Air-Fryer Tostones: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Tostones, also known as patacones, tachinos, chatinos, platano frito, or frito verde, are a popular side dish in many Caribbean and South American countries. They are made with green (unripe) plantains, which are a variety of banana that must be cooked due to their high starch content. The traditional method of cooking tostones involves deep-frying them in oil, but they can also be made in an air fryer with much less oil, making them a healthier option.

Choosing the right plantain

Colour

When selecting plantains for tostones, always go for green plantains. Green plantains are unripe and have a higher starch content, making them ideal for frying. As plantains ripen, they turn yellow, then brown, and finally black, becoming progressively sweeter. While ripe, brown plantains can be fried, they are better suited for sweet dishes rather than savoury tostones. So, when in doubt, remember to choose the greenest plantains you can find for that authentic tostones flavour and texture.

Firmness

In addition to colour, you should also pay attention to the firmness of the plantain. The ideal plantain for tostones should be very firm. Avoid plantains with a lot of yellow on the peel, as they have already started to ripen and will have a sweeter taste. The green plantains used for tostones should be firm and verdant, ensuring they hold together during the frying and smashing process.

Storage

It is important to note that refrigeration can affect the quality of plantains. Fresh plantains are key to achieving the perfect tostones texture. Refrigerated plantains tend to dry out and become more prone to breaking apart when smashed. Therefore, it is recommended to store plantains at room temperature and avoid refrigerating them.

Size

When cutting your plantains into chunks or coins, aim for a size of around 1 inch in thickness. This ensures that the plantain pieces cook evenly and thoroughly during the air frying process. Avoid cutting the plantains too big, as they may not cook through properly, affecting the final texture and taste.

Peeling

Peeling a green plantain is a simple process. Start by cutting off both ends of the plantain. Then, using a knife, carefully score the peel by cutting down the "back" of the plantain. Use your thumbs to remove the fibrous peel, gently pushing it away from the plantain. For easier peeling, you can also cut along the ridges of the plantain a few times.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the perfect plantains for making tostones in your air fryer. Remember, green, firm, and fresh plantains are the key to achieving that savoury, crispy, and starchy texture that makes tostones so popular!

Peeling and cutting the plantain

Peeling a green plantain is easy. First, cut off both ends of the plantain with a sharp knife. Then, score the peel by making a vertical cut in the skin from end to end, ensuring you only cut through the thick skin and not into the plantain flesh. You can then use the fleshy parts of your thumbs to remove the plantain's fibrous peel, starting at the slit you made.

Some people find it easier to peel the plantain under warm water, and you can also use a case knife to aid in removing the skin.

Once peeled, cut the plantain into 1-inch chunks or slices. It is important not to make the pieces too big, or they may not cook through.

Frying the plantain

First, cut the ends off the plantain and make a slit in the skin from end to end, ensuring you only cut through the thick skin and not the flesh. Cut the plantain into 1-inch chunks, then peel the skin off each chunk. Place the plantain chunks in a bowl and toss with oil to ensure they are well coated. Transfer the plantains to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other, and air fry for 5-10 minutes at 325-400°F.

Next, remove the plantains from the air fryer and, while still hot, smash them to about 1/2-inch thickness using a tostonera (plantain smasher) or the bottom of a cup or jar. You can then soak the smashed tostones in a bowl of salted water while you smash the rest. Remove the tostones from the water and pat dry with a paper towel. Return the tostones to the air fryer in batches, spraying the tops with oil and seasoning with salt. Air fry until golden brown and crisp, which should take 4-7 minutes.

Flattening the plantain

To flatten the plantain, you will need to use a tostonera, which is a traditional tool found in most Latin American homes. However, if you don't have a tostonera, you can use a flat-bottomed surface such as a jar, mug, or measuring cup. Here is a step-by-step guide to flattening your plantain:

• After the initial fry, remove the plantain pieces from the air fryer with tongs or a spatula.
• Place the soft plantain between two pieces of parchment paper or a brown paper bag.
• Using your tostonera or chosen flattening tool, apply firm and even pressure to smash the plantain to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
• The plantain should form a flat disc that holds together. If it is too thick, it may not cook evenly during the final fry.
• If you are making a large batch, you can soak the smashed tostones in a bowl of salted water while you smash the rest. This step is optional but can add flavour and help maintain moisture.
• Pat the tostones dry with a paper towel before returning them to the air fryer for the final fry.

By following these steps, you will achieve the desired flattened plantain, ready for the next step in your tostones recipe. Remember, it is important to work quickly and efficiently when flattening the plantain to ensure it is still hot and soft enough to smash.

Frying the plantain again

Now that you've fried, smashed, and seasoned your plantains, it's time for the final step: frying them again! Place the plantains back into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not piled on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Brush or spray a light layer of oil onto the top side of the plantains. Return the basket to the air fryer and fry for 3 minutes. Flip the plantains and brush or spray the other side with oil. Fry for an additional 4 minutes.

Your tostones are now ready to be served! Remove them from the air fryer and enjoy them while they're still hot. They go well with a variety of dips and sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or guacamole. You can also sprinkle some salt on top for extra flavour.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, or refry them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at the same temperature.

Frequently asked questions