Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Tostones, No Thaw Needed

Tostones, a popular Latin American snack, are made by frying green plantains until soft, mashing them flat, and then frying them again. The traditional method of making tostones involves deep-frying them in oil, but this can be messy and unhealthy. An air fryer provides a convenient and quick way to make tostones without the need for deep-frying, making them a healthier option. You can cook frozen tostones in an air fryer by arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air-frying them for 8–15 minutes at 380–400°F.

Tostones are a Latin American and Caribbean snack or side dish

Tostones, derived from the Spanish verb "tostar" meaning "to toast", are twice-fried plantain slices. They are commonly found in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. Tostones are known by different names in various countries. While they are referred to as "tostones" in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras and Venezuela, they are called "fritos" in the Dominican Republic, "tachinos" or "chatinos" in Cuba, "bannann peze" in Haiti, and "patacones" in Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru. In Colombia, they are sometimes called "patacon pisao".

Tostones are typically made by peeling and slicing green (unripe) plantains lengthwise, diagonally, or widthwise. These slices are then fried for one to six minutes on each side until golden, and flattened using a tostonera (a tool specifically designed for this purpose) or any other suitable kitchen utensil. The flattened plantains are then fried again, resulting in a crispy yet soft texture.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, tostones are often served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. In the Dominican Republic, they are commonly served with lime wedges and salt. In Guatemala, they are usually served as a side dish with fish or poultry and a sprinkle of salt. They can also be topped with cheese, shrimp ceviche, pulled chicken, or avocado salad. In Nicaragua, tostones are typically served with fried cheese and sometimes with refried beans. In Puerto Rico, they are seasoned with garlic salt and accompanied by fry sauce, mojo, or pique verde boricua.

Cooking tostones in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional pan-frying. Air-frying reduces the amount of oil and mess involved while still achieving crispy and flavorful results. Frozen tostones can be easily cooked in an air fryer, eliminating the need for deep-frying. This method is quick, simple, and requires minimal cleanup. To prepare air-fried tostones, arrange the frozen tostones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with the option of using cooking spray or oil for extra crispness. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 8 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, tostones are a delicious and versatile treat that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences.

They are made from green (unripe) plantains

Tostones are made from green (unripe) plantains. They are a popular side dish in many Caribbean and South American countries. The plantains used for tostones should be a verdant green colour and very firm. Avoid plantains with a lot of yellow in the peel, as they will taste sweeter.

To prepare the plantains, cut off both ends and score the peel down the back of the fruit. Use your thumbs to remove the fibrous peel. You can then cut the plantain, still with the peel, into 1-inch chunks. Peel the skin off each chunk, starting at the slit you made. Some people like to soak the plantain chunks in a bowl of salted water for 20 minutes to prevent browning and allow for more flavour infusion. After soaking, pat the plantain chunks dry with a paper towel.

The traditional method of cooking tostones involves deep-frying the plantain chunks in oil. However, air-frying is a healthier alternative that yields similarly crispy results. To cook tostones in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F (200°C). Place the plantain chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each chunk to allow for proper air circulation. Spray the plantains with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil to help them crisp up. Air fry for 3-6 minutes per side, until tender.

Once the plantain chunks are tender, remove them from the air fryer and smash them into flat discs. They should be around 1/4-inch thick. Return the smashed plantains to the air fryer and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying

Yes, you can cook frozen tostones in an air fryer. Tostones are a Latin American and Caribbean snack or side dish made from green plantains. They are sliced, fried, mashed flat, and then fried again.

Air-fried foods also have fewer adverse health effects. A 2020 study found that air-fried chicken produced fewer acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than deep-fried chicken. Additionally, air fryers are more convenient to use and create less mess, as there are no oil splatters to clean up.

However, some people are concerned about the possible health risks of air frying, including fears of toxicity and cancer. It is important to note that even with healthier cooking methods, fried foods should be consumed in moderation.

You can cook frozen tostones without defrosting them first

To cook frozen tostones in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Then, take the frozen tostones from the freezer and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. There is no need to thaw them beforehand, but be sure not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly. If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tostones with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the tostones inside and air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. You can also air fry them at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, or at 400°F for just 8 minutes. The tostones are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Leftover tostones can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer and air fry at 380°F for 3-4 minutes, until they are heated through and crispy again. There is no need to defrost them before reheating.

They can be served with salsa, guacamole, or ceviche

Tostones, a Latin American classic, are a delicious appetizer or snack. They are made from green plantains, which are sliced, fried, mashed, and then fried again. The traditional method of frying tostones can be quite greasy, but using an air fryer allows you to achieve the same crispy texture without the added oil. You can cook frozen tostones in an air fryer by placing them in the basket in a single layer and cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes.

Tostones can be served with salsa, guacamole, or ceviche. Here are some ideas for each:

Salsa

To make a simple salsa to accompany your tostones, combine tomato, garlic, olive oil, sun-dried tomato, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. You can use a food processor, mortar and pestle, or a bowl to mix the ingredients. Heat oil in a small skillet to 300°F and fry the plantains until they have a light crust. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve the tostones hot with the salsa.

Guacamole

Fried green plantains are a perfect match for guacamole. To make this combination, first, prepare the guacamole by mixing roma tomatoes with avocado, lime juice, and salt to taste. Heat oil in a wok or Dutch oven to 300°F and add the plantains, cooking until they are tender. Smash the plantains to the desired thickness and return them to the pot. Increase the heat to 350-375°F and cook until golden and crisp. Serve immediately with the guacamole.

Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a popular choice to serve with tostones. To make this dish, chop shrimp into 1/2-inch pieces and mix with lime juice and onion. Refrigerate for about 40 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque. Drain the lime juice and stir in cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, and season with Tabasco or Sriracha sauce and salt to taste. While the ceviche is in the refrigerator, start frying your tostones. This combination of shrimp ceviche and tostones is a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe that your guests are sure to love.

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