Can You Make Tostones in the Air Fryer A Crispy Delight

Yes, you can make perfectly crispy tostones in the air fryer—achieving that golden, crunchy texture with little to no oil. Simply slice, flatten, and air-fry green plantains in batches, flipping once for even crispness, and enjoy a healthier twist on this classic Latin American snack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Make crispy tostones in the air fryer with less oil.
• Prep properly: Slice and flatten green plantains evenly for consistent results.
• Season well: Add salt and spices between frying rounds for bold flavor.
• Double fry: Air fry twice—before and after mashing—for maximum crunch.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy right away to preserve crispiness and texture.
• Customize easily: Top with garlic, cheese, or aioli for creative variations.

Can You Make Tostones in the Air Fryer? A Crispy Delight

Imagine this: it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and the smell of fried plantains wafts through your kitchen. You’re craving that perfect bite of tostones—crunchy on the outside, tender within, with a hint of garlic and salt. But the thought of heating up a vat of oil, splattering grease across your stove, and inhaling the lingering odor for hours makes you hesitate. Sound familiar?

Enter the air fryer: your kitchen’s unsung hero. It promises crispy results with little to no oil, making it a go-to for guilt-free versions of your favorite fried foods. But can you really make tostones in the air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes—and not just “good enough” tostones, but ones that rival the deep-fried originals. As someone who’s experimented with countless batches (and eaten even more), I’m here to share what works, what doesn’t, and how to achieve that golden, crispy delight without the mess.

The Tostones Basics: What You Need to Know

What Are Tostones?

Tostones are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, especially in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. They’re made from green (unripe) plantains, which are sliced, fried twice, flattened, and seasoned. The first fry softens the plantain, while the second creates that signature crunch. Traditionally, they’re served as a side dish or appetizer, often with a garlic mojo sauce or a sprinkle of salt.

Unlike sweet plantains (maduros), tostones use green plantains because they’re starchy, not sweet. This starch is key—it helps the plantain hold its shape during frying and creates a crispier texture. Think of them as the plantain version of French fries, but with more personality.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speeds, creating a convection effect that crisps the exterior. They’re essentially mini convection ovens, but with a compact design and rapid results. For tostones, this means:

• Less oil: You’ll use 1–2 tablespoons instead of cups, cutting fat and calories without sacrificing crunch.
• Less mess: No oil splatters or lingering smells. Just wipe the basket clean.
• Faster cleanup: No greasy pots or pans to scrub.
• Consistency: The air fryer’s even heat ensures uniform browning.

But here’s the catch: air fryers can’t fully replicate the deep-fry experience. The texture will be slightly different (more “oven-baked” than “deep-fried”), and you’ll need to adjust cooking times and techniques. The payoff? A healthier, easier method that still delivers that addictive crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Tostones

Ingredients and Tools

You’ll need:

• 2 green plantains: Look for firm, unripe ones with no yellow spots.
• 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil: Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil works best. Avoid olive oil (it burns at high temps).
• Salt and seasonings: Kosher salt, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lime juice.
• Tools: Knife, cutting board, tostonera (or a flat-bottomed glass/cup for flattening), air fryer.

Step 1: Prep the Plantains

Peeling green plantains can be tricky—they’re slippery and sticky. Here’s how to do it:

1. Trim the ends off the plantain.
2. Cut a shallow slit along the length of the peel.
3. Use your fingers to pry the peel open and slide it off. (Pro tip: Wear gloves or coat your hands in oil to avoid stickiness.)
4. Slice the plantain into 1-inch rounds. Don’t cut them too thin, or they’ll fall apart when flattened.

Step 2: First “Fry” (Air Fry)

This step softens the plantains and sets the stage for crunchiness.

1. Brush or spray the plantain rounds with oil on both sides.

<2>Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). (No preheat? No problem—just add 2 minutes to cooking time.)

2. Place the rounds in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding = steam, not crispness.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly soft.

Tip: If your air fryer has a “shake” function, use it! This helps distribute heat evenly.

Step 3: Flatten the Tostones

Now for the fun part—smashing!

1. Transfer the cooked rounds to a plate. Use a tostonera (a traditional tool) or a flat-bottomed glass/cup.
2. Press down firmly until they’re ¼–½ inch thick. Don’t overdo it—you want them flat, not crumbled.
3. Season with salt immediately after flattening (it adheres better).

Step 4: Second “Fry” (Air Fry)

This is where the magic happens—the second cook creates crunch.

1. Brush the flattened tostones with a light layer of oil.
2. Return them to the air fryer (no need to preheat again).
3. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Watch closely: Air fryers vary. Check at 5 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 5: Season and Serve

While still warm, sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lime. For extra flair, top with:

• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Garlic mojo sauce (mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, salt)

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tostones

Choose the Right Plantains

Green plantains are non-negotiable. Ripe (yellow) plantains will caramelize, not crisp. If you only have semi-ripe ones, use them for maduros instead. Look for plantains with:

• Dark green skin
• Firm texture (no soft spots)
• No yellow or black spots

Oil Matters: How Much and What Kind

Too much oil = soggy tostones. Too little = dry, uneven browning. Aim for a light, even coat. Here’s a quick guide:

Oil Type	Best For	Smoke Point
Avocado	High-heat cooking	520°F (271°C)
Canola	Neutral flavor	400°F (204°C)
Vegetable	All-purpose	400–450°F (204–232°C)
Olive (light)	Low-heat (avoid for air frying)	375–405°F (190–207°C)

Flattening Techniques: Tostonera vs. DIY Tools

A tostonera (plantain press) gives the most even results, but it’s not essential. Alternatives:

• Flat-bottomed glass or mug: Press down firmly.
• Ziplock bag + rolling pin: Place the round in a bag, then roll to flatten.
• Potato masher: Use the flat side, but avoid over-mashing.

Pro tip: Lightly oil your tool to prevent sticking.

Air Fryer Settings: Temperature and Timing

Air fryers vary by model. Here’s a general guideline:

• First cook: 375°F for 8–10 minutes (flip halfway)
• Second cook: 400°F for 6–8 minutes (flip halfway)

Adjust for your model: If your tostones brown too fast, reduce heat by 25°F. If they’re not crispy enough, add 1–2 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If you pack in too many tostones:

• They’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Cooking times will be uneven.
• Flipping becomes harder.

Solution: Cook in batches. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

Under- or Over-Flattening

Too thick = chewy center. Too thin = cracker-like texture. Aim for ¼–½ inch thickness. If your tostones crack:

• They’re too thin or the plantain was undercooked.
• Press gently—no need to slam them!

Skipping the Oil

Oil is crucial for browning and crunch. Without it, tostones will be pale and dry. But don’t overdo it—1–2 tsp per batch is plenty.

Ignoring the Flip

Flipping halfway ensures even crispness. Set a timer so you don’t forget!

Seasoning Too Late

Salt adheres best to warm, oily surfaces. Season immediately after the second cook, or sprinkle on while they’re still in the air fryer basket.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Classic Pairings

Tostones shine with bold flavors. Try serving them with:

• Garlic mojo sauce: Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt.
• Avocado crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, lime, and salt.
• Spicy aioli: Mayo + hot sauce + garlic.
• Black bean dip: For a hearty snack.

Global Twists

Get creative! Try these variations:

• Asian-inspired: Sprinkle with furikake (Japanese seaweed seasoning) or chili crisp.
• Italian fusion: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then air fry 2 more minutes.
• Mexican street style: Add tajín (chili-lime seasoning) and cotija cheese.
• Breakfast tostones: Serve with a fried egg and hot sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Want to prep tostones ahead? Here’s how:

• First cook: Cook and flatten, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Finish with the second cook when ready.
• Fully cooked: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
• Freezing: Flash-freeze flattened tostones on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen—add 2–3 minutes to the second cook.

Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Tostones Worth It?

Absolutely. While air fryer tostones won’t have the exact mouthfeel of deep-fried ones (nothing does!), they’re a fantastic alternative. The texture is slightly more “oven-baked”—crispy on the outside, tender within—but the flavor? That’s all plantain magic. You’ll save time, effort, and calories, and your kitchen will stay clean.

Is it perfect? Not quite. You might need to adjust cooking times for your air fryer model, and the first batch might not be flawless. But that’s true of any new technique. The key is patience and practice. Once you nail it, you’ll have a go-to snack that’s healthier, easier, and just as delicious.

So next time you’re craving that crunch, skip the oil bath. Grab your air fryer, a green plantain, and a sprinkle of salt. In 20 minutes, you’ll be biting into a crispy, golden delight—no mess, no guilt, just pure tostones joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make tostones in the air fryer without sacrificing crispiness?

Yes! Air-fried tostones turn out incredibly crispy with minimal oil. The air fryer’s circulating heat mimics deep-frying, giving you a healthier version of this classic dish.

How do you prepare tostones for the air fryer to avoid sogginess?

Slice green plantains evenly, fry or bake until tender, then flatten and spray lightly with oil before air-frying at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes per side. This ensures maximum crunch.

What’s the best oil to use for air fryer tostones?

Light oils like avocado, canola, or grapeseed work best. They have high smoke points and help achieve a golden, crispy exterior without overpowering the plantain’s flavor.

Can you make tostones in the air fryer ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Storing them in a single layer prevents moisture buildup.

How do you season air fryer tostones for extra flavor?

Sprinkle with salt immediately after cooking, then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lime. For a twist, try a dash of chili powder or adobo seasoning.

Are air fryer tostones healthier than traditional fried ones?

Absolutely! Air fryer tostones use up to 80% less oil, reducing calories and fat while keeping the same satisfying crunch. Perfect for guilt-free snacking!