What are Tostones or Patacones?
Tostones or Patacones are twice-fried plantains. The recipe originates in many Latin American countries and Caribbean cuisine. They have a slightly sweet, slightly salty flavor with a crispy outside. The result is a crunchy snack that is starchy on the inside. LET’S BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES
What are plantains?
Plantains are a starchy fruit that looks similar to bananas. Ripe plantains taste a bit like bananas without the banana flavor. Under ripe plantains, like the ones you need for patacones, are a bit less sweet. They are a bit tougher, which makes them great for cooking. In this air fryer tostones recipe, the plantains get a crispy exterior with a softer inside.
Difference between tostones and maduros
Maduros use a ripened plantain while tostones use green plantains. The result is that maduros are sweeter than tostones. They both have a similar flavor, but maduros are a bit more of a dessert-like snack.
Baked versus Air Fried versus Fried Tostones
Baked tostones will have a slightly less crispy outside compared to fried tostones and air fried tostones. Air fried and baked tostones use a lot less oil, which makes them lighter in calories and bit healthier than deep fried tostones. Fried tostones do have a slightly crispier texture, but the air fryer does a pretty good job of giving them a crispy exterior, just without the extra oil.
Why you will love this tostones recipe
This air fryer tostones recipe is a healthier version of the deep fried tostones native to Latin American and Caribbean countries. It is a great tasting, easy recipe to follow, which makes it the perfect snack for your kids after school.
Ingredients to make Tostones
When you want to make the best patacones, you will need:
Green Plantains - You will want to look for green plantains that are a bit underripe.Water Salt to tasteCooking oil spray
You’ll also want to have the following tools ready for this tostones recipe:
Cutting boardKnifeAir Fryer or OvenTongsMixing Bowl
How to make Tostones in Air Fryer
When you want the best tasting patacones, follow this guide on how to make tostones:
First, peel and cut the plantains. To do this, first remove the ends of the plantains and peel them with a knife. Finally, cut the plantains into 1 ½ inch thick slices.When ready, soak the plantains in water and salt for 20 minutes. This will prevent browning and drying them out.Next, preheat the air fryer at 350 FAs it heats, remove the slices from the water and dry each one with a paper towel.Next, spray them with cooking oil and transfer them into the basket in a single layer, leaving ½ inch space between them. When prepared, air fry them for 5 minutes.Next, smash each slice of the plantain with the bottom of a coffee mug or small pyrex bowl to flatten them into discs.Once flattened, spray oil on the smashed discs and air fry them again for 6 minutes or until crispy on the outside.Finally, remove the plantains and season them with salt and pepper. Repeat the process for the remaining plantain pieces.
You can serve the patacones with a side of avocado salsa, avocado crema, or ketchup and mayo.
Baked Tostones
First, follow the same steps as above to peel the plantains. Once they are peeled and soaked, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. When the oven is heated, bake the plantains for 15 minutes, then smash them, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Pro Tips to make crispy tostones
When you want to make the best patacones recipe, follow these simple tips and tricks to make the tostones crispy:
Make sure to spray them with a little oil before you air fry them to help crisp up the outside.Don’t skip preheating the air fryer. It should be hot when you put them in.Also, don’t skip soaking the plantains. This step helps prevent burning and gives the inside a softer texture.
Other great recipes
If you are still hungry, then you can check out these other great recipes:
Tea sandwichesSamosaHakka noodlesNutella cookiesApple chipsFrench fries Mozzarella sticksCiabatta rolls
Let us know what you think
If you make this delicious recipe, let us know how it went! When you make this, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!
Baked Tostones
First, follow the same steps as above to peel the plantains. Once they are peeled and soaked, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. When the oven is heated, bake the plantains for 15 minutes, then smash them, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Pro Tips to make crispy tostones
When you want to make the best patacones recipe, follow these simple tips and tricks to make the tostones crispy:
Make sure to spray them with a little oil before you air fry them to help crisp up the outside.Don’t skip preheating the air fryer. It should be hot when you put them in.Also, don’t skip soaking the plantains. This step helps prevent burning and gives the
Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer and 50 Recipes for your Air Fryer Book (Black) Gourmia GAF400 Electric Multipurpose Classic Rapid Air Fryer with Dual Dial Timer & Temperature Controls, 10 Cup/4.5 Qt. Capacity, 1230W, Black Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart Air Fryer, Rotisserie and Convection Oven, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate and Warm, 1500W, Stainless Steel and Black Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 50.7 Ounce Recycled rPET Bottle (Packaging May Vary)
I love to travel and experience different cultures and cuisines. Having lived in different countries across the globe like, India, Australia, Germany and United States has taught to enjoy and appreciate culinary experiences. I believe that food brings people together. As a self taught cook, I am always trying new recipes and variations to see what tantalizes my family’s tastebuds. I am always trying to replicate meals from around the world that we have cherished. Hope you enjoy them too. Read more
