Air-Fryer Cassava Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cassava chips are a tasty, healthier alternative to regular potato chips. Cassava, also known as yuca, is a root vegetable with a nutty flavour and starchy texture. It is commonly eaten in West Africa, the Caribbean, South America and some South East Asian countries.

Making cassava chips in an air fryer is an easy, quick process. First, peel the cassava and cut it into thin, even slices. Then, soak the slices in cold water for around 10-15 minutes. Drain the cassava and dry thoroughly. Next, add oil and seasoning. Pre-heat the air fryer and cook the cassava for around 8-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden and crispy.

Cassava chip preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make cassava chips in an air fryer:

• 1 pound of cassava root (also known as yuca or manioc)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice
• Spices for seasoning (such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Peel the cassava root and cut it into thin slices or sticks. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to get even slices.
• Soak the cassava slices in cold water for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures crispier chips.
• Drain the cassava slices and blot them dry with a paper towel. Removing the moisture is crucial for achieving crispiness.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
• In a large bowl, mix the cassava slices with olive oil and your desired spices. Toss them well to ensure an even coating.
• Place the seasoned cassava slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the cassava chips for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Shake the basket or flip the chips halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Once the chips are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down. They will crisp up further as they rest.
• Serve the cassava chips with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• It is important to dry the cassava slices thoroughly after soaking to ensure crispiness.
• You can adjust the spices and seasonings to your preference or add additional ones like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake the cassava chips in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or deep fry them in oil for a more indulgent treat.
• Cassava must be peeled and cooked before consuming as it contains toxins when raw. Boiling cassava before air frying helps remove these toxins and ensures a tender interior.
• Store any leftover cassava chips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. This step is not mandatory, but it can help ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) if you plan to boil the cassava first, as some recipes suggest. However, if you are air-frying the cassava directly after slicing and seasoning, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) or 370°F/185°C.

Air Frying the Cassava:

Place the seasoned cassava chips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some overlap to prevent them from flying around. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to allow for even cooking. Set the temperature between 338°F and 370°F (170°C to 185°C) and air fry for up to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the chips, and remove them once they turn golden with crispy edges. Shake or flip the basket and lightly spray the chips with oil every few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Customizing the Cooking Time:

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cassava chips and the model of your air fryer. Thinner chips will cook faster and become crispier. It is important to check on the chips regularly to prevent overcooking or burning. If some chips cook faster than others, remove them from the air fryer and continue air frying the rest.

Reheating and Storing:

Cassava chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, place the chips back in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until crispy again.

Troubleshooting:

If your cassava chips turn out mushy, it could be due to incomplete drying before cooking. Ensure that the cassava slices are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chips from getting crispy.

Boiling cassava

Next, place the cassava pieces in a saucepan and cover them with water. You can add salt to the water if desired. Bring the water to a boil, then let the cassava cook for around 30 minutes, or until the root is very soft. The cassava will turn from white to a pale yellow colour when it is cooked. It is important not to boil the cassava for too long, as it will become mushy and sticky.

Once the cassava is tender, remove it from the heat and drain the water. Your boiled cassava is now ready to be eaten! It can be served hot with grated coconut and a hot chilli sambal, or with a kari koko ton—a Creole tuna curry cooked with coconut milk, turmeric and cinnamon leaves.

Seasoning options

Spicy Options:

If you like your cassava chips with a kick, consider adding some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also try a chili lime spice blend for a Caribbean twist. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of pepper or chili flakes, such as smoked paprika or ground black pepper.

Herbal Options:

For a more herbal flavor, you can use dried herbs such as oregano, parsley, or Italian herbs. Fresh herbs can also be used, such as cilantro. You could also add some garlic powder, onion powder, or garlic granules for an extra punch of flavor.

Salt and Pepper:

Of course, the classic combination of salt and pepper can also be used to season your cassava chips. You can use regular table salt or get creative with pink salt or kosher salt.

Other Options:

For a unique twist, try using truffle oil or truffle salt. You can also mix cassava with sweet potatoes or regular potatoes for a varied texture and flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect combination!

Serving suggestions

These cassava chips are a great standalone snack, but they also work well as a side dish. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• With burgers and sandwiches: Try them with black bean quinoa burgers, vegan hemp burgers, high-protein veggie burgers, a vegan chicken sandwich, or a falafel wrap.
• With entrees: They go well with portobello mushroom steaks, vegan quinoa patties, and vegan black bean chilli.
• With other appetisers: Include them in a spread with finger foods like air fryer mozzarella sticks, vegan sausage balls, and vegan quesadillas.
• With sauces: Try them with ketchup, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or vegan tartar sauce.
• With other types of fries: Mix them with sweet potato fries and regular potato fries.
• With a gourmet twist: Make truffle yucca fries by tossing them with truffle oil or truffle salt.
• Caribbean-style: Add chili lime spice or Old El Paso taco seasoning.

Frequently asked questions