Air Fryer Frozen Tostones: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tostones are a popular Latin American snack food made from green (unripe) plantains. They are traditionally pan-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy results. This guide will teach you how to make frozen tostones in an air fryer.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness:

When selecting plantains for tostones, it is important to choose green, unripe plantains. Ripe plantains, which are yellow, tend to be sweeter and are better suited for sweet dishes like maduros. For tostones, the plantains should be as green and unripe as possible. This is because green plantains are high in starch and low in sugar, resulting in a savoury taste and a texture similar to potatoes when fried.

Firmness:

The ideal plantain for tostones should be very firm. Avoid plantains that have yellow peels, as these are already starting to ripen and will have a sweeter taste. Look for plantains that are a vibrant green colour and feel firm to the touch.

Size and Shape:

There is no need to be exact when slicing plantains for tostones, as the size and shape can vary according to your preference. However, keep in mind that larger slices will result in wider tostones after smashing and frying. Choose plantains that are uniform in size and shape for even cooking and consistency in your final dish.

Freshness:

When purchasing plantains, look for those with smooth, unbruised skins. Avoid plantains with soft spots, discolouration, or signs of mould. Fresh plantains will ensure your tostones have the best texture and flavour.

Quantity:

Plantains shrink slightly during the frying process, so it is important to buy enough to account for this. As a guide, one plantain yields approximately 10-12 tostones, depending on the size and thickness of your slices.

Preparing tostones is a fun and rewarding experience, and choosing the right plantain is the first step to success. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, crispy tostones that your friends and family will love!

Preparing the plantain

Select plantains that are a bright shade of green and very firm to the touch. Avoid plantains with patches of yellow on the peel, as these will be riper and sweeter.

To peel the plantain, trim the ends off with a sharp knife. Then, cut the peel down the length of the plantain, ensuring you only cut through the skin and not the flesh. You can use the fleshy part of your thumbs to remove the peel.

Slice the plantain into 1-inch chunks or coins. If you are finding it difficult to cut the plantain, try using a case knife or peeling it under warm water.

Place the plantain chunks in a bowl of salted water.

Frying the plantain

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.

Remove the plantain pieces from the water and pat them dry. Toss the plantain slices in a bowl with a light coating of oil—vegetable, avocado, or olive oil work well.

Place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each slice to allow for proper air circulation. Fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the plantain offers no resistance when pierced with a knife.

Flattening the plantain

Remove the plantain slices from the air fryer and flatten them to a thickness of around 1/4-1/2 inch. You can use a tostonera (a traditional Latin American tool for flattening plantains) or place the plantain between a piece of parchment paper or a brown paper bag and flatten it with a mug or mason jar.

Cooking spray or oil

A small amount of cooking spray or oil is needed to help crisp up the tostones in the air fryer and prevent sticking.

If you want your tostones to be extra crispy, lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil before cooking. This will help them turn golden and crispy in the air fryer.

You can use olive oil spray, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.

If you don't want to use oil, you can use an olive oil spray instead.

Adding a small amount of cooking spray or brushing the tostones with oil can enhance crispiness, but it is not necessary as the air fryer provides a healthier cooking method that requires less oil than deep frying.

Air-frying the tostones

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While that's heating up, grab your frozen tostones from the freezer and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important that they don't overlap, as this will prevent proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. You don't need to thaw them out first.

Next, lightly spray the tostones with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This will help them get nice and crispy.

Now, place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 8–15 minutes. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tostones, and the model of your air fryer.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, they're done! Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. You can sprinkle some salt over the tostones while they're still warm to enhance their flavour if you like.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and healthy tostones to enjoy as a snack or side dish.

Serving suggestions

Tostones are a popular Latin American snack food. They can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side dish.

Tostones can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. A popular condiment is a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup, known as "mayoketchu". Some people also enjoy a warmed garlic oil called "ajillo", made by combining minced garlic, salt, and olive oil.

Tostones can also be served with Latin-inspired meals, such as Mexican burrito bowls, salsa chicken, or Mexican-style scrambled eggs. They can be topped with beans or shredded pork and eaten like tostadas.

For a healthier option, tostones can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil, resulting in a crispy texture without the greasiness of traditional frying methods.

Frequently asked questions