks.