Air-Fryer Jicama Fries: A Healthy, Tasty Treat

Air fryer jicama fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. With a sweet and nutty flavour, jicama is a root vegetable native to Mexico and is a great low-carb substitute for potatoes. To make jicama fries, simply cut the jicama into fries, boil them, season with your choice of spices, and air fry until golden and crispy. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side dish with your favourite burger or steak!

Choosing and preparing the jicama

Choosing the Jicama

When selecting a jicama at the grocery store, look for one that feels firm to the touch when you give it a gentle squeeze. It's normal for the brown skin to have a few small blemishes, but avoid any jicama with large blemishes. You can also buy pre-cut jicama from the salad section of the grocery store.

Preparing the Jicama

• Start by peeling the jicama with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
• Cut the jicama into thin slices or sticks, resembling french fries. The recommended size is around 3 to 4 inches long and about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
• Place the sliced jicama in a large pot of boiling water and cook until very soft, similar to a cooked potato. The colour and texture will change during this process.
• Once the jicama is soft, drain the water and pat the jicama dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. This step is important to remove any excess water so that the oil will stick to the jicama and make them crispy later.

Now that your jicama is prepared, you can move on to seasoning and cooking them in the air fryer!

Boiling the jicama

First, peel the jicama with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Then, cut the jicama into fries, aiming for a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch and a length of 3 to 4 inches.

Next, fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully place the jicama fries into the boiling water and cook until they are very soft, resembling a cooked potato in texture. The colour of the jicama will also change to a slightly translucent shade. This process should take between 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Once the jicama fries are soft, remove them from the heat and drain the water. It is important to pat the jicama fries dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. This step is crucial as it ensures that the oil will stick to the jicama and help achieve a crispy texture when air frying or baking.

Now that your jicama is boiled, you can proceed to the next steps of either air frying or baking to get them browned and crispy!

Seasoning the jicama

Jicama is a root vegetable that is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, and a crunchy texture.

There are a variety of seasonings that can be used to enhance the flavour of jicama fries. Here are some ideas for seasoning combinations:

Seasoning Combination 1:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Seasoning Combination 2:

• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt

Seasoning Combination 3:

• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Cajun seasoning

You can also experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and black pepper.

When seasoning the jicama, it is important to first toss the jicama fries in oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the jicama and ensure even coating. After tossing the jicama in oil, add the desired seasonings and toss again until the jicama is evenly coated.

It is also important to note that jicama has a natural sweet taste, so it is recommended to use a generous amount of salt and not to skip the seasonings.

Air-frying the jicama

Now, it's time to cook! Place your jicama fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches.

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, they will take around 10-15 minutes to cook. You may need to pause and shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Your jicama fries are ready when they are golden and crispy. Repeat the process with the remaining fries, if necessary.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy jicama fries!

Storing and reheating the jicama fries

Storing and reheating jicama fries is simple!

First, it is important to note that jicama fries should not be frozen after they have been cooked, as they will turn out soggy. However, you can freeze uncooked jicama fries and bake them from frozen. To do this, flash-freeze them on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then transfer them to a Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to cook them, simply add them to the air fryer or oven and cook as normal.

If you want to store your jicama fries in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and they will last for up to 4-5 days.

When you are ready to reheat your jicama fries, the best way to do so is in the air fryer or oven. Reheat them at around 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are crispy.

If you are short on time, you can also reheat jicama fries in the microwave, but be aware that they may turn out soggy.

Frequently asked questions