← BlogJune 29, 2026

How to Make the Perfect Crispy Tostones with Dipping Sauce

Latin American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings

gluten-freevegetariandairy-free
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Crispy Tostones with Dipping Sauce

These crispy tostones are a super kid friendly recipe because kids absolutely love the crunchy twice-fried green plantain discs. Paired with a simple garlic dipping sauce they make a fantastic snack or side dish that disappears fast.

Why this recipe works

This Crispy Tostones with Dipping Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

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What you will need

This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

  • 2 whole green plantains peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Step by step instructions

Step 1: First Fry the Plantains

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry plantain rounds for 3 minutes per side until lightly golden then remove and drain.

Step 2: Smash Them Flat

Place each plantain round on a cutting board and press flat with the bottom of a glass or flat spatula to about quarter inch thickness.

Step 3: Second Fry Until Crispy

Return smashed plantains to hot oil and fry again for 2 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy, then drain and salt.

Step 4: Make Dip and Serve

Mix mayonnaise with garlic and lime juice for a simple dipping sauce and serve alongside hot tostones.

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Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

  • vegetable oil → coconut oil for a lighter frying option with a subtle flavor
  • mayonnaise dip → sour cream dip for a tangy alternative kids enjoy

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

  • Using ripe yellow plantains instead of green ones results in sweet soft tostones instead of crispy savory ones
  • Skipping the second fry means the tostones will not be crispy and will disappoint kids expecting a crunch

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 220 calories, 2g protein, 36g carbs, 9g fat, 3g fiber.

Ready to cook?

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