Best Air Fryer Tostones Recipes
AIR FRYER TOSTONES
Tostones are made with green (unripe) plantains and are a very popular side dish in many Caribbean and South American countries. The traditional method is to twice-fry the plantains in oil, but this air-fried version of my Puerto Rican family's recipe is much lighter as it uses olive oil spray instead of deep-frying.
Provided by fabeveryday
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Slice tips off the plantain. Make a vertical cut in the skin from end to end, making sure to cut only through the thick skin and not into the plantain flesh. Cut plantain, still with the peel, into 1-inch chunks. Peel the skin off each chunk starting at the slit you made.
- Place the plantain chunks in your air fryer basket and spray them with olive oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of salted water.
- Remove the plantain pieces from the air fryer with tongs. Smash to about 1/2-inch thickness using a tostonera (plantain smasher). Soak the smashed tostones in the bowl of salted water while smashing the rest.
- Remove the tostones from the salted water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Return tostones to the air fryer in batches, filling the basket with a single layer each time. Spray the tops with olive oil spray and season with salt; air fry for 5 minutes. Flip with tongs and spray the other side with olive oil spray. Season with salt. Air fry until golden brown and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.5 g, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 47.7 mg, Sugar 13.4 g
AIR FRYER TOSTONES
These plantains taste like they came from a restaurant. I parcooked them in the air fryer, then smashed them and returned them to the fryer to crisp them up.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 350˚ F. Toss the plantains with the vegetable oil and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Add to the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the plaintains to a large piece of parchment and cover with another piece of parchment; smash each plantain with the bottom of a glass. Increase the fryer temperature to 400˚ F. Return the plantains to the fryer in an even layer (it's OK if they overlap slightly) and continue cooking until crisp, about 4 more minutes per side. Sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with salsa verde.
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Air Fryer Tostones: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish
Tostones are a crispy and savory snack that originated in Latin American cuisine. They are made by frying slices of green plantains twice, resulting in a golden and crispy texture. Traditional tostones are usually deep-fried in oil, making them a less healthy snack option. However, with the invention of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy this classic dish without the added oil and calories. Air fryer tostones recipes have become increasingly popular among people who are looking for a healthier twist on this classic dish.The Benefits of Air Frying
Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means that little to no oil is required. This has a significant impact on the calorie and fat content of the food being cooked. By using an air fryer to make tostones, you can reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process and still achieve the crispy texture that is characteristic of this snack. Air frying also reduces the amount of time required to cook tostones, making it a perfect option for busy individuals who want to enjoy a quick and healthy snack.How to Make Air Fryer Tostones
Making air fryer tostones is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients. The following is a general overview of the process: 1. First, you will need to select green plantains that are firm, with no signs of yellowing. Slice the plantains into rounds that are approximately 1 inch thick. 2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. 3. Lightly spray the plantain slices with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This will help to ensure that they are crispy when cooked. 4. Place the plantain slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the slices from crisping up properly. 5. Cook the plantain slices for approximately 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked. 6. Remove the tostones from the air fryer basket and sprinkle them with salt or any other seasoning of your choice. 7. Serve while still warm.Variations of Air Fryer Tostones
One of the great things about air fryer tostones recipes is that they can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations on the classic recipe that you can try: 1. Sweet tostones: Instead of sprinkling salt or savory seasonings on your tostones, try topping them with a little honey or cinnamon sugar. 2. Salsa tostones: Top your tostones with a spoonful of fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a zesty twist. 3. Cheese tostones: Sprinkle grated cheese on the tostones before placing them back in the air fryer for an additional minute. The cheese will melt and create a delicious cheesy tostone. 4. Guacamole tostones: Top your tostones with a spoonful of fresh guacamole for a creamy and flavorful snack. 5. Tostone nachos: Arrange your tostones on a plate and top them with beans, cheese, sour cream, and any other nacho toppings you like.Conclusion
Air fryer tostones recipes provide a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy a classic Latin American snack. By using an air fryer, you can achieve that crispy texture without the added calories and fat. This snack can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile and delicious option for any occasion. So next time you are looking for a quick and healthy snack, give air fryer tostones a try!Air fryer tostones are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried plantains. Plantains are a staple in Latin American cuisine and tostones are a popular snack or side dish. To make tostones, the plantains are fried twice, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. With an air fryer, you can achieve similar results without using much oil. However, here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind while making air fryer tostones recipes.
Tip 1: Start with Green Plantains
When making tostones, it is essential to use green plantains, as they are starchy and remain firm when cooked. Ripe plantains, on the other hand, are sweeter and softer, making them unsuitable for tostones. Green plantains have a tough peel that is difficult to remove. An easy hack to peel them is to make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain and then use a knife to lift the peel off.
Pro Tip: Cut the plantain into thick slices with a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
Tip 2: Use a Proper Dipping Sauce
Tostones are usually served with a dipping sauce to add an extra burst of flavor. A popular dipping sauce in Latin American cuisine is garlic mojo sauce. To make garlic mojo sauce, combine minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients until well blended, and the sauce is ready. You can also experiment with different dips like avocado sauce or salsa depending on your taste preferences.
Pro Tip: Make the dipping sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tip 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is an essential step when making tostones. Preheating allows the air fryer to reach the required temperature, ensuring your tostones cook evenly. To preheat the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and allow it to preheat for around five minutes. Once preheated, you can add the plantain slices and start cooking.
Pro Tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it can prevent the tostones from cooking evenly.
Tip 4: Use a Mallet or Flat Surface to Flatten the Plantains
The second stage of making tostones involves flattening the plantains after the first fry. Flattening the plantains helps to create the characteristic thin and crispy exterior that tostones are known for. However, flattening the plantains can be a challenge if you don't have the right tools. You can use a mallet or a flat surface to flatten the plantains. A flat surface like a cutting board will work fine, but placing a plastic wrap between the plantain and the surface can prevent the plantain from sticking.
Pro Tip: Use a fork or a tostonera to press the sides of the plantain, forming a dent in the center. This helps to prevent the plantain from breaking apart while flattening.
Tip 5: Season to Taste
Tostones taste great with just a sprinkle of salt, but adding additional seasonings can take them to the next level. You can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cumin to add extra depth of flavor. Spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat to your tostones. It is also essential to season the tostones immediately after the final fry while they are still hot.
Pro Tip: Try different seasoning combinations until you find the flavors that work for you.
Conclusion
Air fryer tostones can be a delicious and healthy snack or side dish that you can prepare in no time. Using the right techniques and ingredients can make all the difference in achieving that perfect crunchy exterior and tender interior. Hopefully, these valuable tips will help you make the best air fryer tostones recipes that everyone will love.