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Air Fryer Tostones

air fryer tostones on white plate overhead
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Air Fryer Tostones are the healthiest way to serve up the classic twice-fried green plantains! Made without oil, these air-fried tostones are extra crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside! Starchy green plantains, air fried, smashed, then air fried again. This naturally gluten-free, vegan, and paleo Latin American and Caribbean salty side dish or appetizer is ready in 15 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Large Green Plantains
  • Water
  • 1 Lime
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Peel your plantains by slicing the tips off, then making a slit, lengthwise, down the thick peel. Use your fingers to slowly peel off the entire plantain peel.
  2. Slice the peeled plantains into thick 1-inch chunks.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together a few cups of water, the juice of 1 lime, and 1-2 teaspoons of salt.
  4. Add the plantain chunks to the bowl of water and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes.
  5. Remove the plantains and pat them dry using a paper towel.
  6. Add the patted dry plantain chunks to your air fryer basket (spray them lightly with cooking spray if desired). Air fry the plantains at 350°F for 3-5 minutes on each side.
  7. Carefully remove the plantains and place them on a lined, hard flat surface and place another sheet of parchment paper over top.
  8. Use a heavy mug or flat-bottomed bowl* to smash the plantains flat (about 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch thick). Optionally, once flattened, dip the tostones back in the citrus soak and let the excess water drip off.
  9. Place the flattened tostones back in the air fryer to air fry at 400°F for an additional 3 minutes (no need to flip them), until crisp and golden. You may need to do 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
  10. Season the hot tostones with extra salt and serve them right away with your favorite dips and sauces.

Notes

  • You can flatten your plantains using a traditional tostonera if you have one.
  • Add minced garlic and onion powder to the citrus soak to amp up the flavor, if desired.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the tostones following the same method by using the oven at 425°F. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, before smashing them, and then bake for 4-8 minutes more, until golden.
  • Store leftover tostones in a closed container for 4-5 days in the fridge.
  • Feeze tostones in the freezer for up to 6 months for quality.
  • Meal prep by storing flattened tostone discs in the fridge for 1-2 days before the final air fry if you plan on serving a large batch for a party.
  • To reheat tostones and get them crispy again, add them back into your air fryer and air fry at 380°F for 3-4 minutes, until hot and crisp (this works from the fridge or frozen. Do not thaw frozen tostones before reheating).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://strengthandsunshine.com/air-fryer-tostones/