Air Fryer Tostones: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Tostones, also known as patacones, are a staple in Latin American countries and the Caribbean. They are made with green plantains, which are a variety of banana that must be cooked due to their high starch content. The traditional method of cooking tostones is to deep fry them in oil, but they can also be made in an air fryer with minimal oil. This method creates a healthier version of the dish without compromising on taste or texture.

Choosing the right plantain

Ripeness:

When selecting plantains for tostones, it is important to choose green, unripe plantains. Riper, yellow plantains will be sweeter and softer, which is not ideal for this dish. Green plantains are firmer and have a higher starch content, making them perfect for frying into crispy chips. Look for plantains that are a vibrant, verdant green colour, with minimal yellowing.

Firmness:

The ideal plantain for tostones should be very firm. Avoid plantains that feel soft or yield to gentle pressure, as these may be overripe. The firmer the plantain, the better it will hold its shape during the frying process.

Size:

While not a requirement, larger plantains may be preferable as they yield more chips. Look for plantains that are big in size, longer than your hand, and thicker than your thumb.

Peeling:

Before purchasing, you may want to consider how easy the plantain will be to peel. Some plantains have tougher skin that can be difficult to remove. Try to find plantains with skin that looks slightly looser, as they will be easier to peel. Alternatively, you can try peeling the plantain under warm water, which can help loosen the skin.

Quantity:

Finally, consider how many tostones you want to make and choose the appropriate number of plantains. As a rule of thumb, one large plantain yields around 8 to 10 tostones, depending on the size you cut them.

Remember, the key to choosing the right plantain for tostones is selecting green, firm, and preferably larger-sized plantains. With the right ingredients, you'll be well on your way to making delicious air-fried tostones!

Peeling and cutting the plantain

To begin, trim the ends off the plantain. Then, cut a slit along the length of the plantain, deep enough to cut through the skin but not so deep that you cut into the plantain itself. You can use a sharp knife to do this, being careful not to cut yourself.

Now, you can remove the skin. It should peel off easily starting from the slit you just made. If you're having trouble, you can use a case knife to help remove the skin, or try peeling the plantain under warm water.

Once peeled, cut the plantain into 1-inch pieces. You can then spritz or toss the plantain pieces with a small amount of oil. Avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil are all good options.

Air-frying the plantain

• Cut off both ends of the plantain and make a slit along the length of the plantain, being careful not to cut into the flesh.
• Peel the plantain. A useful tip is to cut a slit in the skin and then peel off the skin, which can be challenging.
• Chop the plantain into pieces, typically no larger than 1 inch thick.
• Place the plantain pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with adequate space between them.
• Spritz or brush the plantain pieces with oil. Avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil are commonly used.
• Set the air fryer to a temperature between 400-420°F.
• Air-fry the plantain pieces for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove the plantain pieces from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly.
• Smash each plantain piece to flatten them into discs. A tostonera, or the bottom of a mug or jar, can be used for this step.
• Optional step: Dip the flattened plantain pieces in seasoned water or a brine solution for added flavour.
• Return the flattened plantain pieces to the air fryer basket and spritz or brush them with oil again.
• Air-fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. For a pro tip, consider flipping the plantain pieces halfway through for even cooking.
• Remove the plantain tostones from the air fryer and enjoy them while they are still hot and crispy!

Smashing the plantain

First, remove the plantains from the air fryer with tongs—the basket will be hot. Then, smash the plantain slices to about 1/2-inch thickness. If you're using a tostonera, place the plantain on a flat surface and press down with the tool. If you're using the bottom of a mug or another object, place the plantain on a cutting board and gently but firmly press down with the object. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to get the desired thickness.

Once all the plantain slices are smashed, it's time to move on to the next step in the recipe.

Dipping and seasoning the plantain

After dipping the plantain pieces in the seasoned water or saltwater, they are then placed back in the air fryer for the second time. Before placing them back in the air fryer, they are brushed or sprayed with oil and seasoned with salt. The oil helps the salt stick to the plantain. The plantain pieces are then air-fried until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tostones can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. A popular option is "mayoketchu", a dipping sauce made of mayonnaise and ketchup. Another option is a warmed garlic oil called ajillo, which is made by combining minced garlic, salt, and warmed olive oil. Other dip options include creamy chimichurri sauce, caramelized onion bacon dip, and sriracha mayo dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions