Air-Fryer Yuca Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat

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 as a side or enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce. In this article, we will discuss how to make yuca fries in an air fryer.

How to cut yuca for frying

Preparing yuca for frying involves several steps, and it is important to note that yuca is different from yucca, which is a flowering ornamental plant with spiky, pointed leaves. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut yuca for frying:

• Slice the ends of the yuca root: Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the yuca root. This will make it easier to handle and peel.
• Cut the yuca in half: For easier handling and peeling, cut the yuca root in half lengthwise. This will expose more of the surface area, making it easier to work with.
• Peel the skin: Using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the thick, bark-like skin of the yuca root. Make sure to cut away all the skin, as it is not meant to be cooked unpeeled.
• Remove the fibrous core: Yuca has a fibrous and woody core that needs to be removed. Cut out and discard this core to ensure your fries are soft and edible.
• Cut the yuca into uniform pieces: For even cooking, cut the peeled and cored yuca into uniform pieces. You can cut them into thick wedges or French fry-sized sticks, depending on your preference. Thinner pieces will cook faster and result in crispier fries.
• 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 remove some of the starch and improve the texture of the fries.
• Boil the yuca: Place the yuca in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the yuca is fork-tender, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Boiling ensures that the yuca is cooked through and helps create a crispy exterior when fried.
• Drain and cool: Once the yuca is tender, drain the water and let the yuca cool down. You can now cut the yuca into your desired fry shape if you haven't done so already.

By following these steps, you will have properly cut and prepared yuca, ready for frying. Remember to always practice caution when handling sharp knives and hot oil. Enjoy making your delicious yuca fries!

How to boil yuca

Boiling yuca is an essential step in the process of making yuca fries. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, you will need to peel the yuca root. Use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the waxy skin. Then, cut off both ends of the root and slice it in half lengthwise. Next, carefully cut down the length of each half to remove the remaining skin. Once the skin is removed, cut the yuca into uniform pieces that are slightly wider than French fry strips. This will ensure even cooking and a softer texture.

After cutting, place the yuca pieces in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This step helps slow down oxidation and prevent browning. Then, drain the water and add the yuca to a pot of salted boiling water. Cook the yuca for about 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. You can add about a tablespoon of salt to the water to add flavour.

Once the yuca is tender, drain the water and pat the yuca dry with a paper towel. At this point, you can proceed to season and cook the yuca in your air fryer, oven, or deep fryer.

Note: It is important to boil yuca before frying to neutralise naturally occurring cyanide compounds and ensure the yuca is safe to eat. Boiling also gives the yuca a softer texture, which helps achieve better cooking results.

How to season yuca fries

Seasoning yuca fries is a great way to add flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your yuca fries:

Choosing Your Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings to add flavour to your yuca fries. Some popular options include:

• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Chilli powder
• Italian seasoning
• Nutritional yeast
• Dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary or oregano

You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.

Preparing the Yuca

Before adding your seasonings, make sure you have prepared your yuca fries correctly. This includes:

• Peeling the yuca root and cutting it into uniform sticks or wedges.
• Soaking the yuca sticks in cold water for about 5-30 minutes to remove excess toxins and starch, which will result in crispier fries.
• Boiling the yuca sticks in salted water until they are fork-tender.
• Draining the yuca sticks thoroughly and patting them dry before seasoning.

Seasoning and Cooking

Once your yuca sticks are prepared, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can simply toss the yuca sticks in a bowl with your chosen seasonings and oil until they are well coated.

Then, cook your seasoned yuca fries in your air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Your air fryer yuca fries can be served as a snack on their own or as a side dish. They go well with various dips and sauces, such as:

• Cilantro-lime mayo
• Creamy avocado sauce
• Vegan ranch
• Ketchup
• BBQ sauce

They also pair well with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, BBQ dishes, and salads.

How to cook frozen yuca in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen yuca
• Oil (co: 4,5>avocado, olive, or coconut)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, black pepper, Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning, parsley)

Utensils:

• Large pot
• Colander
• Medium-sized bowl
• Air fryer
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Tongs

Method:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Carefully add the frozen yuca to the pan and boil until slightly fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the yuca to remain firm.
• Drain the water and allow the yuca to cool.
• Cut the yuca into your desired shape and size. For fries, cut into thinner strips; for chips, use a mandolin slicer to cut into thin, uniform slices.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C.
• In a bowl, mix the oil, salt, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings.
• Add the yuca to the bowl and use your hands to ensure each piece is completely coated.
• Place the yuca in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For thinner chips, cook at 360°F/182°C for 8 minutes.
• If cooking in batches, repeat the process with the remaining yuca.
• Sprinkle with additional seasoning, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• When coating the yuca, it is best to use your hands to ensure an even coating.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent even cooking and crispiness.
• For easier cleanup, use a liner in the air fryer basket.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer.

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 4 days. To reheat, put them in the air fryer for 10 minutes, or in a frying pan or oven.

If you have a large batch of yuca fries and want to save them for another time, you can freeze them. First, flash-freeze the fries by spreading them on a tray (not touching) and freezing until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions