Crispy Air Fryer Yuca Fries (Cassava fries)
Crispy Air Fryer Yuca fries (Cassava fries) are a perfect side dish or snack alternative to potato fries. They cook perfectly crispy outside and tender inside with little oil.
Cassava or Yuca is one of the most popular staple foods in many countries, but it is amazingly delicious even without flavoring or seasoning. It also happens to be one of the most potent sources of carbs.
Cassava fries are very popular in Nigeria and Africa, and you will find many African vendors selling these fried cassava fries in the street of Brooklyn.
In today’s recipe, I have prepared Yuca fries or cassava fries in the air fryer. You can cook them to perfection in an air fryer with little oil, following my tips and tricks.
What is Yuca or Cassava?
Yuca or cassava is a starchy root vegetable native to Latin America, Africa, and Caribbean countries. It is a long brown root with snow-white flesh. Raw yuca or cassava has white flesh, but it turns into yellowish flesh with a nutty flavor when boiled.
Cassava or yuca is the main source of carbs in many developing countries. Yuca roots are processed to make tapioca flour, a staple ingredient in gluten-free cooking. Cassava root can be boiled, baked, fried in many recipes like Cassava chips, meshed cassava, yuca con mojo, or added to the stew.
Ingredients used in making Air Fryer Yuca Fries or Cassava Fries
Cassava fries are very adaptable. You can add salt and pepper and air fries them. To make it more flavorful, you can also add seasonings like herbs, garlic powder, paprika, garam masala, and chili flakes.
I have only added salt for this recipe as I like the nutty flavor of yuca or cassava root. Here are the ingredients used in making air fryer yuca fries or cassava fries.
- Yuca or Cassava root
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Water for boiling cassava root
You need a pan to boil cassava and an air fryer. You can make these fries in any model of the air fryer. I have made these fries in a basket air fryer, but you can use a tray modal or Instant pot crisper lid.
How to make Air Fryer Yuca Fries or Cassava Fries?
Peel cassava root with a vegetable peeler or knife.
Cut them length-wise using a sharp knife or potato fry cutter.
Wash cut cassava fingers with water.
Pour enough water into a pan to cover the cassava fingers and add salt.
Boil them for 18-20 minutes.
Once boiled, remove the water completely.
Let it dry for 10 min.
Now rub them with olive oil and back pepper. At this step, add any seasoning you like (garlic powder, chili flake, herbs).
Arrange them in a single layer in an air fryer basket.
Air fry them at 370° F/180°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Once they are air fried, season them with paprika.
Enjoy crispy Air Fryer Yuca fries or Cassava fries with your favorite dipping sauce (tomato sauce, ranch dipping sauce, chili sauce, salsa).
Tips for making Yuca Fries or Cassava Fries in Air Fryer
Cut yuca root into even size to ensure even cooking.
Arrange cut cassava fingers in a single layer in an air fryer for them to crips up. Air fry them in batches if you need more.
Boil them for a minimum of 15 minutes until they are tender but not soggy.
After you remove the water after boiling, let them dry a bit before air frying them.
Season them with spices you like before frying them in the air Fryer.
For deep frying, follow the same recipe. Once fries are boiled, deep fry them and then season them when they are warm.
FAQ
Is Cassava fries Vegan?
Yes, Cassava fries or Yuca fries are vegan. No animal product is used while making them. It is the best alternative to potato fries.
Are Cassava fries gluten-free?
Yes, cassava fries are made only from cassava root and nothing else. Also, the processed product of cassava is tapioca flour, which is a substitute for those on a gluten-free diet.
Are Yuca fries healthy?
Yuca or cassava root is an excellent source of essential nutrients and minerals. And when you air fry them with little oil, it makes them a healthy alternative to deep-fried yuca fries.
Why do you need to boil Cassava before making fries?
Raw cassava contains a toxic chemical known as cyanogenic glycosides. When eaten raw in large quantities, a chemical reaction releases cyanide into your body, which can be dangerous.
So, cassava or yuca roots should be soaked in water, boiled, fried, or baked to remove the toxic chemical before consumption. Even when you buy frozen cassava roots, it is recommended that you boil them in water before cooking.
What do Yuca Fries taste like?
Cassava or yuca fries have a nutty flavor, and they are chewier than potato fries. They are also very starchy.
Can I use Frozen Cassava for making cassava fries?
Yes, you can use frozen cassava to make cassava fries. First, boil frozen cassava fingers for 15 minutes. Drain water and let me dry for a few minutes. Then add seasoning and air fry them.
Can you store leftover cassava fries in the refrigerator?
They taste great when eaten fresh, but store them in a refrigerator if you have leftover cassava fries.
Can you reheat cassava fries in Air Fryer?
Yes, reheat cassava cries in the air fryer at 350°C for 5-7 minutes. It won’t be as crispy as fresh ones but still taste better than microwave cassava fries.
Where can you purchase cassava?
Cassava root is available in the major grocery store around north America. They are also available in the frozen section if you can’t find the fresh cassava root. You can also buy them in African or Asian grocery stores.
Check out other side dish ideas,
Vegan Air Fryer Chickpea Burger
Air Fryer Breaded Mushroom (Vegan, Vegetarian)
10 Minutes Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
Air Fryer Rice Paper Spring Rolls (Vegan, Vegetarian)
Vegan Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings
Crispy Air Fryer Yuca Fries (Cassava fries)
Course: Side dish, SnackCuisine: Caribbean2
servings25
minutes15
minutesCrispy Air Fryer Yuca fries (Cassava fries) are a perfect side dish or snack alternative to potato fries. They cook perfectly crispy outside and tender inside with little oil.
Ingredients
•t1 lb Yuca or cassava
•t½ TSP. Paprika
•t½ TSP. Salt
•t2 TBSP Olive Oil
•tWater for boiling
- Equipment
Air Fryer
Deep pan for boiling yuca
Directions
- Peel cassava root with a vegetable peeler or knife.
- Cut them length-wise using a sharp knife or potato fry cutter.
- Wash cut cassava fingers with water.
- Pour enough water into a pan to cover the cassava fingers and add salt.
- Boil them for 18-20 minutes.
- Once boiled, remove the water completely.
- Let it dry for 10 min.
- Now run them with olive oil. At this step, add any seasoning you like (garlic powder, chili flake, herbs)
- Air fry them at 370° F/180°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Once they are air fried, season them with paprika.
Notes
- Cut yuca root into even size to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange cut cassava fingers in a single layer in an air fryer for them to crips up. Air fry them in batches if you need more.
- Boil them for a minimum of 15 minutes until they are tender but not soggy.
- After you remove the water after boiling, let them dry a bit before air frying them.
- Season them with spices you like before frying them in the air Fryer.
- For deep frying, follow the same recipe. Once fries are boiled, deep fry them and then season them when they are warm.
