Air Fryer Tostones with Creamy Mojo Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These crispy air fryer tostones are a delicious and healthier twist on the traditional fried plantains. Served with a creamy mojo dipping sauce, they make a perfect snack or side dish with vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

• 2 medium green plantains
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 3 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more
• 1/2 tsp. plus 1 pinch of garlic powder
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Trim and discard the ends of the plantains. Using a knife, slice a slit along the length of each plantain peel, avoiding the flesh. Slice the plantains crosswise into 1-inch rounds. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, remove the peel from each slice and discard it.
2. Step 2: Lightly coat an air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange the plantain slices in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 400°F until just tender enough to smash but still holding together, about 6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked plantains to a work surface. Using the bottom of a cup, gently flatten each piece into a disk.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until the salt dissolves. Soak the flattened tostones in this mixture for 5 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Spray both sides of the dried tostones with cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Working in batches, place the tostones in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, ground cumin, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth. Serve the crispy tostones alongside this creamy mojo dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use green plantains for the best texture; ripe ones will be too sweet and soft for tostones.
• You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a tangier dipping sauce.
• Adding a little minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the dipping sauce can boost the flavor.
• For an extra crispy finish, flip the tostones halfway through the second air-fry cooking step.

Storage

Store leftover tostones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Keep the mojo sauce refrigerated separately and stir before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the tostones in a preheated oven at 425°F. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes each side until golden and crispy.

Why soak the plantains in salted water?

Soaking the flattened plantains in salted water helps remove excess starch and adds flavor, ensuring the tostones develop a better texture and crispness after air frying.

Air Fryer Tostones with Creamy Mojo Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Tostones are twice-fried green plantain slices perfect for a crunchy snack or side dish. Served with a creamy, tangy Mojo dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh citrus, cilantro, and a hint of cumin, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried Caribbean tostones using an air fryer, delivering golden-brown texture with less oil and fuss.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tostones

• 2 medium green plantains
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 3 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, plus 1 pinch

Creamy Mojo Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Prepare the Plantains: Trim and discard the ends of the plantains. Using a knife, slice a lengthwise slit along the peel without cutting into the flesh. Cut the plantains crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to peel away and discard the skin from each slice.
2. First Air Fry: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer without overlapping and cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 6 minutes, or until tender enough to smash yet still holding their shape.
3. Flatten the Plantains: Transfer the cooked plantains to a clean surface. Use the bottom of a cup or similar flat object to gently press and flatten each slice into a disk about half-inch thick.
4. Soak and Dry: In a large bowl, combine warm water, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, stirring until salt dissolves. Soak the flattened tostones in this mixture for 5 minutes to enhance flavor and texture. After soaking, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
5. Spray and Second Air Fry: Lightly spray both sides of the dried tostones with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook again at 400°F (204°C) for about 7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove and season with additional kosher salt to taste.
6. Make the Mojo Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, ground cumin, remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
7. Serve: Plate the crispy tostones alongside the creamy Mojo dipping sauce for dipping and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use green, unripe plantains for the best tostones texture and flavor.
• Patting the tostones dry after soaking is essential to achieving a crispy finish.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can fry the tostones in a skillet with oil but the texture and fat content will differ.
• Adjust the citrus in the Mojo sauce for more tang or sweetness according to preference.
• These tostones are best served fresh for optimal crunch; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer briefly.

Keywords: tostones, air fryer tostones, plantain recipe, mojo sauce, crispy snack, Caribbean appetizer, healthy tostones