Air-Fryer Jicama Fries: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Jicama is a root vegetable native to Mexico and is often used as a low-carb alternative to potatoes. Jicama fries are a healthier version of French fries and can be made in an air fryer or baked in the oven. They are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and spices, and are a great side dish or snack.

How to cut jicama for fries

Step 1: Peel the jicama

Remove the skin of the jicama with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.

Step 2: Cut the jicama into fries

Using a sharp knife, slice the jicama into thin matchsticks, about 1/4-inch thick and 3 to 4 inches long. You can also cut the jicama into rounds and then into spears before cutting into fries. The size doesn't have to be exact, but try to keep the fries a uniform size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: (Optional) Microwave the jicama sticks

Place the jicama sticks in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water and cover. Microwave for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, to slightly soften the jicama. This step is optional but will help reduce the crunchiness of the jicama and make the fries more tender.

Step 4: Boil the jicama fries

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the jicama fries. Boil for 10-25 minutes, until the jicama is soft and the colour has changed to a slightly translucent white. The time will vary depending on the thickness of your fries.

Step 5: Dry the jicama fries

Once the jicama fries are soft, drain the water and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step will help the fries get crispy in the air fryer.

How to boil jicama for fries

To make jicama fries in an air fryer, you'll need to first boil the jicama. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

• Peel and Cut the Jicama: Start by peeling the jicama with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Then, cut it into fries of your desired thickness. A good size is around 3 to 4 inches long and about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
• Boil the Jicama: Place the cut jicama into a pot of boiling water. Boil until the jicama is very soft and the colour and texture have changed, similar to a cooked potato. The boiling time will vary depending on the thickness of your fries, but it typically takes around 10-25 minutes.
• Drain and Dry: Once the jicama is soft, remove it from the heat and drain the water. Use a paper towel to pat the jicama fries dry. This step is important as it ensures that the jicama is no longer crunchy and prepares it for the next steps.

At this stage, your jicama is ready to be air-fried or baked to get that crispy texture. You can season the jicama with your choice of spices and oil before placing it in the air fryer or oven.

How to season jicama fries

Jicama fries are a great healthier alternative to French fries, with a similar crispness and a slightly sweet taste.

• Jicama fries can be seasoned with a variety of spices such as garlic powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• It is recommended to use more salt than usual due to the natural sweetness of jicama.
• You can also experiment with different spice blends such as lemon pepper seasoning, ranch seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the spice blend.
• If you're looking for a more savoury flavour profile, smoked paprika can be a great addition.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices to find your favourite flavour.

Step 1: Cut and Boil the Jicama

Peel the jicama and cut it into fries, aiming for a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch and a length of 3 to 4 inches. Place the jicama fries into a pot of boiling water and boil until they are very soft, similar to a cooked potato. The colour and texture will change as they boil.

Step 2: Dry the Jicama Fries

Once the jicama fries are soft, drain the water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the fries don't end up soggy.

Step 3: Season the Jicama Fries

Place the dried jicama fries in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. Toss the fries to coat them evenly with the oil.

Now it's time to add the spices! You can use a combination of garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can also add other spices like paprika or onion powder for extra flavour.

Step 4: Air Fry the Jicama Fries

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned jicama fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry the jicama fries until they are golden and crispy. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the jicama fries from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They are great on their own as a snack or as a side dish with your favourite dipping sauces.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy jicama fries!

How to cook jicama fries in the air fryer

Jicama fries are a great, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They are also a good option for those on a low-carb or keto diet. Jicama is a root vegetable that is similar to a potato but with a slightly sweet taste. It is also known as a Mexican yam bean or Mexican potato.

Ingredients:

• Jicama
• Oil (olive, avocado, or another cooking oil of your choice)
• Spices (garlic powder, cumin, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, etc.)

Method:

• Cut the jicama into French-fry-shaped sticks, about 3 to 4 inches long and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
• Place the jicama sticks into a pot of boiling water and boil until they are very soft and the colour and texture have changed.
• Drain the water and pat the jicama sticks dry with a paper towel.
• In a large bowl, drizzle the jicama with oil and season with your chosen spices. Toss to coat the jicama sticks evenly.
• Place the jicama sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry until golden and crispy.

Tips:

• Jicama needs to be boiled first to soften it and make it closer in texture to a potato. If you don't boil it first, it will retain a crunchy texture.
• Jicama is sweeter than a potato, so make sure to use enough salt and other seasonings to balance the flavour.
• You can also bake jicama fries in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Simply place the seasoned jicama sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees F for 20-40 minutes, until golden and crispy.

How to store leftover jicama fries

To store leftover jicama fries, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.

To reheat, use the air fryer or oven for about 10 minutes until crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, at 50% power, but this will affect the texture.

You can also freeze leftover jicama fries. Allow them to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions