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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Published: May 15, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Colombian healthy air fryer tostones recipe

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    This 2-ingredient air fryer tostones recipe takes the traditional Colombian tostones and reinvents them into a crispy, healthy treat with twice-fried green plantains.

    air fryer plantain tostones on white plate with orange napkin

    Introduction 

    Crispy, crunchy tostones without the oil or effort - air fryer tostones. Traditional tostones are an indulgent treat found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean that are prepared by frying green plantains twice. Tostones in the air fryer give you all the same amazing textures and flavors without the hassle or grease of double frying.

    These air fryer tostones are a lighter version of traditional Colombian tostones and truly one of the easiest tostones recipes around, made in minutes and with only two ingredients in your air fryer basket. Make this as an easy appetizer for your next gathering, or a healthy snack to munch on at home!

    close up on air fryer tostones

    What are Plantains?

    Plantains are a starchy fruit that are closely related to bananas. Although they originated in Southeast Asia, plantains are an integral part of various cuisines around the world. Filled with fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C, I love cooking with plantains because they’re healthy and so incredibly versatile.

    When they’re ripe and yellow, plantains have a wonderfully sweet flavor that’s great for desserts like Colombian Platanos Maduros Fritos.

    However, unripe green plantains are starchy and can be made into savory snacks like Air Fryer Plantain Chips and these Colombian tostones. 

    plantain slices in air fryer

    The Benefits of Cooking Tostones in the Air Fryer

    If you haven't guessed it by now, I just love making air fried plantains, in all shapes, colors and levels of ripeness. 

    Cooking tostones in the air fryer is such a great method for preparing this tasty dish. 

    Not only do they come out perfectly golden brown each time, but they’re so delicious this way. I also love not having to worry about a greasy clean up or spending tons of time deep frying. With an air fryer, this easy tostones recipe is fast enough to add to a weeknight dinner or enjoy as a midday snack.

    plantain slices in air fryer

    What to Serve with Air Fryer Tostones?

    There are really no wrong ways to serve air fryer tostones. You can enjoy the tostones simply on their own or add your favorite dipping sauce to the mix. A combination of mayonnaise and ketchup is a popular choice, but I’m a big fan of pairing salsa verde, pico de gallo, Colombian ají, or even guacamole with my tostones. To make a light meal with air fryer tostones, make them alongside a batch of Colombian ceviche or a fun side dish to Colombian chicken drumsticks.

    ingredients

    INGREDIENTS YOU NEED to make Air Fryer Tostones

    • plantains
    • cooking spray
    • salt
    • flaky sea salt (optional) 

    See recipe cards for exact quantities.

    holding up a plantain tostone

    Equipment

    • Paring knife
    • Air fryer
    • Air fryer liners
    • Parchment paper
    • Tostonera
    • Baking sheet

    How to Make Tostones in an Air Fryer

    peeling a plantain on wooden board
    slicing a plantain on wooden board

    Prep the plantains

    Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

    While waiting for the air fryer to heat up, start preparing the plantains. Trim off the ends of the plantains and make a shallow lengthwise cut on each, just enough to break through the skin. Remove the plantain skins by gently peeling them away from the flesh using your thumb. Cut the peeled plantains into slices about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick.

    plantain slices in air fryer

    Cooking the Tostones

    To prevent sticking, line your air fryer basket with air fryer liners or parchment paper. Apply a light coating of cooking spray to the liners.

    Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer within the lined air fryer basket, ensuring they slightly overlap without overcrowding. Spritz the tops of the plantain slices with cooking spray and sprinkle them with regular table salt.

    Insert the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for approximately 10 minutes.

    plantain slices on baking sheet
    flattening plantain slices on baking sheet

    Smash the tostones

    Now comes the all-important part of pressing the tostones. Tostones are twice fried plantains, and this is what makes this recipe unique!

    Once 10 minutes have passed, carefully remove the plantain slices from the air fryer. Arrange them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a paper towel. Cover them with another layer or parchment paper, and press on the tostones with a large casserole dish, until they become thinner, flatter and wider, and lose their defined shape.

    plantain slices in air fryer

    Fry a second time

    Flip the tostones using tongs or a fork, and return them to the air fryer. Apply a light coating of cooking spray and sprinkle regular table salt on the other side.

    Place the basket back in the air fryer and continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the tostones achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.

    sprinkling salt on plantain tostones
    air fryer plantain tostones on white plate

    Finishing Touches

    Remove the cooked tostones from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

    While the tostones are still warm, generously sprinkle them with flaky sea salt, such as Maldon sea salt. This will add a delightful contrast to the crispy texture.

    air fryer plantain tostones on white plate

    Serving

    Serve air-fryer tostones alongside your preferred pico de gallo and Colombian aji for dipping. Enjoy them as a delectable snack or as a side dish to complement your main course.

    Note: If you do not possess an air fryer, you can achieve similar results by cooking the tostones in a skillet with a small amount of oil until they turn golden brown on both sides. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.

    close up on air fryer tostones

    Storage

    Tostones are really best when they’re hot and fresh out of the air fryer. However, you can store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The leftovers will be slightly less crispy than the originals, but still heat up nicely after being placed in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Top Tips

    Pick green plantains - Green plantains are actually under ripe plantains, so it may be tempting to reach for yellow plantains when shopping. But the green plantains have more starch and are more savory, making them perfect for air fryer tostones. 
    Thick slices - take care not to slice the tostones too thinly, or they will fall apart when you smash them.

    Variations

    • Baked Tostones - If you want a healthier alternative to fried tostones, but don’t have an air fryer, then try baked tostones instead. Start by trimming off the ends of the plantains and lightly scoring the backs of each. Add the plantains to the microwave for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft in the middle. Peel, cut, and smash the plantains before adding them to a lined baking sheet. Cook for 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping the plantains halfway through.
    air fryer plantain tostones on white plate

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I flatten the plantains to make air fryer tostones?

    o make this process as easy as possible, I really recommend purchasing a tostonera. They’re extremely affordable and allow you to get the plantains perfectly flat. However, if you don’t have a tostonera on hand, then use a sturdy object like a mixing bowl or coffee cup, a baking sheet or even a rolling pin to help you press the plantains.

    What’s the difference between tostones and patacones?

    Patacones are essentially just Colombian tostones. The twice-fried plantain dish is popular throughout Latin American and the Caribbean, but it’s often called different things depending on the location.

    Are air fried tostones healthy?

    Air fried tostones, also known as plantain chips, can be considered a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried tostones. One of the main advantages of cooking them in an air fryer is that only a small amount of oil is used, reducing the total fat and calorie content. Additionally, the high temperature used in air frying can help to create a crunchy texture without the need for excess oil. Furthermore, plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy and nutritious snack option. However, it's important to keep in mind that tostones should still be consumed in moderation, as they are a carbohydrate-rich food. Overconsumption of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and other health problems. 

    Can you freeze air fried tostones?

    Yes, you can freeze air fried tostones. To freeze air fried tostones, simply let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. You can also separate them between layers of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before reheating in the air fryer or oven. Keep in mind that the texture of the tostones may not be exactly the same after freezing and reheating, but they should still be just as delicious.

    If you don't have an air fryer, can you bake tostones?

    Yes, it is possible to bake tostones if you don't have an air fryer. To bake these Colombian-inspired tostones, preheat your oven to 400°F and slice your green plantains into rounds. Brush both sides of the rounds with oil and sprinkle them with salt before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your tostones, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from burning. Baking tostones is a healthier alternative to frying, but keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as traditional fried tostones. However, they are still delicious and can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish to accompany your favorite Latin meals. 

    Recommended Dishes

    For more plantain dishes, try these recipes:

    Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

    • The easiest healthy air fryer plantain chips recipe
    • Colombian platanos maduros fritos - fried ripe sweet plantains
    • Plantain latkes with lime crema sauce
    • Colombian baked plantains recipe with guava and cheese

    Recipe

    air fryer plantain tostones on white plate

    Colombian air fryer tostones

    Ksenia Prints
    This air fryer tostones recipe takes the traditional Colombian tostones and reinvents them into a crispy, healthy treat with green plantains. Try this recipe for air fryer tostones, inspired by Colombian cuisine:
    5 from 59 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Colombian, Mexican
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 136 kcal

    Equipment

    • Paring knife
    • Air fryer
    • Air fryer liners
    • Parchment paper
    • Tostonera
    • Baking sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 green plantains
    • Regular table salt
    • Flaky sea salt such as Maldon sea salt
    • Cooking spray
    • For serving:
    • Pico de gallo
    • Colombian aji hot sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
    • While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the plantains. Start by cutting off the ends of the plantains, then make a shallow cut along the length of each plantain, just enough to penetrate the skin.
    • Peel the plantains by inserting your thumb into the cut and gently pulling the skin away from the flesh. Cut the peeled plantains into thick slices, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
    • Line your air fryer basket with air fryer liners or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly coat the liners with cooking spray.
    • Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the lined air fryer basket. It's okay if they overlap slightly, but avoid overcrowding.
    • Lightly spray the tops of the plantain slices with cooking spray and sprinkle them with regular table salt.
    • Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes.
    • After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, gently take out the plantain slices from the air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a paper towel. Then, cover them with another layer of parchment paper. Applying pressure on the tostones using a large casserole dish or a similar flat object. Press down firmly to flatten them, making them thinner, wider, and less defined in shape.
    • Return the plantain slices to the air fryer basket using tongs or a fork. Lightly spray the other side with cooking spray and sprinkle with regular table salt.
    • Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tostones are golden brown and crispy.
    • Once the tostones are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
    • While the tostones are still hot, sprinkle them generously with flaky sea salt, such as Maldon sea salt. The contrast between the crispy texture and the flaky sea salt adds a delicious touch.
    • Serve the tostones with your favorite pico de gallo and Colombian aji on the side for dipping. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or as a side dish to complement your meal.

    Notes

    If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook the tostones in a skillet with some oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 386mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword air fryer patacones, air fryer plantains, colombian cuisine, colombian patacones, Mexican tostones
    Tried this recipe?Comment + Rate Below!
    Connect on Instagram!Find us @immigrantstable

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    1. Elizabeth S says

      May 15, 2023 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      These were so delicious and easy to make. I was craving them and so happy to find this recipe. I tried them when I was vacationing in Colombia and couldn't get enough!

      Reply
    2. Shruthi says

      May 15, 2023 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      These came out so perfectly crispy but not at all oily (like when you deep fry them!) Adding to our recipe rotation because my husband loves plantains!

      Reply
    3. Betsy W says

      May 15, 2023 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      How I love Colombia! What a treat to see this recipe. It really made me homesick and now I can make tostones and feel like I’m there!

      Reply
    4. Kris says

      May 15, 2023 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      These are so crunchy and flavorful! We served them with guacamole and it was a true hit. We'll be making them again for sure! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Sharon says

      May 15, 2023 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I love having new recipes for my air fryer and I love plantains so this was perfect! Super tasty and the whole fam gobbled these up.

      Reply
    6. Shannon says

      May 15, 2023 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely an amazing Columbian dish! Thank you so much for putting this together and sharing!

      Reply
    7. Jane says

      May 15, 2023 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried this recipe and it is super yummy! I love the way it tastes and it is so easy to make.

      Reply
    8. Chichi says

      May 15, 2023 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      These tostones looks delicious. Never heard of tostonera. I think I’ll get one.

      Reply
    9. Jennifer says

      May 16, 2023 at 7:25 am

      5 stars
      I love tostones and this has to be the easiest recipe ever! Loved how quickly they cooked and they came out perfectly!

      Reply
    10. Sue says

      May 16, 2023 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I had no idea you could make savory snacks from plantains. And I love any excuse to use my air fryer, so I'll be giving these tostones a try for sure!

      Reply
    11. Sherry Ronning says

      May 16, 2023 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      I learned a lot from your air fryer tostones recipe. My family loves plantains and this made a great after school snack for my kids. Thank you for a great air fryer recipe!

      Reply
    12. Shilpa says

      May 19, 2023 at 6:25 am

      5 stars
      This was so good! Perfect as a side dish with our meals.

      Reply
    13. Shilpa says

      May 19, 2023 at 6:25 am

      5 stars
      This was so good! Perfect as a side dish with our meals

      Reply
    14. Donna says

      May 22, 2023 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      I would never have thought to make these in the air fryer, but they turned out just perfectly!

      Reply
    15. Claire says

      May 23, 2023 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      These were so good.
      Crispy but not oily and with the salt on them they were so yummy.
      Great recipe, THANK YOU

      Reply

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