Enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked tostones made in the air fryer—twice-fried plantain slices that are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. A healthier twist on the traditional method, these tostones require minimal oil and no oven or stovetop deep-frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without the grease: The air fryer gives you the satisfying crunch without submerging the plantains in oil.
- Quick and convenient: Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple, versatile snack: Great on their own with a squeeze of lime, or as a base for dips, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green (unripe) plantains
- Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt
- Optional: lime wedges, garlic powder, ground pepper
Directions
- Peel and slice the green plantains into 1-inch-thick rounds.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Brush or spray each plantain slice lightly on both sides with oil.
- Air fry first round: Arrange slices in a single layer, cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes—lightly golden.
- Smash: Remove slices and place between two pieces of parchment or in a cutting board with plastic wrap. Use a cup or small plate to gently flatten each to about ¼‑inch thickness.
- Second fry: Return flattened slices to the air fryer. Cook at 400 °F (200 °C) for 3–4 minutes per side, or until crisp and golden brown.
- Season: Remove and immediately sprinkle with salt. Add garlic powder or pepper if desired.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
- Makes: About 24 tostones (serves 4 as a snack/appetizer)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: Approximately 18 minutes
- Total time: About 23 minutes
Variations
- Garlic tostones: After flattening, brush with a mix of olive oil and minced garlic before the second fry.
- Cheesy tostones: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or cotija in the last minute of air frying.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Tostones with dip: Serve with guacamole, mojo sauce, salsa, or a spicy mayo drizzle.
- Tostones nachos: Top the crisps with black beans, cheese, jalapeños, and bake until melty.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking to retain crispiness.
- Reheat: Place tostones flat in the air fryer at 375 °F for 3–4 minutes until heated through and crisp. Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
What are tostones?
Tostones are twice-fried green plantain slices that become crispy on the outside and tender inside—popular in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
Can I use ripe plantains?
Ripe plantains will yield a sweeter, softer result. For authentic savory tostones with a crisp texture, use green (unripe) plantains.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
No—you can deep-fry in oil until crispy or bake in a conventional oven at 425 °F, flipping halfway through for about 15–20 minutes.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can fry and flatten the plantains ahead of time, then air-fry just before serving for optimal crispiness.
What oil is best?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
How do I get the plantains to peel easily?
Score the skin lengthwise before slicing and use a knife to help lift the peel away from the flesh.
Can I freeze tostones?
Yes. Flash-freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer or oven—no thawing needed.
How do I prevent them from sticking?
Lightly brush or spray slices with oil and arrange them in a single layer without overlap in the air fryer basket.
Are tostones gluten-free or vegan?
Yes—they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, as long as oil is the only added ingredient.
What can I serve alongside tostones?
They pair well with mojo sauce, guacamole, ceviche, pulled pork, chicken stews, or as a crunchy snack with lime.
Conclusion
Air fryer tostones are a delicious, healthier way to enjoy this beloved Latin American treat. Fast, flavorful, and foolproof—these golden crisps are perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving as a side. Get ready to fall in love with the satisfying crunch and bright taste of homemade air fryer tostones!
Print
Air Fryer Tostones
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Latin American/Caribbean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy twice‑air‑fried green plantain slices (tostones) made easy in the air fryer for a lighter, delicious snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 green (unripe) plantains
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (plus spray)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup water + 1 tsp kosher salt (for soaking)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Trim ends, slit skins, peel plantains, and cut into 1‑inch chunks.
- (Optional) Soak chunks in salted water (¼ cup water + 1 tsp salt) for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
- Toss chunks with 1 tbsp oil; arrange in single layer in fryer. Air‑fry 3–6 min per side until just tender.
- Remove and while hot, smash each chunk flat (¼–½″ thick) using a tostonera or bottom of a glass.
- Spray both sides with oil, season with salt; air‑fry at 400 °F (200 °C) for 3–5 min per side until golden‑crisp.
- Spritz again, add finishing salt, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Green plantains are key—avoid yellow ones for best texture.
- Smash while hot so they hold together well.
- Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Serve with mayo‑ketchup, guacamole, mojo, or garlic‑lime dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 3–4 tostones
- Calories: 110‑140 kcal
- Sugar: 6‑13 g
- Sodium: 250‑300 mg
- Fat: 4‑10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3‑9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27‑29 g
- Fiber: 1‑2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg