Air Fryer Tostones

Air Fryer Tostones

20 servings
Salty, crispy tostones get an update in the air fryer! Skip the greasy pan-fried method, and instead, toss them in a little oil and double “fry” them in your air fryer. Serve them with a simple, but tasty mayo ketchup sauce.

Ingredients

  • For the dipping sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For the tostones
  • 3 green plantains
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil

    vegetable, peanut, or coconut oil

  • coarse salt for sprinkling

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare dipping sauce Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic powder. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can do this up to 48 hours in advance.

  2. 2

    Peel and cut the plantains Remove the ends of the green plantains with a sharp knife. Score the plantain down its back side and use the fleshy part of your thumbs to push the peel up and away from the plantain.

  3. 3

    Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

  4. 4

    Soak the plaintains Combine 4 cups of cold water and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Slice the plantain into 1 1/2-inch-thick chunks and soak them in water for 20 minutes. (Soaking the plantains prevents browning and keeps the air-fried plantains from drying out while cooking.

  5. 5

    Dry then par-fry the plantains Remove the plantains from the water and dry each one thoroughly. Toss the plantain slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Make sure each plantain is coated in a thin layer of the oil. Transfer the plantains to your air fryer’s basket. Organize in a single layer, leaving a 1/2 inch of space on all sides of the slices to allow the air to circulate properly. Fry until the plantain offers no resistance when pierced with the tip of a knife. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes per side.

  6. 6

    Mash the plantains Increase the air fryer’s temperature to 400°F. Carefully remove the plantain slices from the basket and smash each one in a tostonera or place your soft plantain between a piece of parchment paper (or a brown paper bag) and smash it with a coffee mug. The plantain should be a flat 1/4-inch thick disc that holds together.

  7. 7

    Air fry the smashed plantains Return the smashed plantains to the air fryer basket (you may have to work in batches depending on the size of your basket). Brush a light layer of oil onto the top side of the tostones and fry for 3 minutes on the first side. Flip the tostones and brush once more with a light layer of oil, then fry for the final time for 4 minutes instead of 3 minutes.

  8. 8

    Season the tostones Immediately after removing them from the air fryer. Serve the tostones with the mayo-ketch sauce while still hot.

Air Fryer Tostones

Air Fryer Tostones

65 min20 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving perfectly salty, crispy tostones without the deep-frying mess? Our Air Fryer Tostones offer all the beloved crunch and authentic flavor, made easier and lighter right in your air fryer.

This recipe geniusly uses the air fryer to achieve that quintessential golden crisp, bypassing the need for a pot of hot oil. The method of a light toss in neutral cooking oil, followed by a double “fry,” ensures each plantain piece develops an irresistible exterior while remaining tender inside, setting it apart from traditional greasy versions.

You're in for a delightful snack or side dish with these Air Fryer Tostones. Expect a satisfyingly crispy exterior with a tender, slightly starchy interior—the hallmark of a perfectly cooked plantain. Each bite delivers a savory crunch, made even better by a sprinkle of coarse salt and the creamy, tangy house-made mayo ketchup sauce. This simple yet effective approach yields 20 servings, making it perfect for sharing.

Customization & Serving

While delicious as is, you can easily tweak this recipe to your liking. For an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika would be a fantastic addition to the mayo ketchup dipping sauce. You could also experiment with other dipping sauces entirely, perhaps a zesty cilantro lime crema or a rich garlic aioli, though the classic mayo ketchup is hard to beat.

These Air Fryer Tostones make an excellent appetizer or a delightful side dish for almost any meal. Serve them hot for the best texture, perhaps alongside grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty stew, for an instant upgrade to your dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions