Plantain, plátano, or bannann are a staple in Caribbean cuisine, especially fried. Tostones are one of the best side dishes ever, period. Cripsy, oily and a perfect mini edible plate that can be topped with shrimp, chicharron (fried pork or griot) or even just some hot sauce. If you’re on a fitness journey or trying to eat a bit healthier, you’ve probably googled “air fried tostones” and found tons of recipe. You’ve might have even tried one for yourself and realized it’s just not…giving.
I feel you! As a nutrition coach and recipe developer, I’m always looking for alternative cooking methods to cook my favorite Dominican dishes but could not figure out how to make air fried tostones not taste dry. They also had a slightly “off” after taste but this is just my experience, it could totally be different for you! After failing to like a few recipes, I was on a mission to brainstorm how I could still eat some crispy plátanos while meeting my goals, so I thought, why not turn the tostones into fries?
If we change the shape, par boil and then air fry, theres no way it would not work and guess what? It did work!
Crispy, healthy tostones fries are perfect for your mid week meal prep (you can pre freeze these in their shape) and make them in 20 mins as a side dish for dinner. And for the gluten free people dem? They’re obviously gluten free and pair well with literally any protein and a little kachú on the side (that’s ketchup).
Find the recipe down below. Hope you love them. Happy eating!
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Green Plantain
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Parsley
Boil water in a bot with a pinch of salt.
Peel and cut your green plantain into fry shapes (while the water boils). They don't have to be perfect but you want to make sure they are similar in size to allow even cooking. A little tip to peel green plantain quicker, soak them in hot water for 1-2 minutes, cut then ends then make a slit down the middle and peel it open.
Boil the plantain for 5 minutes. This is called parboiling. This allows for the inside to be tender and not tough and rough.
Take plantain out of water and add your olive oil, salt and garlic powder.
Air fry on 375°F for 12-14 minutes depending on your air fryer. If you want to use the oven instead, preheat your oven to 425°F before starting the cooking process and bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired crispness.
Split your fries into 2 servings and enjoy with your favorite protein and vegetables. 1/2 a serving of plantain is a mindful serving for anyone who might be more in tuned with their calorie intake, you are more than welcomed to enjoy all the fries though!
