Air Fryer Goya Tostones: Quick Frozen Treat

Tostones, also known as patacones, are a staple in Latin American countries and the Caribbean. They are made from green plantains, which are a variety of banana that must be cooked due to their high starch content. Goya offers frozen tostones and plantains that can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy alternative to the traditional pan-fried method.

Choosing the right plantain

When making tostones, it is important to select the right plantain. The plantain should be a vivid green colour and very firm to the touch. Riper plantains will have a yellow hue and will taste sweeter, so these are best avoided when making tostones. As plantains ripen, they become softer and sweeter, so the firm texture of an unripe green plantain is essential for tostones.

Green plantains are also a must for tostones because of their high starch content. They are more similar to potatoes than bananas in this regard, and this high starch content means they will hold together during the frying process. Riper plantains have a higher sugar content and will not produce the same crispy, savoury result.

When preparing the plantain, cut off both ends and then gently slice down the length of the fruit, being careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh. You only want to slice the skin. Do this a few times, and then peel away the skin. It is best to work quickly as plantains will begin to oxidise when exposed to air.

How to peel a plantain

Tostones, also known as patacones, are a Latin American snack food. They are made from underripe green plantains that are cut into slices, fried until soft, mashed flat, and fried again.

Bring the Plantain to Room Temperature:

If your plantains are stored in the refrigerator, run them under hot tap water for a few minutes or let them sit until they are no longer cold. This will make them easier to peel.

Cut Off Both Ends of the Plantain:

Place the plantain on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut off and discard the tips. This step is crucial as it will allow you to peel the plantain more easily.

Slit the Peel:

Hold the plantain firmly and use the tip of your knife to carefully slit the peel along the length of the plantain. Cut only as deep as the peel, not into the flesh of the fruit.

Make a Circumferential Cut:

For easier peeling, make another cut around the middle of the plantain, along its circumference. If you don't need the plantain whole, you can simply cut it in half at this point.

Peel the Plantain:

Remove the peel by pulling it side to side, rather than lengthwise. It will come off in sections. Use your knife to loosen the peel from the flesh if needed, especially if your plantain is green, as the peel will be stiffer. Don't worry if a few small chunks of the plantain come off with the peel.

Remove Any Remnants:

Use your knife to carefully remove any pieces of peel that are still stuck to the plantain. Your plantain is now ready to be sliced and cooked!

Once you have peeled your plantain, you can cut it into slices and cook it in an air fryer to make delicious tostones. Simply place the frozen plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 8 minutes.

Enjoy your crispy, golden tostones as a snack or appetizer!

Air fryer settings

The air fryer is a great way to cook frozen tostones, as it gives them a crispy texture without the added oil and greasy mess of traditional frying. Here are the steps to achieve the best results:

• Place the frozen tostones in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowding the basket. It is important that they are completely frozen and not thawed.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 380-400°F (204°C). The higher temperature will ensure a crispier texture.
• Cook the tostones for 8-9 minutes, turning them halfway through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once they are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
• Optional: For an extra crispy texture, you can spritz the tostones with a little oil before cooking, or even dip them in a saltwater brine for a few seconds before the final cook.

With these settings, your air-fried tostones will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer.

Dipping sauces

Tostones are a beloved treat in Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean and are often served with a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried Goya frozen tostones:

Mayo-Ketchup Dipping Sauce

Also known as "mayoketchu", this sauce is made by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic powder. You can adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to ketchup according to your taste preferences and add more or less garlic. This sauce can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Garlic Dipping Sauce

This sauce is made with olive oil, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, lime juice, and garlic. The garlic cloves should be finely chopped, and all the ingredients should be whisked together vigorously. This sauce is also served with the tostones while hot.

Ajillo

A warmed garlic oil known as ajillo is another popular condiment for tostones. It is made by combining minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and a quarter cup of warmed olive oil. However, it is not used as often as the other sauces because the flavor can be quite strong.

Guacamole

Guacamole is another Latin-inspired dip that pairs well with tostones. You can serve it as a snack or alongside Latin-inspired meals.

Storing and reheating

Storing Tostones

If you want your air fryer tostones to maintain their flavor and texture, it is important to learn the best storage techniques so you can enjoy them for days (or weeks!) after making them.

Your first option for storing air fryer tostones is to refrigerate them in an airtight container. This is especially important if you plan on eating them within two days of cooking. To do this, let your tostones cool completely before transferring them into a plastic bag or container with a lid. Make sure there aren’t any gaps around the edges where air could escape. Then place them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy your snack!

If you want your air fryer tostones to last longer than two days, freezing is your best bet. First, let the tostones cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure there aren’t any gaps at the edges and squeeze out as much air from the container or bag as possible before sealing it tightly. Place it in the freezer and thaw it out when you’re ready for a snack!

Reheating Tostones

Leftover tostones may be stored in a food container in the fridge for 24 hours and reheated in an oven until warmed through or refried in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. You can also reheat them in a microwave for about 3 minutes on medium power or in a toaster oven for about 7 minutes.

If you want to reheat your tostones in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Then, add your previously fried tostones and cook for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. If you want extra crunchy tostones, give them an extra minute or two in the air fryer. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; this will prevent the tostones from becoming crispy and could leave them soggy.

You can also reheat your tostones on the stove. This method takes little time and can nicely restore the crispy crust of your leftovers. It’s also a useful option if you have limited kitchen equipment. Unlike other methods, using a stove may cause oil splatter. Be sure always to use appropriate oil spray or methods when reheating foods with this technique. You must keep flipping the pieces carefully while applying gentle pressure until crispy again.

Reheating your tostones in the oven ensures that they remain crisp while giving them a chance to heat through thoroughly. The oven method provides even heating so that each piece stays uniformly crisp. This method also allows you to reheat more significant quantities in one go. It’s optimal if you want your food quickly without standing over it or having it come out unevenly cooked. Depending on your oven’s power levels or temperature range options, using a higher heat level may be too hot. You should keep an eye on them as certain ovens may cook different foods at different times or have hotspots that could cause undercooked areas. For best results when reheating frozen prepped-to-stone pieces (either store-bought or homemade), preheat the oven up to 350°F (175°C). Place the tostones on a baking sheet and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Flip them over once to ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions