Name: Air Fryer Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 plantains (for air frying, I've found yellowish plantains do the best); 2 TBSP olive oil or avocado oil; cooking spray; salt, to taste

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As you may have guessed, I use my air fryer often. I have made and also collected many air fryer recipes, but this recipe for air fryer tostones is one of my favorites.

These easy air fryer tostones are great if you are doing a Whole30 or if you are gluten-free or paleo. These are a healthy snack that is good for any diet.

What are tostones?

“Tostones are twice-fried plantains commonly found in Latin American cuisine and Caribbean cuisine. Most commonly known as tostones, they are also known as tachinos or chatinos, platano frito or verde frito, platano frito, bananes pesées, patacones and, sometimes, patacón pisao in Colombia.” Whatever you call them, even if you want to call them “toe-stones,” go ahead. Just make them and eat them because I promise you, you will love them! If you have had plantain chips from a bag and you like them (or even if you don’t,) trust me…air fryer tostones are SO much better!

How do you pronounce tostones?

Now, for awhile I was pronouncing them “toe-stones” but then my Latina sisters-in-law had to let me know that they’re really pronounced “tow·stow·neiz.” (Google it, you’ll get to hear an example to make it easier.)

So where have these delicious things been my entire life? I’m not sure, but I do know I’ve eaten more plantains in the past month than I ever dreamed I would prior to Whole30! But they’re not going away from my regular diet, not at all, they are here to stay!

How do you eat tostones?

I like to eat tostones as a side dish or a “chip” to eat a dipping sauce like salsa or guacamole as a healthier alternative to the fried corn chip, but you can also eat them as a “bun” for sliders and really, whatever you can dream, you can do with this yummy food! If you have a dip, like this whipped feta dip, you can use tostones!

I first fried my tostones, which is how they are usually made. Those were really, really good, but it was a long process and even if I used a “healthier” oil like avocado oil, I still felt they were probably not the best for me. Plus, the healthy oil is pricey. So, air fryer tostones are cheaper to make…and you can avoid the greasy mess.

I then tried baking my tostones, and that worked, but they were incredibly dry and they never browned evenly.

How do you make air fryer tostones?

Today, on the last day of this round of Whole30, I perfected the tostone. I made these incredibly gorgeous, delicious air fryer crispy tostones and I knew I had to share the recipe! They are PERFECTION!

The process is simple. You just peel and slice your yellow plantains, toss them in oil in a large bowl. Then, you place in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes. After that, remove them and place between parchment paper and smash with a plantain smasher or bowl, or something similar to get the plantain pieces in a thin chip form. Then, return them to the air fryer and cook for the “second fry” until they are golden brown and deliciously crispy. (scroll down for complete recipe)

What kind of plantains do I need for this recipe?

When I first wrote this post, I indicated that green plantains were needed. However, after making hundreds of these, I realize that green plantains made for harder tostones, while the softer, yellowish (not all the way yellow/black) plantains make the easiest to squish and air fry and are easier on your teeth! It takes some experimenting, but you will find the right color of plantains that you like best!

You will find recipes online that say you must use unripe green plantains, but when I am at the grocery store, I always look for the yellow plantains. Call them air fryer sweet plantains if you want, because that is what they are. The yellow ones are easier to cut, easier to cook, easier to smash, and have a sweeter taste. If I get green plantains, I always let them sit on the counter to ripen because I do not even mess with the unripe plantains anymore.

Can you season air fryer tostones?

Yes! I usually season them with a little salt, but you can also season them with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even Tajin.

Try these Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy over Riced Veggies and chicharrones recipe!

Air Fryer Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

These Air Fryer Tostones are great as a healthier subsitute for chips or buns, whether on the Whole30 diet or you just want to eat healthier!

Ingredients

3 plantains (for air frying, I've found yellowish plantains do the best)
2 TBSP olive oil or avocado oil
cooking spray
salt, to taste

Instructions

Cut the ends off of plantains and discard.
Cut the plantains in half.
Slice the skin of the plantain once from end to end.
Remove the skin and discard.
Cut each plantain into 1/2" slices.
Place plantain slices in a bowl and pour olive oil on top.
Mix with hands to coat well.
Place each plantain slice into air fryer basket. in a single layer.
Cook at 350° for 5-6 minutes.
Remove plantains from air fryer basket.
Place a piece of parchment paper on a plate or cutting board.
Place one half cooked plantain slice on the parchment paper.
Place another parchment paper on top and using the bottom of a cup, bowl, plantain smasher, or glass measuring cup, press down to flatten the plantain slice.
Gently move the flatten plantain with a spatula back to the air fryer basket.
Repeat until basket is full (one layer) of plantain pancakes.
Spray tops with oil, if desired (this will crisp them up.)
Return basket to air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Remove from air fryer and salt to taste.
Repeat the process with all plantain slices.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or dip, or use as "buns" for your mini sliders!