Sweet fried plantains (Maduros) are made with ripe plantains sliced and fried once. They are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and sweet. Tostones are made with sliced green unripe plantains, fried once, flattened, and then fried again for a crispier texture. Tostones are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Tostones can be considered the savory twin of Maduros. They're both delicious but offer different taste experiences!