Transform your snack game with these crispy and delicious air fryer tostones. Perfectly golden and seasoned, these twice-fried plantain slices are a healthier take on a classic Latin American treat. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or a side dish, these tostones are sure to be a hit.
If you're not familiar with plantains, they are a starchy fruit similar to bananas but less sweet. You can find them in the produce section of most supermarkets, usually near the bananas. Make sure to choose green plantains for this recipe, as they are firmer and better suited for frying.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tostones Recipe
Green plantains: These are the main ingredient, providing the starchy base for the tostones. Make sure they are green and firm.
Olive oil: Used to coat the plantain slices, helping them to crisp up in the air fryer.
Salt: Adds essential seasoning to enhance the flavor of the tostones.
Technique Tip for Making Tostones
When preparing plantains for tostones, ensure they are green and not ripe. Green plantains have a starchy texture that is ideal for achieving the desired crispiness. After the initial air frying, use a flat-bottomed object to press the plantains evenly, which helps them cook uniformly and become extra crispy during the second fry.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
green plantains - Substitute with ripe plantains: Ripe plantains are sweeter and softer, which will give a different flavor and texture but can still be used for a variation of tostones.
green plantains - Substitute with yuca (cassava): Yuca has a similar starchy texture and can be sliced and fried to mimic the crunchiness of tostones.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for air frying.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil also has a high smoke point and adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the plantains.
salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds an extra layer of flavor with a hint of garlic, enhancing the taste of the tostones.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile, often considered more natural and less processed.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Tostones
How To Store / Freeze Tostones
- Allow the tostones to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled tostones in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
- To freeze, arrange the tostones in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen tostones to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, reheat the tostones in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw before reheating.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tostones in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tostones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.
For a quick stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the tostones in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and regain their crispiness.
If you have a microwave, place the tostones on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, though this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the others.
For a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tostones on the toaster oven tray and heat for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the plantains, giving them a crispy texture without deep frying.
Knife: Essential for peeling and slicing the plantains into 1-inch thick pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely peeling and slicing the plantains.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the plantain slices with olive oil and salt, ensuring even coating.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the plantain slices halfway through the air frying process.
Bowl or plate: Utilized to flatten the plantains after the initial air frying.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil and salt.
Spatula: Can be used to remove the plantains from the air fryer basket without breaking them.
How to Save Time on Making Tostones
Preheat while prepping: Preheat your air fryer while you peel and slice the plantains to save time.
Use a mandoline: Slice the plantains quickly and evenly with a mandoline slicer.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of plantains in the air fryer to maximize efficiency.
Flatten efficiently: Use a flat-bottomed bowl to quickly flatten the plantains in one go.
Prep ahead: Peel and slice the plantains in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Air Fryer Tostones Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Green plantains
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick pieces.
- 3. Toss the plantain slices in olive oil and salt.
- 4. Place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- 5. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 6. Remove the plantains and flatten them using the bottom of a bowl or plate.
- 7. Return the flattened plantains to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for Tostones
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