Tostones

Tostones may be introduced once a toddler has had substantial practice chewing challenging foods and is taking appropriate-sized bites, which is often around 24 months of age, although some children may be ready a little earlier or a little later. 

Tostones—twice-fried, flattened discs of green plantain—are a cornerstone dish across the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Latin communities around the world, where they are also known as patacones (in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, and Costa Rica) and bannann peze in Haiti. Made from unripe green plantain, tostones are starchy, savory, and mildly flavored, with a crispy exterior. They are typically salted and served alongside rice and beans, meat, or fish, or eaten as a snack with dipping sauces like mojo.

• Many traditional dipping sauces for tostones contain common allergens–eggs (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese sauce)–which should be introduced individually before serving combined in a sauce or dip.

• Reheat leftovers carefully. Refrigerated leftover tostones can be briefly re-fried or air-fried to crisp up again, but re-test the texture after reheating, as they can harden.

Yes. Tostones are firm, dense, and typically served in thick discs that require lots of chewing to break down, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve tostones in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of a child during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Plantains are not a common allergen, although individuals with ragweed allergy or latex allergy may be sensitive to plantains, and tostones do not typically contain common allergens.^{[1] [2]} Read the label on store-bought versions of tostones, which may contain common allergens, and check that any common allergens in dips or sauces have been safely introduced before serving with tostones.

Yes, with some considerations. Green plantains—the base of tostones—are a good source of resistant starch and complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and support digestive health. They also offer potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, nutrients that support healthy growth, immune function, and brain development.

Tostones can be high in sodium, but sharing meals, even if those meals contain some salt, involves a child in their family food culture, which has other benefits. Family meals are opportunities for children to explore a wide variety of food, practice eating food with different colors, flavors, and textures, and get comfortable with food that you like to eat. Learn more about salt.

Occasional fried foods are fine for toddlers as part of a varied diet. The concern with fried foods is less about the cooking method itself and more about overall dietary balance. A toddler who eats a wide variety of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can absolutely enjoy tostones among other fried foods sometimes.

Yes. You can make tostones in an air fryer, which can result in a slightly less oily product, though the texture may differ from traditionally fried ones.

Tostones pair well with a wide range of foods. Black beans—whole, mashed, or as a dip—add protein and fiber. Avocado or guacamole adds healthy fats. Traditional dips and sauces like mayo-ketchup or garlic mojo are fine for toddlers too.