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Air Fryer Tostones (Fried Plantains) – Whole30 Approved, But Delicious in Any Diet!

As you may have guessed, I use my air fryer often. A few times a week.  Sometimes daily.  Sometimes multiple times a day. Then we got a range with an air fryer component and that was so awesome. I love to cook meals for the whole family in it! Then, for Christmas, our 9 year old wanted to spend his money to purchase a new, larger air fryer for the counter because he knew my old countertop air fryer had seen better days. He is a super saver and I was so touched that he wanted to buy me an air fryer…and a really good one, at that!!

air fryer tostones

I decided to do another round of Whole30 this year, just as we did last year around the same time. The move, holidays, and stress really took their toll on our eating habits. So we started a Whole30 but I found something I had not discovered the last go round….tostones.

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!

What are tostones?

“Tostones are twice-fried plantain slices 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!

air fryer tostones

How do you eat tostones?

I like to eat tostones as a side dish or a “chip” to get salsa or guacamole to my mouth without the need for a 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, 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 won’t get splattered with hot oil!

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 tostones and I knew I had to share the recipe!  They are PERFECTION!

air fryer to stones and salsa

*Note, when I first wrote this post, I indicated that green plantains worked 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!

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

 

Air Fryer Tostones (Fried Plantains)

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
  • spray olive oil (optional)
  • salt, to taste

Instructions

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

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 199Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 3gSugar: 17gProtein: 1g

The writer is not a doctor or nutritionist and this nutritional information is just a guideline. Please consult your doctor or nutritionist for more accurate information.

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Family lifestyle blogger from
Tyler, TX
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