The Ultimate Crispy Fried Patacones Recipe for Golden Perfection

Golden, crisp, and utterly irresistible, these fried patacones dance with vibrant Caribbean flavors that transport you straight to tropical coastlines.

Smashing green plantains into delectable fried patacones creates a crispy delicacy beloved across Latin America.

Colombian and Panamanian kitchens have perfected this simple yet mouthwatering technique for generations.

Each plantain transforms from a tough, green fruit into a crunchy, addictive snack with just a few strategic steps.

The magic happens when you flatten, fry, and season these delightful discs to golden perfection.

Served alongside zesty dips or as a standalone treat, patacones promise a crunch that will make your taste buds sing.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich, bold spirit of Latin American street food.

Patacones Toppings and Sauces to Try

• Cheese-Stuffed Patacones: Fill flattened plantain pieces with soft cheese before second frying for a gooey, melted center.
• Spicy Herb Patacones: Mix chopped cilantro, chili flakes, and garlic into salt seasoning for extra flavor kick.
• Gluten-Free Baked Version: Replace frying with oven baking at 425°F, brushing with olive oil for crispy texture.
• Vegan Coconut Patacones: Substitute salt with coconut amino seasoning and use coconut oil for cooking to enhance tropical notes.

How to Serve Patacones as a Snack

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy patacones on a large wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy salsa, or chimichurri for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Hearty Accompaniment: Pair these golden plantain discs with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a crunchy side alongside black beans and rice for a complete Latin American-inspired meal.
• Quick Snack Attack: Serve hot and fresh directly from the pan as a crowd-pleasing finger food during game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Breakfast Bonus: Top patacones with scrambled eggs, fresh herbs, or crumbled queso fresco for a delightful morning twist that transforms this classic dish into a satisfying breakfast treat.

Patacones Storage for Crunchiness

• Place cooled patacones in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual patacones in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain crispy texture.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange patacones on baking sheet, bake 5-7 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Ensures crunchiness returns and maintains original golden-brown color.

FAQs

• What are patacones?

Patacones (also known as tostones) are twice-fried green plantain slices popular in Latin American cuisine, typically served as a crispy side dish or snack.

• Why use green plantains for this recipe?

Green plantains are firmer and less sweet, making them perfect for achieving a crispy texture and neutral flavor that works well as a savory side dish.

• Can I make patacones without a tostonera?

Yes, you can use a flat-bottomed bowl, the bottom of a glass, or a heavy spatula to flatten the partially fried plantain pieces.

• How do I know when the plantains are cooked correctly?

Look for a light golden color during the first fry and a crispy, golden-brown exterior during the second fry. The edges should be slightly darker and the texture should be crunchy.

Why Crispy Fried Patacones Are So Addictive

• Dive into a traditional Latin American dish that brings international flavor right to your kitchen, offering an exciting culinary adventure without complicated techniques.
• Learn a simple two-step frying method that transforms ordinary plantains into golden, crunchy bites perfect for snacking or as a side dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Experiment with different salt variations, dipping sauces, or toppings to personalize these crispy patacones and make them uniquely yours, adding excitement to your meal preparation.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dish using affordable, readily available ingredients that can feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it an excellent option for gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients for Perfect Patacones

• Green Plantains: Starchy tropical fruit that becomes crispy and golden when fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for deep frying the plantain pieces to achieve a perfect crispy texture.

• Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the crispy patacones, adding a delightful savory touch.

• Paper Towels, Tostonera or Flat-Bottomed Bowl: Used for draining excess oil and flattening the fried plantain pieces to create the signature patacones shape.

Tools for Crispy Patacones Preparation

• Deep Frying Pan: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for safely frying plantain chunks.
• Paper Towels: Essential for draining excess oil after each frying stage.
• Tostonera or Flat-Bottomed Bowl: Used for smashing plantain pieces into thin, flat discs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to score and peel plantain skin, then cut into chunks.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely moving and turning plantain pieces in hot oil.
• Sea Salt Shaker: For seasoning patacones right after frying.

Patacones Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heating the Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet, creating a depth of about one inch.

Set the stove to low-medium heat, allowing the oil to warm gradually and create an ideal frying environment.

Step 2: Preparing Green Plantains

Select firm green plantains with minimal blemishes.

Use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise cut through the skin.

Carefully peel away the thick skin and slice the plantain into uniform chunks approximately one inch thick.

Step 3: Initial Frying Process

Gently place plantain chunks into the heated oil.

Cook each piece for two to three minutes per side, watching for a light golden color to develop.

Use tongs to flip and ensure even cooking.

Transfer fried pieces onto a layer of paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Flattening the Plantain Pieces

Take each partially cooked plantain piece and press it flat.

If you have a tostonera, use it to create uniform thickness.

Without a tostonera, use a flat-bottomed glass or small cutting board to gently smash each piece into a thin disk.

Step 5: Final Crispy Frying

Increase the stovetop heat to medium.

Carefully place the flattened plantain disks back into the hot oil.

Fry for one to two minutes on each side, rotating until they turn a deep golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 6: Serving the Patacones

Remove the patacones from the oil and place them on fresh paper towels to drain any remaining oil.

Sprinkle with fine sea salt while still hot.

Serve immediately as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Tips for Golden Fried Patacones Every Time

• Choose green, firm plantains for the crispiest texture and best results.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature between 350-375°F to ensure even cooking and golden-brown color.
• Flatten patacones to about 1/4-inch thickness for maximum crunchiness and quick cooking.
• Sprinkle sea salt immediately after the second fry to help salt adhere and enhance flavor.
• Use multiple layers of paper towels to remove excess oil and keep patacones crisp.

Crispy Fried Patacones Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Salvadoran patacones highlight green plantains smashed and twice-fried to crispy perfection. Golden brown discs deliver authentic Central American street snack satisfaction you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Plantains and Oil:

• 2 green plantains
• 12–20 ounces (340–567 grams) avocado oil

Seasoning:

• 1 pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the frying oil by pouring it into a pan, creating a depth of approximately one inch. Gently heat the oil on low to medium temperature.
2. Carefully slice the plantain skin lengthwise, remove the peel, and cut the fruit into uniform one-inch chunks.
3. Submerge the plantain pieces in the warm oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden hue. Remove and let excess oil drain on absorbent paper towels.
4. Using a tostonera or a flat-bottomed bowl, firmly press and flatten each fried plantain chunk to create thin, wide discs.
5. Elevate the oil temperature to medium heat, then carefully return the flattened plantain discs to the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring they transform into crispy, golden-brown patacones.
6. Transfer the patacones to fresh paper towels to eliminate any remaining oil. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Choose green, firm plantains for the best texture and crunchiness.
• Use a tostonera or heavy glass to flatten evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent crispiness.
• Keep oil temperature consistent between 350-375°F to prevent soggy or burnt patacones.
• Salt immediately after second fry to help seasoning adhere and enhance flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg