Air Fryer Tostones

Let me share my grandmother's beloved tostones recipe that I've adapted for the air fryer! After years of dodging hot oil splatters I discovered this amazing method that gives us those perfectly crispy plantains without all the mess. The first time I made these for my abuela she couldn't believe they weren't traditionally fried that's when I knew we had a winner! That perfect golden crunch with just a sprinkle of salt takes me right back to her kitchen.

Why These Are Extra Special

These aren't your average tostones! The air fryer creates this amazing crispy outside while keeping that perfect tender inside. Last weekend when my cousins came over they couldn't stop munching on these saying they were just like the ones from our favorite local spot. Even my kids who usually reach for chips grab these instead especially with that creamy mayoketchu sauce!

What You'll Need

• The Basics: Nice firm green plantains, your favorite cooking spray, just enough salt.
• For Those Amazing Sauces: Mayo and ketchup for mayoketchu, fresh garlic and good olive oil for ajillo, a pinch of salt.
• Kitchen Tools: Your air fryer of course, a sturdy mug or plate for flattening, some parchment paper.

Let's Start Cooking

Getting Those Plantains Ready

First up peeling those plantains! Score the skin lengthwise and gently pry it off with your thumbs just like my grandma taught me. Slice them into nice thick rounds about the size of a wine cork. That first air fry is just to soften them up getting ready for the magic!

The Smashing Fun

Here comes everyone's favorite part! Once those rounds are soft pop them between parchment paper and give them a gentle smash. My kids love helping with this part they call it plantain pancakes! Just don't smash too hard we want them flat but not completely smooshed.

The Final Crisp

Back into the air fryer they go for their final golden moment. That's when they transform into those perfectly crispy discs we all love. Don't forget that sprinkle of salt right when they come out hot!

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Making Them Perfect

Want my secrets for the best tostones? Pick plantains that are super green and firm those spotted yellow ones just won't work right. Don't skip that second spray of oil before the final fry it helps get that beautiful golden color. And remember patience is key let the air fryer work its magic don't rush it!

Serving Up Joy

I love setting these out with both dipping sauces letting everyone choose their favorite. That garlic oil really takes them to the next level! Make sure to serve them hot and crispy they're absolutely irresistible straight from the air fryer. For parties I keep batches going people hover around the kitchen waiting for the next round!

Planning Ahead

These are best fresh but here's a little trick! You can do the first fry and flatten them ahead of time then freeze them. When you're ready to serve just thaw and do that final air fry. They come out perfectly crispy every time! Though honestly in my house they rarely make it to the freezer everyone wants them right away.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I get creative with the seasonings! A little garlic salt instead of regular salt is amazing. My spice-loving son adds a dash of cayenne to his portion. Once I made a cilantro lime dipping sauce absolutely delicious! That's what makes cooking fun making each recipe your own.

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Why These Matter

These tostones are more than just a snack they're part of our heritage made a little healthier! Every time I make them I think of my grandmother and all the love she put into her cooking. Now my kids are learning to make them too passing down our traditions one crispy plantain at a time.

Watching people try these for the first time always brings me joy especially when they can't believe they're not traditionally fried. It's amazing how food can bring people together and create such wonderful memories even as recipes evolve with new cooking methods!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why soak the plantains?

Soaking prevents browning and helps keep the plantains moist during cooking. The salt water also seasons the plantains from the inside.

→ How do I know if plantains are right for tostones?

Use green, unripe plantains that are firm and show no yellow. Ripe plantains will be too soft and sweet for tostones.

→ What if I don't have a tostonera?

You can flatten the plantains between parchment paper using a heavy mug or flat bottom pan. The key is even pressure to create uniform thickness.

→ Why cook them twice?

The first cooking softens the plantain so it can be smashed, while the second cooking creates the crispy exterior and tender interior.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Tostones are best served immediately while hot and crispy. They can be reheated in the air fryer but won't be quite as crispy as fresh.