Tostones, the crispy twice-fried green plantains, are a beloved staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
Traditionally deep-fried, these golden bites are known for their irresistible crunch and starchy goodness.
But what if you could enjoy the same crispy texture with less oil?
Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for making tostones healthier while keeping them just as delicious!
With this air-fryer method, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy tostones without the excess grease, making them a guilt-free snack or side dish.
Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium. Let’s get started!
How to Make Tostones in the Air Fryer
Ingredients & Tools
To make air-fried tostones, you’ll need:
- 2 green plantains (unripe for the best texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for a crispy finish)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
- Air Fryer (Amazon’s Choice)
- Tostonera (Amazon’s Choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
- Peel the plantains: Cut off both ends, then slice a shallow line along the peel. Use your fingers to remove the skin carefully.
- Slice the plantains: Cut into 1-inch thick rounds for the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interior.
Step 2: First Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly coat the plantain slices with 1 tbsp of oil to help them crisp up.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the plantains become soft and slightly golden.
Step 3: Flatten the Plantains
- Remove the plantains from the air fryer.
- Use a tostonera (plantain press), a flat-bottomed glass, or a spatula to gently press each slice down until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
Step 4: Second Air Fry for Crispy Perfection
- Brush or spray the flattened plantains with the remaining oil for an extra-crispy texture.
- Place them back into the air fryer in a single layer.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Season & Serve
- Sprinkle the tostones with salt and optional garlic powder while they’re still warm.
- Serve immediately with mojo sauce, guacamole, aioli, or your favorite dip for an extra burst of flavor!
Tips for the Best Air-Fried Tostones
✔ Use green plantains for the crispiest texture—ripe plantains will be too soft and sweet.
✔ Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
✔ For extra crunch, air fry for 1-2 additional minutes until golden brown.
✔ Want a flavor boost? Try seasoning with smoked paprika, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Enjoy Crispy, Healthier Tostones with Your Air Fryer
Making tostones in the air fryer is the best way to enjoy this Latin American favorite with less oil and fewer calories.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly versatile—perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Try this easy air-fryer recipe today and enjoy a crunchy, golden bite with all the flavor and none of the guilt!
Read: Tostones vs. Maduros: What’s the Difference?
Air Fryer Tostones Recipe
Skip the deep fryer and enjoy authentic tostones with less oil but all the crunch! These twice-fried green plantains turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in garlic mojo sauce, guacamole, or aioli. Follow this simple step-by-step air fryer method for a healthier take on this Latin American classic.
Ingredients
- 2 green plantains (unripe for the best texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for a crispy finish)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Plantains
- Peel the plantains: Cut off both ends, then slice a shallow line along the peel. Use your fingers to remove the skin carefully.
- Slice the plantains: Cut into 1-inch thick rounds for the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft interior.
2. First Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly coat the plantain slices with 1 tbsp of oil to help them crisp up.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the plantains become soft and slightly golden.
3. Flatten the Plantains
- Remove the plantains from the air fryer.
- Use a tostonera (plantain press), a flat-bottomed glass, or a spatula to gently press each slice down until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
4. Second Air Fry for Crispy Perfection
- Brush or spray the flattened plantains with the remaining oil for an extra-crispy texture.
- Place them back into the air fryer in a single layer.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
5. Season & Serve
- Sprinkle the tostones with salt and optional garlic powder while they’re still warm.
- Serve immediately with mojo sauce, guacamole, aioli, or your favorite dip for an extra burst of flavor!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Tostones
- Use green plantains: Ripe plantains won’t crisp up properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly brush with oil before the second fry for the best texture.
- Add water if needed: If your tostones feel too dry, spritz them with water before the second air fry to keep the inside soft while crisping up the outside.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover tostones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crunch!
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.