Tostones

Let’s talk Tostones—the crispy, salty, perfectly golden bites of joy that will 100% steal the spotlight at your next meal or snack spread. Whether you’re new to plantains or already a fan, tostones are one of those snacks that are so simple, so satisfying, and so ridiculously good you’ll find yourself craving them often.

They’re made from green plantains, sliced and fried twice (yep, double the crunch!), then sprinkled with salt and served hot. The outsides are super crispy, while the inside stays a little soft and starchy—like a fry and a chip had a delicious tropical baby. Eat them with a garlicky dipping sauce, scoop up some guac, or pair them with a juicy protein… no matter how you serve them, one batch is never enough.

Why You’ll Love Tostones

Crispy and Satisfying: That twice-fried texture is unbeatable. Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle—it’s everything you want in a bite.

Simple Ingredients: All you need is green plantains, oil, and salt. That’s it. Seriously.

Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan: Tostones fit into so many dietary lifestyles, making them perfect for entertaining or snacking.

Super Versatile: They’re great as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Serve them with everything from grilled meats to tropical salsas.

Quick to Make: Once you try them, you’ll be amazed how easy and fast they are to whip up with minimal fuss.

Ingredients in Tostones

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Green Plantains

These are the starchy, unripe version of bananas. You want them firm and green—avoid any yellowing or soft spots for the best texture.

Vegetable Oil

Used for frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, so you get a perfectly crispy fry without burning.

Salt

A generous sprinkle of salt after frying is essential. It brings out the natural flavor of the plantains and makes them completely irresistible.

Optional Dipping Sauce

Think garlic mojo, spicy mayo, or even guacamole—these little crispy rounds are the perfect vehicle for your favorite dips.

Instructions

Peel and Slice the Plantains

Cut off both ends of each plantain. Score the skin lengthwise in a few spots and gently remove the peel (it’s tougher than a banana’s, so take your time). Slice the plantains into 1-inch rounds.

First Fry

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the plantain rounds in batches—don’t crowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Smash ‘Em

Using the bottom of a glass, a tostonera (if you’ve got one), or a flat spatula, gently press each fried round to flatten them into discs about 1/4 inch thick.

Second Fry

Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again—this time for 1-2 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Season and Serve

While still hot, sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or toppings!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 1g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation method.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Tostones

With Dipping Sauce: Garlic mojo (olive oil, garlic, lime) is a classic, but creamy dips like chipotle mayo or avocado crema are amazing too.

Topped with Protein: Add shredded pork, grilled chicken, or ceviche for a snack that doubles as a mini meal.

With Guacamole or Salsa: Scoop up your favorite chunky dip with a crispy tostone. They’re like chips, only better.

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside rice and beans, grilled meats, or seafood for a full Caribbean-style plate.

Breakfast Style: Top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of cheese for a savory, satisfying morning dish.

Additional Tips

Use Firm Green Plantains: Ripe (yellow) plantains will be sweet and soft—not what you want here. Look for bright green ones.

Double Fry = Crisp Perfection: That second fry is where the magic happens. Don’t skip it—it makes all the difference.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure they get crispy, not soggy.

Salt While Hot: Season as soon as they come out of the oil so the salt sticks perfectly.

Get Creative: These are a blank canvas for flavor. Add garlic powder, chili flakes, or even lime zest for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make tostones ahead of time?
A1: Tostones are best fresh, but you can do the first fry and flatten them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, then do the second fry right before serving.

Q2: Can I air fry tostones?
A2: Yes! After flattening, brush with a little oil and air fry at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Q3: Can I bake tostones instead of frying?
A3: You can! They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’re still delicious. Brush both sides with oil and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q4: What’s the difference between tostones and maduros?
A4: Tostones are made from green, starchy plantains and are savory. Maduros are made from ripe, yellow plantains and are sweet and caramelized when cooked.

Q5: Can I freeze tostones?
A5: Yes! After the first fry and flattening, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Fry straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to cooking time.

Q6: What oil is best for frying tostones?
A6: Use a neutral, high-heat oil like canola, peanut, or sunflower oil for best results.

Q7: Are tostones healthy?
A7: They’re a treat! While they are fried, they’re naturally gluten-free and made from whole ingredients. You can also bake or air fry them for a lighter version.

Q8: Can I use yellow plantains?
A8: Not for tostones! Yellow plantains are too soft and sweet. You want firm, green plantains for that classic tostone texture.

Q9: How do I keep tostones warm and crispy?
A9: Place them on a wire rack in a warm oven (about 200°F) while you finish frying the rest. This keeps them crisp until serving.

Q10: Can I flavor the oil for extra taste?
A10: Yes! Add a smashed garlic clove to the oil while frying for a subtle garlicky flavor boost.

Conclusion

Tostones are the snack you didn’t know you needed—but now you won’t be able to live without. Crispy, golden, and endlessly versatile, they’re easy enough to whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or even a base for your favorite toppings, one thing’s for sure: they’re gonna disappear fast. So grab some green plantains and get ready to fall in love—twice fried, double the joy.

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