Air-Fried Yuca: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer yuca fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable with a mild, nutty flavour. It is often found in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Making yuca fries in an air fryer is a simple process that yields crispy, golden brown results. The basic steps are as follows:

1. Prep the yuca by peeling and cutting it into fries.

2. Boil the yuca in salted water until fork-tender.

3. Drain and dry the yuca.

4. Season the yuca with oil and your choice of spices.

5. Air fry the yuca until golden and crispy.

Choosing and preparing the yuca

Choosing the right yuca is key to making delicious yuca fries. Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable with a tree bark-like skin and starchy white flesh. It is often found in the produce section of most grocery stores or in the freezer section. If you are using fresh yuca, look for firm and white yuca with a neutral smell. Avoid yuca with soft spots, browning, or a strong rancid smell as it has gone bad.

Preparing the yuca is a simple process but requires some attention to detail. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Peel and Cut the Yuca

Start by washing the yuca root and cutting off the ends. Then, cut the yuca in half or into thirds to make it easier to handle. Use a sharp knife or peeler to remove the tough outer skin, leaving only the fibrous white flesh. Be careful when using your fingers to peel the skin as it can get stuck underneath your nails.

Step 2: Boil the Yuca

Once the yuca is peeled and cut, it's time to boil it. Add the yuca to a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Boil the yuca for about 10-20 minutes, or until it is fork-tender. Don't overboil the yuca as it can become too soft.

Step 3: Drain and Cool the Yuca

After boiling, drain the yuca in a colander and set it aside to cool. It is important to let the yuca cool down before cutting it into fries to prevent it from becoming soggy. Avoid placing it on a hard surface or plate, and instead use a cooling rack.

Step 4: Cut the Yuca into Fries

Once the yuca is cool enough to handle, cut it in half lengthwise and remove the fibrous string in the center. Then, cut each half into 4-6 pieces, depending on the thickness you prefer. Try to cut the yuca into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Season the Yuca

Place the cut yuca into a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, paprika, or cajun seasoning. Toss the yuca until it is well coated with the seasonings.

Now that you have chosen and prepared your yuca, it is ready to be air-fried! Follow the air fryer instructions in your chosen recipe to cook the yuca to crispy perfection. Enjoy your delicious and healthy yuca fries as a side dish or snack!

Boiling the yuca

Prepping the Yuca

First, you'll need to peel and chop the yuca. Using a sharp knife, cut each yuca stalk into 2 or 3 pieces. Stand each piece upright on a flat side and carefully slice off the skin, turning the piece as you go. Cut the peeled yuca into batons to reveal the woody core, which you will need to remove. Then, cut the yuca into 1-inch chunks.

Place the chopped yuca in a large pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the yuca is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overboil the yuca, as this can make it too soft to work with.

Draining and Drying the Yuca

Drain the yuca in a colander and transfer it back to the empty pot. Let it sit for a few minutes to dry out. This step is important because if the yuca is not completely dry before cooking, it will steam instead of air fry, resulting in soggy fries.

Seasoning the yuca

Choosing Your Seasonings:

• Yuca is a versatile root vegetable that pairs well with various seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with different spice blends.
• A basic seasoning blend for yuca fries includes olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs such as oregano or parsley.
• For a Caribbean flair, try using Cajun seasoning, which is a blend of spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with other spices like chili powder, rosemary, thyme, or chili lime spice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Coating the Yuca:

• Once you've chosen your seasonings, it's time to coat the yuca. Place the cooked yuca fries in a large bowl and drizzle the oil and seasonings over them.
• Use your hands to toss and coat the fries evenly. Make sure each fry is well coated for maximum flavour.
• If you're using frozen yuca, make sure it is thawed and dried before coating it with the seasoning blend.

Air Frying the Seasoned Yuca:

• After coating the yuca, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place the fries in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F (180-190°C). The exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Air fry the yuca for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• If you have leftover seasoned yuca, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in the air fryer to regain their crispness.

Remember, the key to delicious yuca fries is to experiment and find the seasonings that you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to get creative and customise your fries to your taste preferences!

Cooking the yuca in the air fryer

First, prep the yuca by peeling and chopping it into fries or chunks. You will need a sharp knife, as yuca is a dense root vegetable.

Next, boil the yuca in salted water for around 10 minutes, or until fork-tender. This step ensures the yuca is cooked through and tender, with a soft inside and crispy exterior.

Drain the yuca and let it cool and dry. Then, toss the yuca with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs, and more.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F. Place the yuca in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren't touching. You may need to cook the yuca in batches.

Air fry the yuca for around 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your yuca fries or chunks, and the model of your air fryer.

Once cooked, sprinkle with additional seasonings, such as salt and lime juice, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Serving and storing the yuca

When serving your yuca, it is best to eat it fresh and hot. In Brazil, yuca is often enjoyed plain, sprinkled with salt, or dipped in ketchup or a mix of mayo and ketchup. For a gourmet twist, you could make truffle yuca fries by tossing them in truffle oil or truffle salt. You could also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as hot sauce, vegan BBQ sauce, Carolina mustard BBQ sauce, or vegan tartar sauce. They also go well with a cilantro-garlic dipping sauce made with sour cream, cilantro, garlic, lime, and salt.

In terms of storing your yuca, it is best to eat it immediately for the best texture and taste. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to regain their crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the yuca soggy.

If you want to freeze your yuca, lay the cooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions