Begin by peeling your ripe plantains. Ensure they're quite ripe; the black skins indicate they’ve developed sweetness. Slice the plantains into bite-sized pieces or long diagonal slices based on your preference. Aim for about ½ inch thick.

In a mixing bowl, add the plantain slices. Drizzle the melted butter over them. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon. Toss everything together gently until the plantains are evenly coated. This step is crucial as it ensures that each piece gets that golden glaze.

While you prep the plantains, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures they start cooking immediately when placed inside. Trust me, this little trick helps achieve that perfect crispiness!

Place the coated plantain slices in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them; a single layer works best for even cooking. If you're cooking a larger batch, consider doing it in batches to avoid steaming rather than frying.

Set your air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. At the halfway mark, shake the basket or flip the plantains to ensure they're browning evenly. Keep an eye on them; every air fryer can vary slightly in cooking time.

When they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges, they’re ready! Taste one to check sweetness and doneness. If you want them crispier, add another minute or two.

Remove the plantains from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. They’re perfect as is, or you can serve them with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of honey, depending on your taste.