Plantains are a rich source of complex carbohydrates loaded with fiber that provide many benefits including micro-nutrients such as vitamin C, A, K, potassium and magnesium. They also have a low sugar content (only 3g per cup boiled) yielding an easy effect on blood sugar spike. This makes plantains a great way to get your healthy carbohydrates, depending on how you cook them. Most restaurants will deep fry them and make tostones (a Caribbean staple) to make them crispy and delicious but it’s definitely not the healthiest option…but I found a way!
This recipe has been my weekly go-to on days that I need the extra energy for a tough workout or run. When air fried, these tostones come out just as crispy and crunchy minus the oily texture you may find in restaurants. I pair them with eggs and veggies for breakfast or dip them in hummus and pesto as a snackl May take a few steps to make but you can meal prep them for the week and they provide all the crispy, crunchy, and salty goodness restaurant-made tostones give without the grease and guilt. Give them a go!
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 green plantains
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- Cut plantains in 2-inch width slices and place in a medium bowl.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and season lightly with salt.
- Place in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and place individual pieces between 2 sheets of wax paper. Using the bottom of a cup, press down with medium pressure to gently smash plantain into a flat shape.
- Toss all pieces back into the bowl and coat with remaining avocado oil.
- Place back into the air fryer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove immediately and season with a little bit more salt while the plaintains are still moist.