Ingredients

2 medium green plantains

Olive oil cooking spray

3 cups warm water

2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning

1/2 tsp. plus 1 pinch 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

Step 1: Trim and discard the ends of the plantains. Slice a slit along the length of each plantain peel, being careful not to cut the flesh. Cut the plantains crosswise into 1-inch rounds. Remove the peel from each slice using your fingers or the back of a spoon, then discard the peel.

Step 2: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook at 400°F until the plantains are just tender enough to smash but still hold together, about 6 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer the cooked plantains to a work surface. Using the bottom of a cup, gently flatten each slice into a disk.

Step 4: In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until the salt dissolves. Soak the flattened plantains in the mixture for 5 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels. Spray both sides of the tostones with cooking spray.

Step 5: Arrange the tostones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Cook at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, ground cumin, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth. Serve the crispy tostones with the creamy mojo dipping sauce alongside.

Tips & Variations

Choose firm, bright green plantains for the best texture and flavor.

Spraying the air fryer basket and tostones generously helps achieve maximum crispness without deep frying.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mojo sauce.

Use lime juice alone if you don’t have fresh orange juice; it still brightens the sauce beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make tostones without an air fryer?

Yes, tostones can be made by frying the plantain slices in hot oil on the stovetop, but using an air fryer provides a healthier, less oily alternative with similar crispness.

How do I know when plantains are ready to smash?

The plantains should be tender enough to flatten without breaking apart, which usually takes about 6 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. If they’re too firm, cook a couple of minutes longer.