Crispy Air Fryer Tostones – Easy Fried Green Plantains Without the Mess!

There’s nothing like some delicious, crispy, golden tostones to complete a meal—I’ve been eating fried green plantains aka patacones my whole life, and they go with just about everything! Whether you’re pairing them with longaniza frita, pollo guisado, or even scooping up some Asopado de Camarones, tostones are a must in Dominican cooking. 

But let’s be real—deep frying can be messy, and sometimes you just want a quicker, healthier option. That’s where these Air Fryer Tostones come in! You still get that delicious crispy bite but without all the oil. Plus, if you love tostones rellenos, you can easily shape these into cups for a fun twist. 

Of course, if you’re in the mood for the classic deep-fried version, be sure to check out my traditional tostones recipe! But if you’re looking for a healthier, less messy alternative, let’s make tostones in the air fryer—you won’t believe how simple it is!

How to Make Tostones in the Air Fryer

Making fried green plantains in the air fryer is easier than you think! Here’s a simple breakdown:

Prep the Plantains: Start by peeling two green plantains and cutting them into 1-inch rounds. Green plantains can be a little stubborn to peel, so a good trick is to cut off the ends, make a shallow slit along the ridges, and use your fingers to pry the peel off. If you need a full step-by-step guide, check out my post on how to peel plantains for all my best tips! 

First Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Toss the plantain slices in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring they’re well coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be fork-tender but not crispy yet—this is just the first step!

Smash Time! Remove the plantains from the air fryer and flatten each piece to about ¼-inch thick using a tostonera (or the bottom of a cup if you don’t have one). This step is what gives tostones their signature shape and crispy edges.

Second Air Fry for That Perfect Crisp: Brush the flattened plantains with the remaining oil, making sure to get both sides. Pop them back into the air fryer and cook for another 8 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

Season & Serve: Sprinkle with sea salt while they’re hot, and that’s it—crispy, crunchy air fryer tostones with no greasy mess!

Serving Suggestions

Tostones are incredibly versatile, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• With a garlicky dipping sauce – A quick mojo de ajo (garlic-lime sauce) takes them to the next level.
• With a creamy dip – Try them with mayo-ketchup sauce, a zesty spicy aioli, or even guacamole for a delicious twist.
• As a side dish – Perfect with pollo guisado, longaniza frita, or even a comforting asopado de camarones.
• Topped with fresh salsa – Serve with pico de gallo for a bright, fresh contrast to the crispy plantains.
• Tostones rellenos – Before the second air fry, shape them into small cups using a muffin tin and fill them with camarones guisados (Stewed Shrimp), pork picadillo (or beef), or ropa vieja for a fun, flavorful bite!

Storage Tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate – Store cooled tostones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat – To bring back the crispiness, pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soft and chewy!
• Freeze for later – Freeze smashed, pre-fried tostones in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen at 390°F for about 6-8 minutes.

Recipe Tips

• Use super green plantains – The greener, the better! Ripe plantains will be too sweet and soft for tostones.
• Don’t skip the double-fry method – This is key for that crispy, restaurant-style texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Give the plantains space to crisp up properly.