Thinly sliced breadfruit deep-fried until crisp and salted — Tuvalu's favourite crunchy snack.
Across the Pacific, the transformation of breadfruit into crispy chips is a beloved tradition. In Tuvalu, green (unripe) breadfruit is sliced paper-thin on a mandolin or with a sharp knife, fried in coconut oil until golden and shatteringly crisp, and seasoned with sea salt. They are eaten as a snack, served alongside fish as a side, or crumbled as a topping over soup. Their flavour is reminiscent of plantain chips with a nuttier, earthier note.
Serves 4
Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice breadfruit paper-thin (1–2 mm). Pat completely dry with kitchen paper.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C.
Fry a handful of slices at a time, stirring gently, for 2–3 minutes until pale golden and crisp. Do not crowd the pan.
Drain on paper towel. Season immediately with sea salt while hot. Serve in a bowl.
Use green breadfruit only — ripe breadfruit is too soft and moist.
Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
Add chilli powder or smoked paprika for a flavoured version.
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy-savoury version.
Drizzle with hot sauce after frying.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate — they will go soft.
Breadfruit chips are eaten from Hawaii to Samoa, Tuvalu to Barbados. The practice of frying starchy tropical fruit into chips is shared by cultures globally wherever the fruit grows.
Yes — toss slices with a little oil and bake at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They will be crispier when fried.
Per serving (60g) · 4 servings total
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