Air Fryer Tostones

Sometimes I just don't want to deal with the mess that comes with frying anything - so that's when I know it's time to slide out that air fryer basket.

Tostones are double-fried flattened banana slices made from unripe, green plantains. They show up in many Latin American and Caribbean cusines, using similar cooking methods.

They are typically served with a dipping sauce like a garlic dipping sauce or a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise. 

Cuban-style mojo sauce (so good!)  is also a great addition to tostones, which is typically made with garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and bitter orange juice. 

If you want to switch things up, go for a guacamole dip or serve with fresh salsa. 

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This 
• How To Make Air-Fryer Tostones 
• What To Eat With Tostones 
• Recipe FAQs
• Why Dip Tostones Into Water 
• How To Store 
• Air Fryer Tostones

Why You’ll Love This 

• Because we're not frying, the clean-up for air fryer tostones is easy and requires minimum cleaning effort. 
• You only need 3 MAIN ingredients: tostones, oil, and salt. 
• Tostones can be served as a snack or a side - there are no rules for them. Just sit back, dip, and enjoy! 

How To Make Air-Fryer Tostones 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 425 degrees F. 
2. In a small bowl, whisk together water, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt. 
3. Chop off the ends of the plantain. Then, slice the plantain lengthwise and skin deep. Pull away the peel with your fingers. 
4. Cut the plantain into 1-inch thick chunks. Toss with oil 
5. Air fry for 6 minutes. Remove the plantains from the air fryer and smash them. Dip each tostone into the water for about 5 seconds. Shake off excess water.
6. Return the plantains to the air fryer and air fry for 5 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and immediately season with salt. 

What To Eat With Tostones 

When I make tostones, it's often paired with other side dishes to create a complete, Puerto Rican meal.

Serve the tostones with a side of ripe avocado, Puerto Rican yellow rice (arroz con gandules), stewed beans, and a protein like tofu. 

Recipe FAQs

What do Tostones Taste Like

Tostones are starchy, savory, with a mild flavor - similar to potatoes. This is why they're often served with a dip or along with other dishes. 

These tostones are salty with a hint of garlic. 

If you have plantains laying around, but you're looking for something sweet, allow your plantains to ripen and make maduros instead. 

Are Tostones Healthy

Plantains are packed with good-for-you vitamins including vitamin C, A, and B-6. Additionally, they are a great source of fiber-rich carbohydrates. 

Because we're air frying the tostones, we're using very little oil. 

What is the Difference Between Plantains and Tostones

Tostones ARE made from plantains. Plantains are herbaceous plants in the genus Musa. They are also a type of banana. 

Plantains can be green, yellow, and when ripened enough - black. In the case of this recipe, we're using GREEN plantains. 

"Tostones" is the name of a dish made from green banana plantains, which are chopped, fried, flattened, then fried again. 

Think of it like asking what the difference between a french fry and a potato is. A french fry is made from potatoes and a french fry is just a type of food. 

Why Dip Tostones Into Water 

Dipping the tostones before their second "fry" or round in the air fryer will help infuse some flavor into the tostones. 

You can skip this part, however, they'll be a bit drier and won't have the benefit of an umami interior. 

How To Store 

I recommend enjoying the tostones immediately after cooking them. However, if they need to be stored, they can be transferred into an air-tight container or reusable silicone bag. 

Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, air fry in the air fryer until warm and crispy. 

Tried out this Air Fryer Tostones recipe?

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