Air-Fryer Patacones: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Patacones, also known as tostones, are a Latin American snack made from green plantains. They are crunchy, delicious, and calorie-dense due to being deep-fried twice. However, you can also make them in an air fryer, which uses a fraction of the oil, making them healthier and less messy. This paragraph will discuss how to make patacones in an air fryer, a crispy and tasty treat without the excess calories and grease of traditional frying methods.

Choosing the right plantains

When choosing the right plantains for making patacones in an air fryer, there are several important factors to consider:

Ripeness

It is crucial to select green, unripe plantains for this recipe. Yellow plantains are already ripened and will be too sweet for patacones. Green plantains are starchier and have a lower sugar content, making them ideal for frying and achieving the desired crispy texture.

Firmness

Choose plantains that are firm to the touch. Avoid plantains that feel soft or have a lot of yellow on the peel, as they may be overripe and unsuitable for patacones. The ideal plantain should be very firm and have green skin.

Size

Look for plantains that are large enough to yield a good number of slices for frying. Thicker plantains are preferable, as they will be easier to cut into uniform slices and will not fall apart during the frying and smashing process.

Freshness

Fresh, unrefrigerated plantains are best for patacones. Refrigeration tends to dry out the plantains, making them more prone to breaking apart when smashed. Choose plantains that appear fresh and have bright green skin.

Availability

Green plantains are usually readily available at local grocers or in the tropical fruit section of supermarkets. They resemble giant green bananas and are often located with other tropical fruits.

Peeling

Before using the plantains, you will need to peel them. Start by cutting off both ends of the plantain. Then, make a vertical cut along the length of the plantain, cutting only through the thick skin and not into the flesh. You can then use your thumbs to peel away the skin.

In summary, when selecting plantains for making patacones in an air fryer, choose firm, large, fresh green plantains that are unripe and have green skin. Avoid yellow or soft plantains, as they will not yield the desired crispy texture. With the right plantains and proper preparation, you'll be on your way to making delicious patacones in your air fryer!

Peeling and cutting the plantains

To make patacones, also known as tostones, in an air fryer, you'll need to start by peeling and cutting the plantains. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose firm, unripe green plantains. Avoid those with yellow skin as they are riper and will taste sweeter.
• Cut off both ends of the plantain.
• Make a vertical cut in the skin from end to end, ensuring you only cut through the thick skin and not into the flesh.
• Peel the skin off each plantain. You can use the fleshy part of your thumbs to push the peel away from the plantain, or carefully peel it by hand.
• Cut the plantains into uniform slices. The thickness of the slices can vary from 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick, depending on your preference.
• Place the sliced plantains in a bowl of salted water or a mixture of cold water and kosher salt for about 20 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent browning and drying out during cooking.
• After soaking, remove the plantains from the water and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step.

Now that your plantains are peeled and cut, you can move on to the next steps of air-frying and smashing them to create delicious patacones!

Frying the plantains

Firstly, cut the ends off the plantains and make a vertical cut down the length of the plantain, making sure not to cut into the flesh. You can then peel the skin off each chunk, starting at the slit you made. Place the plantain chunks in a bowl and toss with oil to coat them. Transfer the plantains to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each slice. Fry until the plantain offers no resistance when pierced with a knife. This can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and your air fryer.

Secondly, remove the plantains from the air fryer and smash them until they are around 1/4 inch thick. You can use a tostonera (a traditional tool for flattening plantains), or a flat-bottomed mug or glass will also work. Return the flattened plantains to the air fryer basket and brush the tops with oil. Fry for 3 minutes, then flip, brush with oil again, and fry for a further 3-5 minutes.

Flattening the plantains

To flatten the plantains, start by removing them from the air fryer after the initial frying. They should be cooked enough to be easily smashable. Place the hot plantains on a cutting board or another flat surface. If they cool down too much, they will break apart, so it is important to work quickly.

The traditional tool used for flattening plantains is called a tostonera, which is commonly found in Latin American homes. However, if you don't have a tostonera, you can use other flat objects such as a coffee mug, a plate, or the bottom of a glass or mason jar. Place the plantain between two pieces of parchment paper or a brown paper bag to prevent sticking, and then use the chosen tool to flatten it. Apply firm pressure to get the plantain to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. It should be a flat disc that holds together.

If your plantains are too slippery or ripe, they may be challenging to flatten without breaking. It is important to use green, unripe plantains for patacones as they have a higher starch content and will hold their shape better. Additionally, ensure that your plantains are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket during the initial frying, as this can affect their texture and make them harder to flatten.

Once the plantains are flattened, they are ready to be returned to the air fryer for the final frying, which will give them a crispy texture and golden colour.

Serving the patacones

Patacones, also known as tostones, are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving them:

As a Snack or Appetizer

Patacones are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They can be served on their own or with a variety of dips and sauces. A simple combination of mayonnaise and ketchup, known as "mayoketchup" or "mayoketchu," is a popular choice. Other options include garlic oil (ajillo), salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

As a Side Dish

Patacones can also be served as a side dish to accompany heavier meals. They pair well with rice and beans, or you could try them with coconut rice and fish, as they do in Colombia. They also go well with traditional Latin American dishes such as ceviche, salsa, or guacamole.

As a Substitute for Corn Chips

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to corn chips, patacones are a great option. Serve them with your favorite salsa, dip, or traditional guacamole.

With a Protein Dish

For a more substantial meal, patacones can be served with a protein dish. Try them with shrimp cocktail, crab dip, or fried cheese (queso frito). They also go well with chicken, such as Colombian chicken drumsticks.

With a Spicy Kick

If you like your food with a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce on your patacones, or try sriracha or gochujang for an Asian-inspired twist.

As Part of a Larger Spread

Patacones can be a great addition to a larger spread of snacks or appetizers. Serve them alongside other Latin American-inspired dishes such as Texas caviar, avocado, black bean, and corn salsa, or fresh strawberry salsa.

Storage and Reheating

Patacones are best served fresh and hot, straight out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for a day or two. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 350°F until they are heated through and crispy.

Freezing Instructions

If you have a large batch of patacones, you can freeze them for later. Place the cooled patacones in an airtight container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. When you're ready to enjoy them again, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Then, reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until they're heated through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions