Air Fryer Yuca Fries: A Step-By-Step Guide

Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable that is a popular ingredient in Latin American cuisine. Yuca fries are a delicious, crispy alternative to traditional French fries, with a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior. They are a fantastic way to explore the rich flavours of Latin cuisine and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. In this article, we will discuss how to make yuca fries in an air fryer, a healthier alternative to deep frying.

How to cut yuca for frying

Preparing yuca for frying involves several steps, and it is important to note that yuca is always cut into thick wedges, as opposed to thinner French fries, to achieve the desired crispy outside and soft, dense texture on the inside. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut yuca for frying:

Step 1: Peel the Yuca

Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice the skin off the yuca root. You can also use your fingers, but be cautious as the skin may get stuck underneath your nails.

Step 2: Cut the Yuca in Half

For easier handling, slice the yuca in half lengthwise. This will make it more manageable to cut and prepare.

Step 3: Remove the Fibrous Core

Yuca has a fibrous inner core that should be removed. After peeling and halving the yuca, use a knife to cut away and discard the tough fibres that run through the centre.

Step 4: Cut the Yuca into Wedges or Sticks

Cut the peeled and halved yuca into thick rectangular wedges or sticks. For even cooking, try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible.

Step 5: Soak the Yuca (Optional)

Some recipes suggest soaking the cut yuca in cold water for 15-30 minutes before boiling. This step is optional but may help to remove some of the starch and improve the texture of the fries.

Step 6: Boil the Yuca

Place the yuca in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the yuca is fork-tender, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Drain the water and let the yuca cool down until it is easy to handle.

Step 7: Check for Remaining Fibres and Remove Them

Even after removing the core, there may still be some fibrous pieces in the yuca. Check the yuca wedges or sticks and remove any remaining fibres to ensure a smooth, creamy texture in the final fried product.

Now your yuca is ready to be seasoned and fried!

How to boil yuca

Boiling yuca is an essential step in making yuca fries as it ensures the yuca is tender and safe to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to boil yuca:

Step 1: Prepare the Yuca

Start by peeling the yuca using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Cut off both ends of the yuca root and remove the outer skin. Be sure to remove all the skin as it is thick and tough and not edible. Then, cut the yuca in half lengthwise and carefully slice down the length of each half to remove any remaining skin.

Step 2: Soak the Yuca

Once the yuca is peeled and cut, place the pieces in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This step helps to slow down oxidation and prevent the yuca from browning.

Step 3: Boil the Yuca

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You will need enough water to cover the yuca pieces. Add the yuca to the pot and boil until the yuca is fork-tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your yuca pieces. Be careful not to overcook the yuca, as it will become too soft.

Step 4: Drain and Cool the Yuca

Drain the boiled yuca in a colander and allow it to cool. You can also pat the yuca dry with a paper towel. At this point, you can proceed to the air fryer or store the boiled yuca in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days until you are ready to cook it.

How to season yuca fries

Seasoning yuca fries is a fun and versatile process, and you can get creative with your choice of herbs and spices.

A simple seasoning combination for yuca fries includes olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. You can also add paprika and parsley to this mix.

For a Caribbean twist, season your yuca fries with homemade cajun seasoning, parsley, and a pinch of pink salt to taste.

If you want to add some heat to your yuca fries, you can include spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes. For a more Caribbean flavour, add some chili lime spice or Old El Paso taco seasoning.

For a gourmet option, try making truffle yuca fries by tossing them with truffle oil or truffle salt.

You can also experiment with different types of oil, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or coconut oil, to add a unique flavour to your yuca fries.

How to cook frozen yuca in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen yuca
• Oil (avocado, olive, or coconut)
• Salt
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, Italian herbs, or Cajun seasoning)

Method:

• Place the frozen yuca chunks in a large saucepan of boiling water.
• Boil the yuca for several minutes until it is slightly fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as you still want it to be firm enough to cut into fries.
• Drain the water and let the yuca cool.
• Cut the yuca chunks into your desired fry shape and size.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C.
• In a small bowl, mix together your oil, spices, and salt.
• Place the yuca fries into a medium-sized bowl and drizzle the oil mixture over them. Use your hands to ensure the fries are completely coated.
• Lay the fries out in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the fries for around 15 minutes, tossing the basket frequently to ensure even cooking and a golden colour.
• Once the fries are crispy, sprinkle with additional salt and spices, if desired, and enjoy while warm!

Tips:

• If you are using fresh yuca, you will need to peel it and cut it into fries before boiling.
• Boiling the yuca is important to ensure it is cooked through and to prevent the surfaces from burning.
• Make sure to dry the yuca thoroughly before placing it in the air fryer to ensure it gets crispy.
• You can also bake the fries in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C and bake for 20-25 minutes.

How to store yuca fries

Yuca fries are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, put them in the air fryer for 10 minutes, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze yuca fries. Flash-freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions