Air-Fryer Goya Plantains: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Goya Foods offers a range of plantain products, including frozen ready-to-eat plantains, which can be cooked in an air fryer. Goya's plantains are a versatile fruit that can be used as a companion to any main dish or as an ingredient in Hispanic specialties. Air-fried plantains are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried plantains as they require less oil.

Goya frozen tostones and plantains in an air fryer

Goya Frozen Tostones & Plantains can be cooked in an air fryer, either fresh or frozen, to make a quick breakfast or snack.

Instructions:

• Remove the frozen tostones and plantains from the packaging. There is no need to thaw them.
• Place them into the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly. Ensure the basket is not overcrowded.
• Drizzle non-stick cooking spray.
• Cook at 380ºF (204ºC) for 8-9 minutes, turning halfway through. Separate the defrosted plantains apart carefully.
• Remove them from the air fryer when they turn golden brown.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer you have.

Tips:

• To reheat leftovers, place them in the air fryer basket at 350ºF (176ºC) and air fry for 2 minutes, or until warm.
• Store leftover tostones and plantains in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving size: 3 pieces (about 85 g)
• Total carbohydrate: 37 g (for tostones) and 31 g (for ripe plantains)

How to get the perfect crispy plantain

Yes, you can make Goya plantains in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to get the perfect crispy plantain:

Firstly, you will need to select the right plantain for your dish. Green plantains are unripe and have white flesh, and are often used as a starchy vegetable. As plantains ripen, they become yellow and then black, and also sweeter. Yellow plantains are firm and are just starting to sweeten. For crispy plantain, you will want to use green plantains.

Now, to prepare the plantain:

• Cut off both ends of the plantain.
• Make shallow slits along the length of the plantain, cutting through the peel but not the flesh.
• Gently pull back the peel and use a knife to slice off any remaining peel.
• Slice the plantain into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the plantain pieces in a bowl and coat them with oil.
• Place the plantain pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not piled on top of each other.
• Cook at 370-380°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Once the plantains are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
• Use a tostonera or a flat-bottomed object like a jar or glass to flatten the plantains into 1/4-inch thick disks.
• Place the flattened plantains back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes at 325°F until they are golden and crispy.

And there you have it! The perfect crispy plantain, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Serve immediately with a pinch of salt and some mashed avocado or guacamole.

Air fryer sweet plantains

Sweet plantains, or maduros, are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish or snack. They are a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines and can be served with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Here is a simple recipe for making sweet plantains in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium-sized ripe plantains (yellow with black spots or mostly black)
• Oil (neutral, olive, or avocado)
• Salt to taste

Method:

Start by cutting off both ends of the plantains. Then, using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a slit along the length of the peel. Remove the skin and cut the plantains into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick slices. If you want more crispy, caramelized edges, cut the plantains on a diagonal or bias cut.

Next, place the plantain slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or coat the plantains with oil.

Air fry at 370-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the plantains halfway through. For extra crispy plantains, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side.

Once the plantains are caramelized with crispy edges and tender on the inside, they are ready to be served. Sprinkle with salt to taste and enjoy!

Tips:

• Sweet plantains are best served fresh out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them for 2-3 days and reheat in an oven or toaster oven.
• If using frozen plantains, there is no need to thaw them. Simply place them directly into the air fryer and follow the same instructions.
• For a vegan option, skip the cheese and enjoy the plantains plain or with a pinch of cinnamon.

How to cook plantains in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Goya frozen tostones and plantains in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook plantains in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe plantains
• 2 teaspoons of oil (preferably avocado oil)

Method:

• Using a sharp knife, cut the ends of the plantains.
• Cut the plantain skin lengthwise, being careful not to cut the flesh.
• Peel and discard the skin.
• Slice the plantains into 1/2-inch-thick pieces diagonally.
• Spray oil or lightly grease the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Place the plantain slices in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Spray or brush oil on the plantains, and sprinkle salt if desired.
• Set the air fryer to 380°F.
• Cook the plantains for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
• Carefully transfer the cooked plantains to a serving plate.

Note: If your plantains are firm, you can mix them with oil and salt in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Tips:

• Let the plantains ripen before cooking for a sweeter taste.
• Cut the plantains into even slices to ensure uniform cooking.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the plantains in batches.
• Serve the air-fried plantains hot.

Variations:

• For a sweeter dessert option, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the cooked plantains.
• Slice the plantains very thinly to make plantain chips.
• Toss the plantain slices with seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning before air-frying.
• Squeeze lime juice over the cooked plantains for a fresh flavour.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious air-fried plantains!

How to store leftover plantains

Leftover cooked plantains can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for a longer period.

Refrigerating Leftover Plantains

• Allow the cooked plantains to cool down completely.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftover Plantains

• Wait for the plantains to cool down to room temperature.
• Transfer them to a container or bag that is safe for freezer storage.
• Label the container or bag with the date.
• Place the container or bag in the freezer.
• Frozen plantains can be stored for up to 6 months.

To reheat frozen plantains, remove them from the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket at 350°F (176°C) for about 2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions